Posse

I have been really lucky here at the BLR with a great support group. When you first arrive, all "new guests" attend lectures together after every lunch and dinner. You are out in a hiking group all morning and also in a group fitness group all afternoon. When you spend 12 to 15 hours with a core group, you get to know them really well. The photo with 9 was my hiking group my first week and 7 of those became my core group - Allison, Cameron, Charlotte, Darrell, Laura, Nicole, and Vicki (Vicki and Darrell are married).

After the first week, there were 4 of us remaining - Cameron, Darrell (one with mustache), and Vicki. 4 of us became really close.

Darrell and Vicki were suppose to leave after 2 weeks. Vicki did leave, but Darrell extended his stay - originally for a third week and then for a 4th week.

Again, when u spend 12 to 15 hours a day for 4 weeks, you become really close, Cameron, Darrell and I have been together since the very beginning - same hiking group - we hiked at the same pace - we advanced each week together on the hikes. We have been in the same fitness group every week. These guys are great!! So funny, so entertaining!! They made me laugh - they made me laugh at myself! They really help keep me sane here. Working out 6 to 7 hours a day is hard especially when u add in a 1200 calorie diet. Having a core group or a posse is vital!!

I do have other friends here, but not like the two of them - no one to make me laugh the way they did! But I will make it through this last week.

Thank you to Allison, Charlotte, Nicole, Laura, and Vicki, but a big thank you to Cameron and Darrell!! I miss you all!!!