Sportsman
Veteran Member
Ahh, thank you. Now I remember the enclosure.
Story Winter in Astoria
- Thread starter Chapulin
- Start date
Post 12
The operations center manager started the next remote meeting, with "I would like to welcome Nancy from the US Coast Guard to the Task Force." "Bob would you like to bring everyone up to speed?"
Ops Bob started, "I would like to introduce the Clatsop Sheriff office to show us the current law enforcement progress."
Neighbor Ann, replied, "Thank you for this opportunity." "I'll start with results our team has generated." We received the physical cellphones 3 days ago and did a quick job spinning the cellphone records into this report." "You can see the numbers frequently called and we have highlighted the Bomb Team known to be in the area with a couple of others outside the area we need to identify." "We are also organizing emails and web content contained in the phones." "We are building a case to go after Cellphone Tower level detail." "We can also report we recovered 8 contact mines and a number of IEDs from the rented warehouse." "We have a citizen report of another vehicle and some remains of highway IED attacks we are processing." "That is all for now, Bob."
Bob said, "Thanks Ann, another great job by the Sheriff's office." "I would like to put Nancy from the USCG on the spot for a few comments."
Luckily Ops Bob had told me he was going to call me, I said "Thank you Bob." "I would like to brief the Task Force on a Coast Guard activity related to contact mines in the last week." "We took a report of a bomb deployment and had some personnel dive the site." "If I can share my screen, these are the pictures they brought back." "We could have a dozen of these scattered in the area waterways." "We have asked the Pilot Association for help in scanning for these mines." "Our Security Cutter Steadfast is going to bring in a bomb disposal team from the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station." "I will end my comments proposing we expand the Task Force focus from the Highway IEDs in Oregon and Washington with the contact mines near the Columbia Bar as a single threat."
Ops Bob, "So moved." "Take this information back to our work sites." "Watch your email streams for the next meeting announcement." "Without objection, I close this meeting and I thank everyone for their participation."
Paul had an easy trip into Astoria and had stopped for groceries on the way. Paul let himself into Nancy's apartment and put the groceries away. Nancy arrived saying, "Thanks for parking across the parking lot." "There aren't a lot of spots for the residents." "Before I forget, here is a thumb drive with the results of the cellphones from the arrest."
Paul responded, "Thanks I'll take it up to the Merritt signals group." "Can I also get your tracking files and report?"
I said, "Those are already on the drive along with the individual phone images." "We should verify those contents to make sure the files made it to the drive." "I'll let you get dinner started and we can talk over what I have learned about Otis." "Are we planning to drive down there tomorrow?"
Paul said, "That sounds like a plan." "How about King Ranch chicken casserole for dinner?"
I said, "That sounds right for a rainy evening." "I talked with a dirt contractor and he is on board for site prep." "Ned sounds like a good general contractor and has worked with Nerd before." "It turns out Otis does use the State building codes so all of your work should be good, without any local quirks." "Otis changed after their community fire a couple of years ago." "I scanned the neighborhood and didn't find any dirt tracks and the potential views look great." "It feels like a nice sleepy farm community." "I sent you a couple of URLs that I found to be useful." "Have you started the Honey Do list for Northgate if we go through with this?"
Paul responded, "That sounds like a complete summary, just as I would expect." "Since we patched the roof last year, I'll guess we are adding a layer of roofing before we put it on the market." "I'm glad we got to use the new kitchen for a couple of weeks, having camped in the house for 6 months during remodel."
Dinner was good and the conversation was on lighter topics. We took a short loop around the neighborhood and called it a night. The next morning was cloudy for our run and we had a quick bowl of cereal before we loaded up. I fly our helicopter over this route regularly, but this will be a medium length trip by road.
We meet John, our agent on the property.
I start, "Thanks for meeting us here today, I'm Nancy and this is my husband Paul." "Can we walk the basic property lines?"
John responds, "I'm glad to meet you, I'll lead the way." "The other side is fenced by the neighbor." "This is approximately your back up drainage field and over here would be the primary." "Your well is in that small building and goes down 280 feet with a 3 gallon/minute pump." "You have an old side building probably 32'x40'." "You also have a 30 foot tall x 60 foot wide cliff face on the north side of the property." "Luckily the current owner got rid of the old main house that had collapsed."
