Rita No. 11

13:55 CST, near Dayton, Texas

Brief update.

My generous host family and I have toured the area a bit today, and the damage seems mostly confined to downed trees, power lines.  Most of the structural damage in the vicinity is either light wind damage, or heavy structure damage due to the unloving kiss of a falling tree.

We're still without power or phone out at the hacienda.  However, a quick trip to a neighbor's working ranch on the other end of town is providing a water refill, a working generator and an open phone line.  So, here's a quick tidbit in the few moments I'll have available to send.

Per the news radio, Galveston Island is open to returnees.  I expect my area does have electricity, so I anticipate no major issues upon returning to the boat.  That said, I'm going to invest one scouting trip South, sans cats or gear, just to ensure that all is well and to properly prepare the boat for reboarding.

You may interpret that as re-rigging the ship's air-conditioner to full operation, ASAP.

While I'm on that scouting trip in a borrowed pickeumup truck, I'll have my car's AC being serviced in the Dayton area.  The return with the cats will not be the hell of the oubound journey. I'm seeing to that.

We're still unsure as to when power will be restored to the Dayton area.  Local relief was giving away food and drinks at a local fast food joint, but we collectively decided to eschew that option, as we're well stocked with foodstuffs.  Water is iffy, but as long as we can get to this working ranch every three days ro so, we'll have an ample (endless) supply of well-drawn water. 

After all, his generator is serviced by a thousand-gallon tank of diesel, with is supplying a large John Deere tractor, the PTO of which is spinning the 54,500 kw  (yes, that's fifty four thousand, five hundred watts) generator.

This morning at the hacienda, I dug a 4'  long, 15" wide and 18" deep military-style slit trench for sanitation purposes.  Much better to hold the bathtub full of water for other purposes than merely flushing a toilet.  Does a bear shit in the woods?  Well, of course, but here's one sailor who also does!

So, it seems I'm working on the preliminary aspects of making a return to Galveston.  But while I'm out in the hills, I'll be helping the owner of this ranch to clean up his spread, de-board his windows and anything else I can do to be of help.  Nothing really can be done at my hosts' hacienda until power returns there, so I'll do what I can through the course of a few trips out here.

On a personal note, I had only the time to merely scan the 100+ e-mails which await my reading in my inbox. 

You all have my most humble, and deeply heartfelt thanks.  Each and every one of you.  For now, I'll continue to give Rivrdog quick cel updates, as my 'net access will be brief moments at best, until services are restored to my hosts abode.

But you do have one promise from me, which I shall keep.

The voyage will continue.

Comments

[Misty]

So, so relieved to hear you're ok honey!

I haven't been near a puter for a few days but I was praying*

Get back to me when you can and give the kitties a cuddle from me x

*and sacrificing the odd lettuce ;)

[D&DS]

As you can see, I have connected as you
suggested. We are happy you are OK and it
indeed seems you have power back home. Pre-
scouting is excellent idea. Will contact when U get back to Galveston. Love, D&DS

[LB]

I forgot you were down in TX, Jim. Be safe.

[MK]

Glad to hear from you and to hear that the New Dawn appears safe and snug. Be careful on your scouting trip..I am glad you are making it sans furry ones! Let us know what we can do to help out!

[Dana]

*sigh of relief*

An answer to prayer, for sure. Now, if the SND has been kept safe...that will be yet another answered prayer. :)

[Tammy]

Keep the updates coming , Good to here everything is fine with u

[Linda]

GLAD you're ok. I was worried because of the traffic. I called Thursday and left you a voice mail. I had to stay at the apartment and rideout the storm. (traffic problems and the job)I'll fill you in when you can call. We did fine and didn't even lose power.
Really glad you and the cats are ok.
Talk to you soon, xoxox