THE RUSSIAN CAVE

There is a huge cave not far from our FOB. It was used by the Russians during their war here in Afghanistan to hide tanks. Hence, it is called the "Russian Cave." Yes, I know, it would be more accurate to call it the "Soviet Cave" but most people are not as picky as I am about historical facts.

Unfortunately the cave was locked today. Why does a cave need a lock? I don't know, but this thing is truly massive and supposedly goes back quite far into the mountain.

Me in front of the locked cave.

It's interesting to be this close to a piece of history, to imagine the USSR soldiers laboring to construct this tunnel and driving their tanks in and out. I wonder what they thought, what they felt about being here and what ultimately happened to them.

You can almost feel the presence of all the people who have struggled here in the past. It's like they're silently watching you.

The Afghans call these spirits "ghents." They firmly believe that they are all around us.

Sometimes I think they're right.