Oskar---that is true. I occured to me that ALL possibilites cannot be discounted until we find some positive evidence of the Electra-somewhere. Whether at Nikumaroro, the Gilberts, New Britian, Mili, on the bottom off Howland, or someplace we havent considered, this is still and investigation. So far, IMHO, this is the more promising of the bunch. And----right now its the ONLY one moving forward.
We will all know something positive at the Symposium, and after the expedition gets to Niku. Not to bash anyone else's theories, but I'd personally like tosee the Electra parts found at Niku. Why? Theories make alittle more sense to me. Potential evidence, like the radio tranmissions, and aluminum add to it. The witness evidence of Emily Sukuli is ok, but it sure would have been nice to have her actually SEE nessie, or a wing with a number on it. But, again it narrows the search box.
On a personal comment note if I can: This exercise has been fastinating! I learned about AE and Freds adventure as a YOUNG man after Fred Goerners book and escapades were broadcast. For those of you unaware, that was in the mid 1960's. Fascinated by the 'unsolvable', I completely be accident stumbled on the TIGHAR website while looking for something else. I must say, Ric and CO, have given me a new perspective on things. Also, by and large, the forum members have been able to project comments, theories, rebuttals, unbelievable knowledge, and get along.
Its amazing to me that people from diverse backgrounds, in different countries, that can think for themselves, can become part of this project, and get along. Yeah, I think we all have had our disagreements from time to time. I know I have. But I think you all can agree that we have behaved pretty well. That, my friends, is a credit to each one of us--and I congratualate you. It is truely a pleasure to be a menber of TIGHAR.
Maybe the best part of all of this is that we are a part of history. Members of a group that may potentially solve one of the biggest mysteries of the 20th century. It has gottenr the attention of alot of people, including young people, like my grand kids. We are showing them how to get along, to theorize and investigate, and even conduct some diplomacy. One big lesson learned here is that NOTHING is out of reach, if you stay with it. Even my 85 year old mother asks how things are going. Imagine for a minute being able to sit down with a group of youngsters, and tell them the story, of 2 adventurers that became lost, and how a group of people from different backgrounds, formed a team, searched, and found the necessary evidence to solve the mystery. And YOU were a part of that. To be able to tell them that you know Ric and other members personally, and that you made a contribution is something to take pride in.
I'm proud of every one on this forum.
Tom