Four Months on the Road

Eds Adventures: Sometimes it seems like 4 years as the routine changes little and I have probably traveled close to 6000 miles in the bays and estuaries around the gulf. Most days are about 150 miles in 95 temp and little wind may days. I know all 7 zones pretty well and where the birds are located. We have been getting a lot of dead and still some live birds. A lot of the birds born this year are now flying and getting oiled.

Now that the well is capped BP is trying to pull back in all areas. Many of the boat captains including mine have not been paid in the last 30-40 days and tensions are starting to show. I also have 15 days now with no pay. Not a great situation and still oil and wildlife being affected by the spill.

I am trying to stay for a couple more weeks depending on a couple of job opportunities. I may then head to Indiana for a few weeks to see family. It has been two years now and would love to see friends and family and attend my nieces wedding. I need to get back to a different reality the I have been living these past 10 weeks.
 It is an experience I will never forget. the people and culture are so far removed from my sheltered life all these years. I have made friends with people living in a world none of us have ever experienced, homeless living in tents struggling in every aspect of their lives and yet have a deep inner strength and would do anything for you. It makes me feel so blessed for all I have in my life.

I am a deck hand for Wade Glissnell who has been  a longtime resident of Grand Isle. He knows everyone around the island and always has stories to tell each day. I provide quite a bit of entertainment for him as my knot tying abilities are in question often. I told him he can not fire me because I provide such a good entertainment factor. He laughs in his Cajun accent. Really though he is a great guy and we have a lot of fun with the Wildlife people on the boat. Even a few attractive woman from all over the country. Sure makes for a nicer day in the water. n