Ron, just had to tell you this, since we have had similar discussion before. You wouldn't believe how many people are lurking out there, scratching their heads big time. They are skeptical, waiting for the bad news to finally hit that GE is a no go. Well, so far, things are just about as planned, and mostly positive. So, the scratching intensifies.
I get phone calls, e-mails, PM's, personal conversations, etc. Basic question/comment always is: Tell me more about x, or y, or z. They have done just enough DD to be very curious, but still puzzled, skeptical, etc. So, they realize things seem to be getting more positive every NR, and they need to get up to speed in one big hurry. They don't want to miss out on the buy of the decade, even though it still is a company like no other they have known.
So, they are out of their comfort zone, big time. I tell them GE is not a sure thing, and they say "I hear you, but...........". And, they don't leave the GE lurker lounge! The reason they don't pack their bags and leave is obvious.
GE is just not like any situation they have ever heard about. So, I really can't blame them for being skeptical. I usually quote them something from Viscarra's 1991 (pre GE) paper, the trial testimony, Freydanck report, etc, just to hit on some DD they usually have never heard or read. Of course, a post by Rod Steel or LotsMoney on RB, back long ago, can be an eye opener. I try to do this just to emphasize that your comfort level with GE, or your lack of it, is largely dependent on what you have read and digested. And, of course, on what you believe and what you disbelieve, or just refuse to believe. I know people who have spent dozens and dozens of hours on DD. Others have spent less than 5 hours.
The Golden Eagle Express is leaving the station. Is the track clear all the way to the Big Producer Station at the end of the line? I really don't know. I do know Terry is hiring more and more experts to clear the track. And his engineers and conductors are superbly trained. Some tell me that they will wait and try to jump on the train when it goes through the Tipuani River Leaf Gold Gorge. I tell them lots of luck to that. The Express may be going slow then, making a jump-on possibly successful. But, if the track has been checked thoroughly, Atwood just may go through there full throttle! Remember, Atwood has a kick butt attitude. Some will be depressed that they just can't jump on, too late. They can run down to the Big Producer Station and buy a ticket to enter. But, that may cost you over $10 for a very scarce ticket, and scalpers may be charging five to ten times that. But, it may be worth it as the Express leaves out for the Eastern Bolivian VMS Station. The cost there to get on could be even higher. The full itinerary hasn't been revealed yet.
Of course, if the train never reaches the Gorge, there will be a huge crowd standing on the mountain by the gorge, telling each other how smart they are.
It all depends on Terry's track cleaners/repairers.
JMO. And, trying to keep things light hearted waiting on more production news.
gerald |
