Linden's 3rd Trip Report

October 28, 2012 - We drove to Sugarland, TX. (a suburb of Houston) and had a nice visit with Beryls sister-in-law. The temperature is in the sixties here. A nice change from the last few days of 30 degree weather in Missouri.
   Today is Sunday and here in Houston, TX we saw convoys of utility trucks headed east- bound. These men will be traveling for days in uncomfortable trucks to help restore power to the east coast after Sandy does her dirty work. The sad thing is that in less time than it takes for these men to arrive and help we will hear people complaining that their power has been off too long. That's American gratitude.
I have always expected neighboring states to help in the time of need. When we went to Florida to help my brother clean up after several hurricanes hit his area. I was surprised to see a crew from Toronto, Canada, in his neighborhood working to restore power. Canada is a good neighbor.

October 29th - As we were leaving Houston we stopped to get propane at $2.65 a gallon. In Corpus Christi we bought gas at Sams Club for $2.169.
    Arriving at Padre Island National Seashore was almost like arriving home. The lady at the main gate said she heard that we were coming and was glad to see us. The head Ranger who just happened to be at the gate and another Ranger also greeted us. As we traveled into the park we met more friends. From office staff, maintenance people, campers from past years, other volunteers, and Rangers. All claiming to be happy to see us back.
    Took Beryl to dinner for her birthday at her favorite Mexican restaurant. A volunteer couple that we met years ago went with us. We had a nice evening. Tomorrow we start work.

October 31st - We've been here a few days and the temperatures have been in the high 70s and low 80s in the day time and in the high 60s to low 70s at night. The wind is ever present.
    The road into the park has been repaved as has been the campground. New concrete picnic tables are being installed. Except for a few other improvements nothing else has changed. We start work on November 1st. We move into the campground host spot today. I already have my fishing license and some bait so I'm ready to go.

November 3rd - Went fishing and caught enough whiting for a couple of meals. Ate some that night. Can't beat fresh fish for supper.
    In the evening we were treated to an awesome light show. We never saw lightning in such rapid and continuous flashes which kept the sky lit continuously. What a show.

Walt Beryl Linden wlinden@juno.com