Good report. It's frustrating to see natural resources like there are in Boca Chica destroyed in the name of a vague and inchoate plan. Everyone else has to justify their actions as rational, useful, and non-harmful. But not Musk. Not anyone with more money than sense who hides behind "the market" is granted an exemption. How many of our tax dollars are being repurposed from the public good to the waste of unconstrained hubris in Texas? A lot. And Republican politicians are proud of that.
Austin, my old home. Thanks for the report on it too. I am one of those who mourns the Austin of the past, specifically, the 1970's. It always seems to be the case that people are attracted to the natural beauty of a place. Then, they are appalled to learn the roads are windy, the weather is hot, the bugs chew you up and there aren't any of the city comforts they were used to. Then, they bulldoze five hundred year old live oaks, build undifferentiated homes on a grid and name the streets after the trees, history and people they displaced.
This might be the most dystopian work of yours that I've read. And, yes, I have read your fiction. I can only hope that someday this entire area will be preserved as a national park, where people come to visit the ruins of a great threat to humanity that was defeated before it could do maximum harm.
A terrifying report and photo evidence of what our coastal shores (and maybe all of our lands) are becoming. Escaping to Mars is a fantasy and a scam.
To control the yaw and directional stability of your packraft, you might try dropping a small (bandana-size) sea anchor lashed to a stern line. The line should be at least as long as the raft. A floating line is best for shallow waters. A bit of forward way is needed to allow the anchor's drag to do its thing. Of course, every individual watercraft has its own peculiarities in response to wind and current, so you may be cursing me for suggesting this tip on your next rafting adventure.
Arrrrggghhh. I’m from Corpus and your post once again makes me so grateful that at least PINS is protected from this needless nightmare, at least for now. It’s hard to wrap my head around the dissonance of SpaceX plopped down in Boca Chica, and it makes my heart hurt.
I met the woman who humanely relocates rattlesnakes from SpaceX - talk about a strange new job.
And yes Port A should be avoided in summer, but is still fairly charming in the off season. The tribal flags have become less common, interestingly.
The Border Patrol agent explained that DOD has exerted jurisdiction in the event the river and borderzone need to be converted to military uses—technically deeming it a National Security Area: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Area?wprov=sfti1#
Good report. It's frustrating to see natural resources like there are in Boca Chica destroyed in the name of a vague and inchoate plan. Everyone else has to justify their actions as rational, useful, and non-harmful. But not Musk. Not anyone with more money than sense who hides behind "the market" is granted an exemption. How many of our tax dollars are being repurposed from the public good to the waste of unconstrained hubris in Texas? A lot. And Republican politicians are proud of that.
Austin, my old home. Thanks for the report on it too. I am one of those who mourns the Austin of the past, specifically, the 1970's. It always seems to be the case that people are attracted to the natural beauty of a place. Then, they are appalled to learn the roads are windy, the weather is hot, the bugs chew you up and there aren't any of the city comforts they were used to. Then, they bulldoze five hundred year old live oaks, build undifferentiated homes on a grid and name the streets after the trees, history and people they displaced.
Love the photos. Memories of mid-20th century sci-fi paperback novel cover art.
Thanks, Rob! Delighted to hear you pick up that vibe from the photos 🚀
This might be the most dystopian work of yours that I've read. And, yes, I have read your fiction. I can only hope that someday this entire area will be preserved as a national park, where people come to visit the ruins of a great threat to humanity that was defeated before it could do maximum harm.
Wow—thanks so much, Steve. I hope for the same 🙏
Great, if dark, report! Has anyone got the number handy for those billboard lawyers? We need to find out if they cover the moon...
Dystopia, TX.
The Monks (most famous for their song "Drugs In My Pocket") also had a song about one particular piece of space junk, although the lyrics are somewhat less profound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y7Ci-_SGS8&list=RD-Y7Ci-_SGS8&start_radio=1
A terrifying report and photo evidence of what our coastal shores (and maybe all of our lands) are becoming. Escaping to Mars is a fantasy and a scam.
To control the yaw and directional stability of your packraft, you might try dropping a small (bandana-size) sea anchor lashed to a stern line. The line should be at least as long as the raft. A floating line is best for shallow waters. A bit of forward way is needed to allow the anchor's drag to do its thing. Of course, every individual watercraft has its own peculiarities in response to wind and current, so you may be cursing me for suggesting this tip on your next rafting adventure.
This is a great tip, and much appreciated—going to try that out.
Arrrrggghhh. I’m from Corpus and your post once again makes me so grateful that at least PINS is protected from this needless nightmare, at least for now. It’s hard to wrap my head around the dissonance of SpaceX plopped down in Boca Chica, and it makes my heart hurt.
I met the woman who humanely relocates rattlesnakes from SpaceX - talk about a strange new job.
And yes Port A should be avoided in summer, but is still fairly charming in the off season. The tribal flags have become less common, interestingly.
Thanks, Joy. I’d love to hear more about the SpaceX rattlesnake rescuer!
Reading the full text of that department of defense (war?) sign is frightening. Does make one wonder what’s happening there.
Spent the week in Port Aransas with a detour to Aransas national wildlife refuge, where we also saw an alligator!
The Border Patrol agent explained that DOD has exerted jurisdiction in the event the river and borderzone need to be converted to military uses—technically deeming it a National Security Area: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Area?wprov=sfti1#
What an amazing and horrifying journey. You are intrepid!
Thanks for taking us there. Wow. This whole place feels like a bad B movie.