Paul said, "If you have a sales agreement, we would like to sign it before we leave." "We can work out payment once we get back to Astoria."
With the paperwork done, we drove back to my place and celebrated with a local pizza for dinner. We went to the county parking lot and I picked up the tracker from the orange cab over truck while I had Paul as a lookout. At home Paul brought out his laptop and checked my thumb drive to make sure the expected files were there. The next house needs a fireplace to cuddle in front of. The next morning we went to the local bank and transferred the amount of the promissory note to the seller's account.
We found a café for lunch and Paul left for Merritt with the cell records for the Signals team. I head for the Tongue Point marina and drive out to the row with the fishing boat. The motor guy's boat is out and I recover my second tracking device without creating a ruckus.
The operations center manager started the next remote meeting, with "I would like to welcome Nancy from the US Coast Guard to the Task Force." "Bob would you like to bring everyone up to speed?"
Ops Bob started, "I would like to introduce the Clatsop Sheriff office to show us the current law enforcement progress."
Neighbor Ann, replied, "Thank you for this opportunity." "I'll start with results our team has generated." We received the physical cellphones 3 days ago and did a quick job spinning the cellphone records into this report." "You can see the numbers frequently called and we have highlighted the Bomb Team known to be in the area with a couple of others outside the area we need to identify." "We are also organizing emails and web content contained in the phones." "We are building a case to go after Cellphone Tower level detail." "We can also report we recovered 8 contact mines and a number of IEDs from the rented warehouse." "We have a citizen report of another vehicle and some remains of highway IED attacks we are processing." "That is all for now, Bob."
Bob said, "Thanks Ann, another great job by the Sheriff's office." "I would like to put Nancy from the USCG on the spot for a few comments."
Luckily Ops Bob had told me he was going to call me, I said "Thank you Bob." "I would like to brief the Task Force on a Coast Guard activity related to contact mines in the last week." "We took a report of a bomb deployment and had some personnel dive the site." "If I can share my screen, these are the pictures they brought back." "We could have a dozen of these scattered in the area waterways." "We have asked the Pilot Association for help in scanning for these mines." "Our Security Cutter Steadfast is going to bring in a bomb disposal team from the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station." "I will end my comments proposing we expand the Task Force focus from the Highway IEDs in Oregon and Washington with the contact mines near the Columbia Bar as a single threat."
Ops Bob, "So moved." "Take this information back to our work sites." "Watch your email streams for the next meeting announcement." "Without objection, I close this meeting and I thank everyone for their participation."
Paul had an easy trip into Astoria and had stopped for groceries on the way. Paul let himself into Nancy's apartment and put the groceries away. Nancy arrived saying, "Thanks for parking across the parking lot." "There aren't a lot of spots for the residents." "Before I forget, here is a thumb drive with the results of the cellphones from the arrest."
Paul responded, "Thanks I'll take it up to the Merritt signals group." "Can I also get your tracking files and report?"
I said, "Those are already on the drive along with the individual phone images." "We should verify those contents to make sure the files made it to the drive." "I'll let you get dinner started and we can talk over what I have learned about Otis." "Are we planning to drive down there tomorrow?"
Paul said, "That sounds like a plan." "How about King Ranch chicken casserole for dinner?"
I said, "That sounds right for a rainy evening." "I talked with a dirt contractor and he is on board for site prep." "Ned sounds like a good general contractor and has worked with Nerd before." "It turns out Otis does use the State building codes so all of your work should be good, without any local quirks." "Otis changed after their community fire a couple of years ago." "I scanned the neighborhood and didn't find any dirt tracks and the potential views look great." "It feels like a nice sleepy farm community." "I sent you a couple of URLs that I found to be useful." "Have you started the Honey Do list for Northgate if we go through with this?"
Paul responded, "That sounds like a complete summary, just as I would expect." "Since we patched the roof last year, I'll guess we are adding a layer of roofing before we put it on the market." "I'm glad we got to use the new kitchen for a couple of weeks, having camped in the house for 6 months during remodel."
