As far as leaving P&WA when I did without waiting for a contract package or any other thing it was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. The timing was right and I do not have a single regret about that move. I do remember the contract time and the problems it caused every time. "VERY GLAD" I am out of there.

This contract is just to define the pay and a few other details. Nothing drastic. Of the hundreds of boats working on the spill there are only a few left. There were only 12 of my style on the job and they started cutting some of them the first of Nov. I am one of 3 fiberglass cat boats still on. The oil is starting to show up in the Fla. panhandle as tar balls. The cleanup on the beach is easy and does not require boats. There are no beaches here just marsh and bayous. Boats are required and at times the areas can only be reached by air boats and at times they can not make it. Have seen them stuck for a long time before getting out. Once the winter fronts finish doing what they do we can get a better handle on what has to be done from spring on thru the summer.

As for the fisheries;
There has been little pressure on the fish and the big ones have survived well. What happened to the eggs, larvae, and juveniles still has to be seen. Some of our oyster beds died but not because of oil. The ndied because all the spillways from the mississippi were opened to keep the oil from comming into the open bays and lakes. That rush of excessive fresh water saved the area from being oiled but had an effect on the oysters in some areas. It was the lesser of two evils. The rebuilding plans for the oyster beds is already under way. What oysters being harvested are all good.

Would love to get a call from any of you any time.


Life is Good!