…at the news that there is another person joining this excursion… and a woman at that!  I’m surprised he didn’t ask whether she was any good at cooking flapjacks and making coffee!  And what a strange question, which leads us to another vocabulary word- Speleologist.  Why wouldn’t he ask something like “What is her area of study / expertise?” At least assuming that, as Gabe’s assistant, she would be immersed in some academic pursuit.  But I suppose Mark doesn’t want to be held back by any rank amateurs, since of course he’s probably “written a few articles” about caving as well… <<snark>>

Well, now are we set up?  Can we get on with this?  Are we there yet??