resupply was accomplished by pumping water from a surface vessel at the 

 causeway pier, through approximately one-half mile of fire hose, laid 

 along the road, to the tanks. This system worked reasonably well, when 

 the ship appeared and when the fire hose wasn't riddled with punctures 

 from marauding rats who seemed to thrive on the hose material. Although 

 the fresh water supply was supplemented by rain runoff during squalls, 

 salt-water bathing became fairly routine during periods when the tanks 

 were dry. 



Two of the more redeeming aspects of base camp living were the extremely 

 pleasant and personable St, Johnlan cooks and maintenance personnel who 

 staffed the camp, and the camp social center. The social center, named 

 "Hurricane Hole," was a small wooden structure made from packing crates, 

 located behind the vehicle repair area. The walls and ceilings were 

 covered with psychedelic art, done with multicolored phosphorescent 

 paint, which was quite attractive under black light. Packing crate 

 seats and Playboy centerspreads completed the decor. The establishment 

 was "managed" by off duty support personnel. The drink list offered a 

 wide variety of liquor types but you were always served rum, which was 

 very inexpensive in the area. The most popular rum served was, in fact, 

 much less expensive than the brand name mosquito sprays , which were 

 always in short supply. The rum most certainly was not effective as an 

 insecticide but it did make the mosqultos less objectionable. 



Figure 13. Base Camp 

 11-17 



