The 16 contestants have arrived on the island. No one knows who will be the first to go, but earlier details have shown that Dr. Regis Blackgaard seems to have appointed himself leader of the Tala Neki Tribe. In an interview the Times did with Dr. Blackgaard, he has stated "I will do whatever it takes to get my hands on the prize. If anyone wants to get in my way, they will find themselves sorry they were ever born." When approached about his feelings towards Dr. Blackgaard, Whit explained that "Regis has proven himself difficult to work with. But I believe that he will eventually come around and discover he must rely on others if he wants to survive on this island. The key is by cooperating with the rest of his tribemates and by helping out around the camp."

Meanwhile, the Yumnuska Tribe is struggling to set up camp. George Barclay and Jack Allen appear to be the only two people contributing any work around the site. However, Eugene has stated he will assist them once he has finished "adjusting the harmonic tune" of his Ukulele, the only item he was allowed to bring from his dorm room in Odyssey. Bernard has spent most of the day searching for an outhouse and Bart Rathbone is complaining that he hasn't eaten since they left Odyssey. These early signs of trouble may get even worse as the two tribes will be forced to pit their skills against each other in a confrontation tomorrow, where the losing tribe will be forced to go to "Dern's Council" where one of them will be sent packing.


The castaway's first night on the island was a restless one, as neither tribe completed their housing quarters and were forced to sleep in the great outdoors. But this was not the only reason they were restless; the two tribes knew they would be facing off against each other, where the losers would be forced to have one of their own eliminated by the fans. At around noon, the two teams made their way to 'Beleze Beach', where their host Bryan Dern was waiting to introduce them to their first competition.

After a poking fun at the fact the castaways slept in the dirt while he was sleeping in a cabin, Dern explained the rules of the game. The object of the challenge was to beat the other team in an obstacle course race. Each team choose 4 members to represent them in the relay-like competition. Jason, Rodney, Joanne and Regis were chosen from Tala Neki and Eugene, Connie, Katrina and George were selected from the Yumnuska tribe.

When asked how the two teams decided on who to select, both teams replied that their strength in this competition would rely on youth, endurance, and athletic ability. Dern was noted as saying "It's a wonder they didn't choose that fat little guy over there", pointing to Shakespeare who was busy wiping sand off his glasses.

The course was simple in design; a long narrow path with various obstacles blocking the way of the contestants. The 4 competitors, separated by a few hundred feet, stood waiting for the person behind them to tag their hand so they could continue the race. Joanne and Katrina would start the race for their respective teams.

After Dern blew his makeshift whistle, Joanne and Katrina bolted from the starting line and made their way towards the next person in line. Climbing over fallen trees, broken branches, and overturned carts, Joanne was able to take the early lead and tag Rodney's hand. But Katrina was not far behind and quickly got a hold of Eugene who ran as fast as he could to catch up to Rodney. A large climbing wall stood in their path, that they would be forced to lift themselves over. Rodney was the first to reach the wall, but after having trouble gaining some leverage on the rocks, Eugene quickly got the advantage. Nearly falling off the top of the wall, he crawled towards Connie who stood cheering him on. Gasping for air, he reached up to tag her hand and then collapsed on the ground. Rodney (who nearly tripped over Eugene's body), finally reached Jason, who didn't waste any time in heading after Connie. Both were running neck and neck as the only obstacles in their path were a set of tree stumps that they leapt over with the greatest of ease. At almost exactly the same time, George and Regis received their tags and began the final sprint down to the finish line. George began to pull ahead, the faces of his fellow tribemates cheering him on. But then as fate would have it, he stumbled and fell face first into the sand. Regis who was closing in on George began to slow down. He looked back at George, who was getting back up, and for an instant it appeared as they he was going to offer him a hand. But then Regis looked back towards the finish line, and realized he was almost there. A few seconds later, Tala Neki was celebrating their victory and offering their condolences to the other team.


