Tuesday, October 11, 2011

a few pre-storm tidbits


I drove around the village this morning to see how the storm preparations were proceeding -- and in the hopes I could accomplish a few last minute chores.


What I most wanted was a grilled chicken.  Actually, four.  One for me.  One for the tenants upstairs.  And one each for my neighbors next to me and across the street.  I thought we could all do with a bit of animal protein to comfort ourselves.


It was a nice idea.  But it was not to be.  My favorite chicken stand was closed.  As you can see in the photograph at the top of this post.  As were all of the other restaurants around town.  I guess they thought their patrons would be dealing with their own food this afternoon.


If you look at the bicycle in the photograph, you can see that we have been getting a bit of rain.  Enough to saturate the ground. 


In some places, that could be bad.  I drove through one of the poorest areas of Villa Obregon.  The roads there are almost impassable.  Just a little more water will flood those homes.


Even though the restaurants were closed, the pharmacies were open.  So, I stocked up on a month’s worth of blood pressure medicine.


But it is good that I took care of my mobile telephone issues yesterday.  The Telcel shop is closed -- along with its neighbors.




If you need a few food items, our local Kiosko is doubly prepared.  With plywood to protect the windows -- and with an open sign to welcome shoppers.




I mentioned earlier that Melaque is filled with emergency vehicles.  I took this shot of trucks filled with emergency supplies, and a police vehicle and San Patricio’s emergency warning system in the background.




Due to the road construction, there is only one good road left to travel between Villa Obregon and San Patricio.  When I left the house, a tree had fallen across it.  That seemed ironic.  No wind, yet.  But trees are falling.  I assume from too much surface water.


When I returned, this is what I found.  People who make fun of Mexican efficiency need to see more examples like this.  In less than an hour, the tree was cut up, the debris cleared, and traffic was flowing again.  (And, yes, the left side of the photograph is “the good road.”)




When I got up this morning, the water in my inlet was gone.  Someone must have breached the dunes to the ocean.  Or the waves did it.  They have been quite active.


When I went to the beach, I took the photograph below in about the same position as yesterday.  You can see all of the water hyacinth that has washed up on shore.  Otherwise, we just wait for the sea and the wind to sculpt our lives.


25 comments:

tancho said...

Steve, your storm coverage is almost as good as the networks' a few months ago on the EastCoast of the US.
Now all we are going to need is streaming video when the rain goes sideways....
be careful and vigilant.

Babs said...

GET OUT of there!  That is the reason for the closed stores and emergency vehicles.... Oy vey!

mary ham said...

We saw the huge track hoe headed toward the tule late yesterday afternoon and wondered if they were going to open the lagoon and from the looks of the beach, your report and these pictures seemed that's exactly what they did. Thank you very much for the pictures and the comment about the "Mexican effeciency" you are so right about that. Wonderful people.

jennifer rose said...

Remember that boy who was told not to put his tongue on the icy sled runner?

Steve Cotton said...

The Mexican governments have been superb with their planning and execution.

Steve Cotton said...

I hope it has a bit less hysteria.  We have lost power twice now.  I suspect all future reports (video or otherwise) may be delayed.  But we lose power almost every time it rains.

Steve Cotton said...

It is getting dark.  I suspect driving in the dark in Mexico is more dangerous than most storms.

Steve Cotton said...

Yeth.  The thkin came off and he talkth funny.

tancho said...

Maybe they can teach FEMA a few tips.....

Wyntopia said...

Can you please try to keep your rains on the coast?  It's been a rainy week here in the GTO highlands.  Kidding, as you know rains are always welcomed here & walls can wait. Best of luck to you and your vecinos.     Paz!

Steve Cotton said...

Like how not to waste tax money?

Steve Cotton said...

You may catch a bit of the rain we are getting right now.

Tafreeburn said...

i hope and pray the storm will lose some of its force and that there won't be any major damage or loss of life. i know only too well the power of a hurricane, having lived through a few myself.

too bad about the chicken place being closed but that was very thoughtful of you. my mouth is watering just thinking about them. there is a brazilian place here that charges around $18.00 for the same type chicken, no thanks, i'll cook my own. 

take care and God bless.

Steve Cotton said...

I just took a walk to the beach while there was a bit of light.  Lots of waves and noise, but the tide seems to be about usual.  As for rain, we already have lots.

Rick said...

Storm tack looking much better right now at 0300 zulu but making a B-line for PV   
It's bloody mary time!

Rick

NWexican said...

Knock, knock, knock - tap, tap, tap........ HELLO?? Are you okay?? Steve?? UPDATE!!!!

wiley stagg said...

From what I have read he is probably upstairs out of the water, with no power, or phone.

Croft Randle said...

Keep up the storm coverage Steve. I am following.... Stay safe and keep dry!

Steve Cotton said...

I had lots of company. It appears that none of my neighbors left. And we are all A-OK. Now, we just need to deal with the rain. And it continues to fall.

Steve Cotton said...

You are correct -- as far as the power goes. But I am now back. A post will follow soon -- when I can get my laptop to recognize my SD card.

Steve Cotton said...

It was a slightly windy night -- and a very wet morning.

Steve Cotton said...

I will add a post in a bit.

Steve Cotton said...

The dry part is the biggest challenge right now.

Kate Waldo said...

A big "whew!" from Oregon that you're okay.  Looking forward to your next post.  Take care.

Steve Cotton said...

And a big thank you for your concern.