Season 18 begins with our next group of 16 Americans meeting Jeff Probst
in the middle of Brazil's Tocantins highlands.  They are first divided into
two tribes, Jalapao and Timbira.  Jeff then tells them that each tribe will
vote immediately to remove one player "from the adventure".  MAN!!!  They
have only been together for 5 minutes!  First impressions count and each
tribe boots off whom they think are their weakest players.  Sierra from
Timbira and Sandy from Jalapao.  Sierra has been sick with a fever of 102
and Sandy suffers from the 'Mrs. Howell Effect', I.e. is the oldest woman.

But, all is not lost!  Turns out that Jeff was teasing with them.  The booted
are not out of The Game!  They will not participate "in the adventure" of
each tribe trekking some four hours to their camp sites.  Instead, they get
to ride in style, flown to their caps by helicopter.  NICE!

The heat and terrain take a toll on both tribes.  At Timbira, "Coach" quickly
sizes up the rest of his tribe and makes an early alliance with Brendan,
who seems rather fit.  Jerry, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, hides his career
from the others, not wanting to draw attention to himself.

Sandy is dropped off first by helicopter to Jalapao's camp site.  There, she
finds plenty of building supplies and goodies, plus a note with a clue to
locate a hidden immunity idol.  She decides to search for the idol.  Sierra
also finds the same at Timbira's camp.  But she opts to start working on
a shelter instead, hoping to impress her ungrateful tribe.  When they do
arrive, they are impressed, but the die is cast should they face Tribal Council.

Day 2 and Camp Jalapao takes shape.  Carolina is a bossy gal and starts
to get on everyone's nerves right away.  Sandy searches for more clues but
is lost, not knowing what a "pace" is.  LOL!  At Timbira, Tyson, who is a
Mormon, tries to score points by going naked.  Oh Boy!

Day 3 and it's time for the Immunity Challenge.  Six from each tribe will race
to fetch puzzle planks.  Once all are gathered, the remaining two players
will build a staircase.  When all members from a tribe have scaled the plat-
form, they will work a maze to release a banner.  In addition to immunity,
the winning tribe also gets flint for making fire.

The contest seems pretty even.  Both tribes are neck and neck as they
fetch the planks and work on the stairs up the platform.  Then each tribe
tries to solve the maze to release their banners.  Timbira wins!

Back at camp, the Jalapao Tribe go into politic-mode.  Carolina gets some
friendly advice to not be so bossy.  Others discuss how annoying she is
and that Sandy seems to be a strong competitor.  Carolina talks with Sandy,
telling her she's sorry she voted for her earlier due to her age only.

At Tribal Council, Jeff asks Sandy about becoming an outcast after only
five minutes.  She knows she's a bit flaky but claims that she did try to
get things started at camp for her tribe mates.  They agree, but mention
that she was largely absent much of the second day.  Carolina sticks with
her decision to boot Sandy due to her age.  Sandy thinks her age makes
her the tribe's mom!  Carolina admits that she does talk too much.  It's
time to vote. 

Carolina votes to boot Sandy.  The rest give Miss Bossy Bartender the
boot!  Jeff seems pleased that they are forgiving, and skilled at the art
of the blind-side.  LOL!

SPOILERS:  It's raining cats and dogs during some sort of water-polo
challenge.  Much hangs on a single throw of the ball.