Dinner was good and the conversation was on lighter topics. We took a short loop around the neighborhood and called it a night. The next morning was cloudy for our run and we had a quick bowl of cereal before we loaded up. I fly our helicopter over this route regularly, but this will be a medium length trip by road.
We meet John, our agent on the property.
I start, "Thanks for meeting us here today, I'm Nancy and this is my husband Paul." "Can we walk the basic property lines?"
John responds, "I'm glad to meet you, I'll lead the way." "The other side is fenced by the neighbor." "This is approximately your back up drainage field and over here would be the primary." "Your well is in that small building and goes down 280 feet with a 3 gallon/minute pump." "You have an old side building probably 32'x40'." "You also have a 30 foot tall x 60 foot wide cliff face on the north side of the property." "Luckily the current owner got rid of the old main house that had collapsed."
Paul said, "If you have a sales agreement, we would like to sign it before we leave." "We can work out payment once we get back to Astoria."
With the paperwork done, we drove back to my place and celebrated with a local pizza for dinner. We went to the county parking lot and I picked up the tracker from the orange cab over truck while I had Paul as a lookout. At home Paul brought out his laptop and checked my thumb drive to make sure the expected files were there. The next house needs a fireplace to cuddle in front of. The next morning we went to the local bank and transferred the amount of the promissory note to the seller's account.
We found a café for lunch and Paul left for Merritt with the cell records for the Signals team. I head for the Tongue Point marina and drive out to the row with the fishing boat. The motor guy's boat is out and I recover my second tracking device without creating a ruckus.
Post 13
Butch and Barney loaded 3 IEDs into their Blue Tesla and took Highway 30 crossing the Lewis and Clark bridge into Longview Washington merging onto I5 southbound to Hwy 14 known as the Lewis and Clark Hwy crossing back into Oregon using the Hood River Bridge continuing east on I84 to Moser. The area train service slowed as it went through town and the Bomb Team had easy access to the tracks. Since the ballast between the sleepers is only tamped down Butch and Barney could work the gravel up and dig down to the sand layer. Dark clothing on a dark night gave them plenty of time to place their devices along with a plastic milk carton of solvents. A thin layer of gravel ballast kept the devices hidden from the train crews. Placing them 100 feet apart would damage at least 2 rail cars. Like many small towns there was parking in a town park overlooking the track.
The first train that crossed was a long container train headed east. Butch and Barney waited for an oil train headed west that would export fracking fuels to Asia. They had to wait just over 6 hours and their target rambled through town. They waited until the train engines had disappeared toward Portland, but before the end of the train came into view. They timed the explosion to damage their first car about a third of the way back and the second device would be approximately at the front wheels of a car further back. After triggering their devices they saw the oil pouring from the crack in the cars complete with a fire. Time to head for their cove and get away from the traffic jam that was forming.
I had barely made it back from an early lunch when our loud speaker said, “Now hear this.” “Now hear this.” “Merchant with engine fire on the bar.” “2 Helicopters respond.”
We are the ready copter and leave first. We slide into our gear and head for the helicopter. We work with our local tower to get airborne and then switch frequencies to pair with the Operation Center. “CG Helo 1 ready for instructions.”
Operations responds, “Take station on port rear of the merchant.” “We have declared this a major event.” “Portland assets will be assigned to us.”
A Pilot on Merchant ship responds, “30 crew, engine fire being fought.” “Emergency Pod is ready.” “Anchor is ready to fire.”
We get the Merchant in view, it’s one of the new and wider container ships. Apparently at high RPMs the prop came out of the water and suddenly sped up causing the shaft to turn quicker than its design. The plan on the shelf is to tow the merchant out of the bar into the ocean and find a repair shop. Worse case is when it turns over and the containers above deck are dumped.
CGHelo2 asks, “Tower do we have clean air for take off?”
Tower responds, “CGHelo2 has permission for take off, contact Operations.”
CGHelo2 asks, “Operations, please provide instructions.”
Operations responds, “CGHelo2 join CG Helo1 on the starboard stern of the merchant.”
Operations asks, “Merchant Pilot, recommended solutions?”
