I've known Marcus for a few years. We met on a mailing list, and we finally met in person when he dropped off a kitten [1] on his way from Texas to a wedding in Key West.
Shortly after that, he pretty much dropped out of sight, and while still a member of the mailing list, hasn't said much over the past four years. So it was rather surprising to find the following message from him:
From: "mliviusii" <XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX>
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Subject: [daveworld] Riding Gustav…
Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:08:30 -0000
> Hello folks.
Still alive after all these years. I've been happier about that fact, but so it goes.
I'm in Nawlins, and riding out Gustav. Decided to liveblog it, if anyone is interested.
Not much else to do, really–curfews are going into effect, and the neighborhood is deserted.
Guess I'll practice my hunkering.
http://ridingustav.blogspot.com/ [2]
Marcus
My initial thoughts were Oh my … but Marcus was a Marine in an earlier life, and besides, as he says:
First, I'm prepared. I've got food and water for weeks, batteries, and all the stuff you need.
Second, I'm in a good place, though in a bad location. Well-built multi- story house, cinder block ground level, (for twisters) three stories plus an attic, (for floods). The house took about five feet of water during Katrina. It'd take a 30 ft. flood, minimum, to drown me.
Third, I've ridden out storms before, most notably Allen in '80. I'm former Marine infantry, first aid instructor certified, blah-blah-blah, so I feel as though I can pretty much handle whatever could happen. Only real likely Bad Thing I can forsee getting me would be a tornado with no warning. I feel safer here with my gear as opposed to huddling in a shelter somewhere.
I'd rather be on hand to help with the immediate aftermath if it's bad. Think of me as an unofficial First Responder. Rather be a sheepdog than a sheep.
So, I figured while I'm here, I might as well post an eyewitness account of the festivities. I've got still and video cameras, and will post what I can for as long as the power, and then my UPS, holds out.
“Why Aren't You Gone? [3]”
I'm concerned for him, but I think he'll pull through this okay.
Good luck, Marcus. See you on the other side … and I hope there's a New Orleans [4] left.
[2] http://ridingustav.blogspot.com/
[3] http://ridingustav.blogspot.com/2008/08/why-arent-you-gone.html