An update from the Pacific Northwest.
I received our camera 7 and actually took two photos - a sort of yin and yang - the same subject but at different times, in different light, and from different sides. I won't spoil the surprise, but will say that it is extremely unlikely that I inadvertently duplicated the subject of the photo taken by thebanana.
Next, I liberated from my stash an unused and neglected padded lens pouch which seemed ideal for protecting the camera in it's travels. That, in combination with the bubble wrap and plastic bag that the camera came in fit just nicely in one of those brilliant concoctions advertised so heavily by the US postal service - a Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box.
Then (wait for it!) ... I exported the camera to a foreign country!!
Actually, my wife and I drove down to the Seattle area for the day. On the way, we stopped in at the post office
in the town where Lisa lives and submitted the camera to the tender care of the US Postal Service. The staff there think that our travelling camera idea is great fun, and predicted that for the very reasonable fee of $5.65 (including tracking) we can be reasonably confident that Lisa will have camera 7 in her hands
tomorrow, October 1st.
As I understand it, the box can be re-used, so I would recommend that to the rest of you in our group. If it gets worn, the Post Office will give you another such box, for free.
Hope everyone is having as much fun as I am
.