Having returned from my camping with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers up in the Lake Tahoe area, I'm happy to report that I was able to attend the Great Debate on the question: WHERE did Mark Twain camp on the shore of the Lake back in 1861. I'm interested because he dramatically described a fire he started there and I keep thinking there still might be signs that would identify the site. Held outside the museum in Tahoe City, bolstered by a no host bar, the contest began. It was a pleasure to hear the debaters speak to the major points of their views. They each had fifteen minutes to state their case followed by a brief five minutes of questions. Each had their presentation precisely timed. Both also had slides to compliment what they had to say. Neither seriously challenged the other in the time allotted at the end. David Antonucci believes the site was in California and Rob Stewart is confident it is in Nevada. My position is that I think each site should have a sign saying, "Sam Clemens Cove Contender" with a small extra plaque mentioning the other location. The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society, sponsor of the event, invites people to vote on the issue on their site sometime in July. I think a vote is inappropriate. Certainly this hour long presentation, interesting as it was, was not sufficient to fully probe the differences between their views in order to be sure of any answer. There were over forty people in the audience who enjoyed the so-called debate, but I doubt their vote could be considered definitive. The civil exchange was enhanced by the appearance of Sam Clemens who chose not to reveal the truth of it all, as conveyed by mcAvoy Layne, helpful friend of both men. It was a great pleasure to meeting these two fellows in person. My hope is there another opportunity for them to specifically discuss their differences and how they speak to the questions each others positions raise. But, I'll admit, I wouldn't mind both states continuing to state their claims with fervor and without resolution. Based on his love for the lake, I believe Mark Twain would completely support benefiting each state with a tourist destination there. He also would probably be delighted by stirring up controversy. Glad I was there Arianne Laidlaw -- Arianne Laidlaw A '58