"That George fella lost the race for all of us!" Bart Rathbone told reporters after the race, "If it wasn't for him, we'd be headin' back to camp celebratin', now wheeze gotta head up to 'Dern's Council' in a few days and have one of us here guys kicked off the team! It isn't fair I tell ya, it's all that George's fault."

Whether or not the blame should be placed on George Barclay, Yumnuska lost the challenge and will be visiting "Dern's Council" in the coming days. It is up to the fans to vote one of the members off the tribe. Will it be George, who stumbled and fell? Katrina for losing the intial lead? Bart for his comments after the race? Or will it be someone unexpected, someone who had no part in the race at all? That question will be answered later in the week.


The second night on the island was much better for both tribes. Whit, Tom and (surprisingly) Regis Blackgaard were able to complete the camp for Tala Neki, while Jack, Eugene, and Bernard were able to finish up the huts for their team.

Tala Neki

"I've seen some drastic improvements in the way he acts around the other members", Whit stated, referring to Dr. Regis Blackgaard, "He's acting as though he wants to help around the camp... he wants to improve everyone else's living conditions. In all my years, I've never seen Dr. Blackgaard act in such a kind, caring manner."

"I've noticed a change too", Jason Whittaker responded after putting down a coconut he had made into a bowl, "I've had my differences with him, but after we won the tribal battle yesterday he seemed like a part of the group. Just another one of the guys. It's really nice to see."

Rodney Rathbone doesn't share the same enthusiasm as his other tribemates do about Blackgaard's sudden change. "When I found out he was in the same tribe as me, I thought it was gonna be really cool. But now he's changed his whole attitude about things and it makes me wanna throw up! Say, why don't you get outta here and let me get some sleep."

Overall, the camp seems to be off to a good start. They don't have to worry about losing another member anytime soon... unlike their rivals, The Yumnuska.

Yumnuska

George Barclay spent most of the day alone, praying in the woods. "I just want to take in the fresh air while I'm here. I feel bad about losing the competition for everyone else, as though I let them down. I'm not certain if the fans will vote against me, but I hope I can last a few more weeks."

"It's not like he lost the race on purpose", Connie said in an attempt to make him feel better, "He just had a bad fall, no one is to blame."

The rest of the camp feels basically the same way Connie does, with the exception of Bart Rathbone who has tried to convince everyone that George Barclay is a "determent to society." When Katrina tried to correct Bart's use of the English language, Bart had a fit and walked out of the camp. As of writing, Bart is spending his time playing Solitaire with the pack of cards he brought from home... good thing, otherwise Bart would have to join Eugene Meltsner and Bernard Walton in a game of 20 questions, something Bernard doesn't seem to happy about. Check back Wednesday, when Yumnuska heads to "Dern's Council".


The 8 castaways set anxiously around the campfire as "Cryin" Bryan Dern slowly tallied up the votes. "I sure hope it's not me going home tonight", Bernard Walton said under his breath, "Then again, a few more hours with Eugene's Ukulele may make me change my mind."

Bryan Dern began heading back to the group, a sly grin on his face as he looked into the eyes of the rest of the contestants. "I bet you're all happy to know that I have finished counting the votes, and I believe we have a winner... or I guess I should l say 'loser' in this case!"

"Mr. Dern", Eugene said, as everyone's focus shifted to him, "Would it not be prudent of you to handle this situation in say, a more delicate manor? Perhaps give us some time to reflect on this evening, before we must bid farewell to one of our friends?"

Sounds of agreement from the rest of the castaways supported Eugene's statement.

"Like what?", Dern responded, a slight chuckle in his voice, "Do ya'll wanna sit around... and pray?"

Another sudden murmur of enthusiasm changed Dern's expression.

"Oh brother. Hurry up and get it over with, we don't got all day."

