Hello again from Afghanistan

It has been a while since I have seen even a resemblance of civilization. We arrived at our mission location on the 26th of last month and basically have been there since. I just came back to a somewhat "modern" facility to pick up some equipment and am heading back. Just so you have an idea of what life is like where I am currently assigned. Of course, I can not divulge the location due to the nature of the web, but I will fill you in on the conditions around there.

Currently we have no running water, thus no showers. I have not showered since the last time I posted. In fact, I am postponing my shower till later tonight so as to not have to rush. I plan on taking the LONGEST shower of my life. Maybe even run this post out of water. LOL OK any way, we also have no electricity were we are. We go down the hill to a camp to recharge the phone batteries every few days and return. Well actually, we take turns going to the camp to do that. And since there is no water and electricity, it would stand to reason that there are no facilities. That means that we "do our business" on the ground. Thus there is a designated area that we all go to. We would dig a hole to do it in, but, the ground is all rocks and thus that is not practical.

The only saving grace we have is the modern day invention of the "Baby Wipes." We go through a lot of baby wipes keeping our selves clean. I have discovered that I have a great First Seargent and Commander. As soon as we told them where this unit put us, and the living conditions under which we were placed. The first thing they did was get us a case of baby wipes and some goody bags with some chocolates and other candies. Also, some of my friends back home, with whom I have been in contact via the Satellite phone, have sent me some things and that will help mitigate some of the conditions out here. So thank you.

Well now that we have covered the Hygiene situation, lets cover the Nutrition up here. We eat MRE's. For those of you who do not know what those are. It stands for Meals Ready to Eat. They are prepackaged meals that can be stored for several years, even decades and are not what one would call Gourmet. I am pretty sure that the ACLU would sue any state that forced this upon any prison facility.

And then there is the actual area that we work. There are no roads leading to it. Thus we have to walk. Sounds easy enough. However, is anything, ever as easy as it sounds. NOPE. We are on the TOP of a rather high mountain. getting there takes a heck of a hike. It would not be a big deal if we did not have to carry over 150 pounds of crap each, plus the body armor plus the water plus the food and the cots and, and, and, and. I can only say that I do not know how I made it up. Even our "mule," lovingly stated. He is the biggest guy on my team and they gave him to me because he could carry a semi if he could get his arms around it. Even he had a difficult time getting up this hill. I can only say that I am happy that I am in somewhat good shape and did not have a heart attack. Once we are done with the mission and the place is no longer going to be used, I will try to post some pictures from up there so you can get an idea of the kind of Mountain we had to climb.

Any way, I am getting booted off the computer because my 30 Minutes are up. I guess I will try to get back here soon. Hope you all have a great day. Do not take for granted all that you have at your finger tips day to day.