Nov. 4th, 2002, 1:53 PM

We're still here! The team has been very busy conducting experiments, exploring the area, and climbing peaks in the area. Yesterday (Sunday, Nov. 3rd) the Team summited Licancabur at 1:30pm (10:30am Pacific Time). The climb took 5.5 hours from mid-camp and because of the wind and cold they were only able to stay up top for a couple of hours. The Team was still able to conduct some science experiments in the crater. We should have new photos along with a complete update from the top of Licancabur posted within the next couple of days.

The area has been very cold, which severely affects the ability to transmit data on our computers and phones. Batteries have a much shorter life and the time they keep a charge is also drastically reduced. Warming the batteries helps, but the climate is so severe, it is not a long term solution. These are our "technical difficulties". Never fear, we are all well, and conducting great science every day.

Keep your questions coming, we will be responding to them very soon! This is indeed an "Extreme Environment", and demonstrates the tenacity and adaptability of all living things.

Please continue to check out the Photo Gallery as images will be added daily.