Get an atlas to follow better. I hope this gets done.
Took the usual day trip to South Louisiana Friday.
I go from Houston to Winnie, cut SE to Pt Arthur and ito Louisiana by way of LA 82 too Abbeville.
There are some signs of damage in Pt Arthur after 5 months since Rita made its way thru this part of the world. Roofs need repairing, homes damaged, commercial damage but it is small in comparison to to what I will tell.
As I crossed the big bridge over the Ship channel at Pt Arthur I was plesantly surprised to see little damage along the channel. Seems that a lot has been repaired.
We are still in texas and it is about 10 miles from here to Johnsons Bayou, the Louisiana border, it is a place not a town. As I drive along the highway there is evidence of some damage to the small industrial outfits, repaires still in progress but operations seem faily normal. The houses along the way seem relatively unaffected. Most of this construction is fairly new and seemed to have been built to tough standards. They are well above the ground on pilings. There are some new roofs and other signs of damage.
From Johnsons Bayou to Holly Beach is about 25 miles. There are no structures or businesses along this area. Low salt grass marshes and flats about 3 feet above sea level. You can tell there was high water as the marsh grass is laid over.
Holly beach WAS a small community of camps and weekend house numbering around 500 and some commercial business, mom and pop stuff, a couple of bars. There is nothing now, not a home or business, most of the pilings are washed away. It is amazing how clean the spot is.
There are two very large barges on shore about 500 yards from the shore and just outside the road ROW, these are the large tpes that are gulf stable, There is a very large Gulf bouy which was previously located in position 50 miles in the gulf, it is near the barges.
As we make our way east we are headed towards Cameron, La about 10 miles away. This area is the same as the previous, low marsh and saltwater flats until we come to the Lake Charles ship channel. This waterway borders Cameron and we have need of a ferry to cross over.
There are some industrial businesses on this side of the channel, they service the offshore industry, which is the largest employer in the area. Thes have suffered massive damage. Metal buildings have been damaged but they seem to be making repairs and are operating in some capacity.
There are 4/5 large commercial gulf shrimpers that were deposited 50/100 yards inland of the channel by Rita.
The ferry landing shows damage but is operating as we cross over too Cameron. Cameron is a moonscape. Previously 1000 people and a number of commecial boats and shrimpers, scools, a hospital, banks, fire station. The only thing left is the Parish courthouse. It was constructed of Concrete. All else is gone, the bank vault stands in the location of where the bank was. The scools are skeltons as well as the hospital. Houses are non existant, nothing is left but bones and debris. the large oaks are still standing, thogh scarred.
From here to Forked Island is 86 miles, including a 12 mile detour around a damaged bridge, there is nothing left. All the homes are damaged and unliveable if they still are standing. Supply business' for the offshore industry are gone,
These folks are coming back though. The raods survived well and they have rebuilt the electrical infastructure. Folks are clearing and cleaning up, there is evidence of rebuilding. It will take awhile.
the damages stop 8 miles from Abbeville.
There are many more stories.
pray for these folks.
Blessings