"Dear Lord", Jack began, as he closed his eyes, "Thank you for all you have given us. Thank you for providing us with the strength and love that has gotten us through each day. Please continue to watch over us, and help us in our times of need. And please help whomever among us has been selected to leave the island, as they need your love most of all. In Jesus' name, Amen."

"Is that it?" Dern said, attention once again switching to him "Or should I wait for you all to kiss and hold hands?"

"That's it Mr. Dern", Jack Allen replied.

"Great, I'm glad you're all happy", Dern said sarcastically, "But, now it's the time you've all been waiting for. Drum roll please-"

"What drums?" Connie blurted out, killing the drama.

"The figurative drums Miss Kendall", Eugene whispered into her ear, obviously anxious to find out who was being sent home.

"There's no point in prolonging this any further", Dern continued, ignoring Connie and Eugene, "Bart Rathbone-"

"Oh great", Bart Rathbone said, as he stood up from his stump, "Me and my big mouth, why can't I keep it shut! Now I've gotta go home... in the dark. I don't know where's to go! I'm gonna get lost in the woods! I'm gonna sue Odyssey 105 for bringing me to this here island, you hear that Dern!?"

"Bart, you didn't let me finish", Dern responded, "I was about to say: Bart Rathbone... You'll be happy to know that in the final minutes of voting, you pulled into second and that George Barclay is being sent back to Pokenberry Falls!"

I knew that, I knew that!", Bart said, feeling rather embarrassed. "I was just playing with you guys."

Apparently, no one was listening to Bart's banter as everyone had turned their attention to George Barclay who was tearfully saying good-bye to the rest of the tribe.

"I'll miss you guys. It's been a fun five days, but I guess it's my time."

"We'll be praying for you", Jack said, shaking the hand of George, "I'm sure we'll all be praying for you tonight, so be careful."

George began to walk away and ever so slowly, he disappeared into the distance... and thus 16 castaways had now been whittled down to 15, and the first "Dern's Council" came to a close.


Yesterday the Yumnuska tribe lost George Barclay, one of their harder working members. Today, after feelings had been allowed to sink in, reporters visited the island to find out some of the reactions from the rest of the castaways. Below are some of the more memorable ones:

"It's too bad the fans decided to vote for Mr. Barclay. I mean, I liked him... everyone liked him. He was a hard worker and if it wasn't for his leadership, we'd still be sleeping on rocks. I don't like this part of the game.... It's hard to lose your friends, I like them all sooo much!"
- Connie Kendall, Yumnuska

"I didn't get to know Mr. Barclay all that well, although from what I gathered, he seemed like an honest gentlemen and was very likable. I wish him well in any future endeavors, and hope that we will be able to survive without him."
- Walter Shakespeare, Yumnuska

"That Barclay fella' got what he deserved. He got us into this mess, and it's only fair that he's the one that had ta' go. Besides, what's a Pastor doing on a gameshow anyway? Sounds like he's abandoning his parish if you ask me. Anyhow, I gotta go see if wheeze got any food left... I'm starvin'!"
- Bart Rathbone, Yumnuska

"You mean George Barclay is no longer on the island? That can only mean one thing... well possibly more than one, but that would open up too many possibilities and I'm not prepared to handle more then one case at a time! Ah, now where was I? Oh yeah... George Barclay is obviously lost at sea! What more evidence do you need? Send out a search and rescue team! Better yet, I'll go get my detective's kit and begin to examine the clues! Oh wait, I didn't bring my detective kit to the island... now what am I gonna do?... Um, ah, (begins to yell out to the sea) Don't worry George, we're coming for ya!
- Harlow Doyle, Tala Neki

"It's too bad about George, but I reckon people had their reasons. It's not his fault that Yumnuska lost the challenge yesterday, it was nobody's fault. But George is a strong man, and I know the Lord's with him. I just hope he'll remember that."
- Tom Riley, Tala Neki

Tomorrow the two tribes will yet again be forced to compete against each other in the tribal battle. Check back here for more details.


