CompuServe Thread

Doug; He has a very diverse collection. He worked as a geologist in the area for many years. Your right on the location. His community is 170 km west of Magadan. I just returned from that area last week. I was there for three weeks on business and pleasure. Here's his name and address: Vladamir Bukata 5-12 Oktyiabrskay St. Karamken – Magadan Reg Russia 686112 I don't have a phone number for him but can get it if you want. He doesn't speak or read English – Russian only. But there are several people in the area who can translate for him. You may want to initially write and have it translated into Russian before sending or you can send it in English and he'll find someone who can translate it for him. If you are into amateur radio, I have another Russian friend in that area who can be a go between for you. He reads English pretty well and speaks broken English and some Japanese. His name and address is: Nick Osipov Klubnaia 64 P.O. Box 30 Palatka – Magadan Reg Russia 686110 Nick works 40 meters voice and also cw. He normally is on the air around 7-9pm Magadan time. If you contact Nick, tell him George Neitz gave you the information on Vladamir Bukata. I and another friend stayed with the Osipov's while we where there during late May and early June of this year. The interesting thing about that region is that it was closed (even to Russians from other parts of the USSR) to all peoples until peristroika. Don't know if you are aware of the region's history but it was the sight of the gulags of the Stalin era. It is said that over 10 million people were sent there for crimes against the communistic government. People were shipped to Magadan and then moved to various work/prison camps throughout the area. Even now it has been suggested that the area be closed again as there is a great deal of gold smuggling going on from that area (its rich in Gold and Oil reserves). The topography is very interesting – a number of very old volcanic chains are in the area – cinder cones and dormant volcanos dominate the region. Agate is very predominate as well as crystals, geodes, fossils etc. I have seen Mammoth tusks used for sculpture there too! I The people that live in that area are transplants from other parts of Russia having been drawn there by the inticement of higher wages for work in the mining and fishing industries. Since the breakdown of the USSR most of the people are remaining there to try and convert mines and other industries to private-capitalist programs. A very slow process but they are making headway. I was there last fall and have noticed a marked improvement in available goods and jobs between then and now. The problem is cash as the government is poor and hasn't been able to pay its workers (in some instances for the last six months). As one may surmise, the people there have very strong personal constitutions and believe time will exonerate them and provide better living conditions. As it now stands though, its like going back 50 years in our country – heating and cooking with coal, living off the land – vegetable gardens, fish and game, raising there own chickens, goats and cows. Much like our parents did during the depression of the 30's. If you want to contact me by mail or phone, my address is: George Neitz 4916 Trillium Lane Edina, Mn 55435 612-925-3396 We'll be gone for the next two weeks on vacation. Let me know though how you faired in contacting Vladamir. If I can help in any way, please contact me. Spaseba Belshoi (Thanks very much) – George PS Also know of another collector in that area whose collection consists of Butterflies and Insects – its another amazing collection not only of insects and Butterflies indigenious to that region but from around the world. He is also interested in selling and trading. Don't know which forum though I should leave word about him on…