When the two tribes arrived on the island, they were both given a two month supply of rice and a one month supply of biscuits. Both tribes have been trying their hardest to make both last as long as possible, and they seem to be succeeding. Unfortunately, they haven't found it very appealing to eat the same thing over and over... so the tribes have begun their search for alternative snacking.

"As it stands now, Tom, Dad, and I go fishing every morning", Jason Whittaker said, wrapping himself in a blanket by the fire. "We've caught four fish since we've arrived and it sure beats eating rice and biscuits. It still isn't a whole lot to feed eight hungry people, but we're thankful nonetheless."

"It's been seven long days here on the island, and it's beginning to show", Jack Allen stated as he observed his fellow castaways. "We're all very tired and hungry, but since we've been rationing our food supplies from the very beginning, we look to be in pretty good shape for the coming weeks. Eugene's tried his hand at fishing, but no luck. However, he seems to know what he's doing, and I pray he'll catch something soon. I'm getting a little sick of the same old meal every night."

Due to the castaway's outcry for more food, the winning tribe in the Tribal Battle would be sent home not only with immunity from the vote, but also with baskets of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. What kind of challenge were the two tribes faced with? A game of endurance.

As usual, Cryin' Bryan Dern introduced the game to the two teams. The object was to run through the forest and find the specially marked trees with each of the team's colors. Everyone was required to find a different tree, take the ribbon pinned to it and return to the beach. The team that brought the most ribbons back in the given time limit, would win the Tribal Battle. Due to the fact Yumnuska was missing a member, Tala Neki was forced to have one of their own sit out. Not surprisingly, Regis Blackgaard was voted to sit out by his fellow castaways, as he was seen "deserving of a break" for winning the previous challenge for his team. Dern granted the request to let Dr. Blackgaard return to camp, since he was not needed at that point anyway.

After the rules had been laid down, each castaway was assigned a different position to start in the forest. Then Dern blew his whistle and they all scrambled to find their respective trees. It proved to be quite a task, as the specially marked trees lay further into the forest then anyone would have expected. To ensure no one was cheating, Dern tried to keep up with the rest of them... but only ended up proving he wasn't the most fit individual on that island. Bernard Walton was the first to find his tree and, after pocketing the ribbon that was pinned to it, started making his way back to the beach. Rodney Rathbone wasn't far behind however, and chased after Bernard in the woods. Those two were soon followed by Katrina, Jason, and Eugene who were then followed by Doris, Harlow and Walter. Gradually as time went on, the rest of the castaways made their way to the beach. Whit, Tom and Jack were the only remaining few, but due to a slight lead, the two Tala Neki tribe members were in the clear. Suddenly a loud shout came from the jungle that startled both Whit and Tom, someone was hurt... and it sounded like Jack! The two ran back to where they believed the sound originated from. Jack was on the ground, obviously in pain. "My leg, oh my leg", he cried, "This (groan) log came out of nowhere and I fell over it, (groan) I twisted my leg up pretty bad!" Whit quickly signaled Tom to run and get some help, while he would attend to Jack.

Meanwhile, the seconds were ticking down on the beach. "Looks like we've got fourteen of you Yumnuska people out here, and only thirteen of you Tala Neki fella's." Bryan Dern looked at his watch, "Wouldn't you know, times up! Looks like Yumnuska will get the fruit basket... and Tala Neki will be heading up to my council in the coming days. Now where are those old timers?"

Suddenly, Tom came running out of the forest yelling for help. The startled contestants rushed over to Tom, where in between breaths he was able to tell them about Jack. Dern radioed in to the medical center that someone was hurt, and a few hours later Jack was resting in a hospital a few miles east of the island. What will happen with Jack? Stay tuned to find out.

In the meantime, it's time for you to vote! Since Tala Neki lost this week's challenge, one of them will face being sent home. Who will it be? Find out on Day 10, of AIO Surivor!