Merchant Pilot responds, “Operations, backing up not an option.” “Tow us forward.”
Operations says, “Confirm forward.” ”Provide cables for front haul.” “What is the status of the fire?”
Merchant Pilot responds, “Fire is out.” “Making ready.”
Operations says, “Area marine traffic provide a wide berth around merchant ship with problem.” “CG motor launches clear the area.”
CGHelo1 sent a warning, “Portland Copter move away, you are too close.”
CGHelo2 announces, “Portland Tugs visible in the channel.”
Operations says, “Portland Tugs, the plan is to pull up river.” “Tie in at the front.”
It took time to haul line between the ship and the tug. Once the chain was in place to the first tug, the second started pushing the container ship into the channel and into the wind.
CG Motor launch also warned, “cabin cruiser get away from the tugs.”
Operations said, "CGHelo2 move forward to monitor the tow operation." "CGHelo1 maintain rear position."
CGHelo1 contributed, "We are going to need fuel if they don't pick up the pace."
Butch and Barney loaded 3 IEDs into their Blue Tesla and took Highway 30 crossing the Lewis and Clark bridge into Longview Washington merging onto I5 southbound to Hwy 14 known as the Lewis and Clark Hwy crossing back into Oregon using the Hood River Bridge continuing east on I84 to Moser. The area train service slowed as it went through town and the Bomb Team had easy access to the tracks. Since the ballast between the sleepers is only tamped down Butch and Barney could work the gravel up and dig down to the sand layer. Dark clothing on a dark night gave them plenty of time to place their devices along with a plastic milk carton of solvents. A thin layer of gravel ballast kept the devices hidden from the train crews. Placing them 100 feet apart would damage at least 2 rail cars. Like many small towns there was parking in a town park overlooking the track.
The first train that crossed was a long container train headed east. Butch and Barney waited for an oil train headed west that would export fracking fuels to Asia. They had to wait just over 6 hours and their target rambled through town. They waited until the train engines had disappeared toward Portland, but before the end of the train came into view. They timed the explosion to damage their first car about a third of the way back and the second device would be approximately at the front wheels of a car further back. After triggering their devices they saw the oil pouring from the crack in the cars complete with a fire. Time to head for their cove and get away from the traffic jam that was forming.
I had barely made it back from an early lunch when our loud speaker said, “Now hear this.” “Now hear this.” “Merchant with engine fire on the bar.” “2 Helicopters respond.”
We are the ready copter and leave first. We slide into our gear and head for the helicopter. We work with our local tower to get airborne and then switch frequencies to pair with the Operation Center. “CG Helo 1 ready for instructions.”
Operations responds, “Take station on port rear of the merchant.” “We have declared this a major event.” “Portland assets will be assigned to us.”
A Pilot on Merchant ship responds, “30 crew, engine fire being fought.” “Emergency Pod is ready.” “Anchor is ready to fire.”
We get the Merchant in view, it’s one of the new and wider container ships. Apparently at high RPMs the prop came out of the water and suddenly sped up causing the shaft to turn quicker than its design. The plan on the shelf is to tow the merchant out of the bar into the ocean and find a repair shop. Worse case is when it turns over and the containers above deck are dumped.
CGHelo2 asks, “Tower do we have clean air for take off?”
Tower responds, “CGHelo2 has permission for take off, contact Operations.”
CGHelo2 asks, “Operations, please provide instructions.”
Operations responds, “CGHelo2 join CG Helo1 on the starboard stern of the merchant.”
Operations asks, “Merchant Pilot, recommended solutions?”
Merchant Pilot responds, “Operations, backing up not an option.” “Tow us forward.”
Operations says, “Confirm forward.” ”Provide cables for front haul.” “What is the status of the fire?”
Merchant Pilot responds, “Fire is out.” “Making ready.”
Operations says, “Area marine traffic provide a wide berth around merchant ship with problem.” “CG motor launches clear the area.”
CGHelo1 sent a warning, “Portland Copter move away, you are too close.”
CGHelo2 announces, “Portland Tugs visible in the channel.”
Operations says, “Portland Tugs, the plan is to pull up river.” “Tie in at the front.”
It took time to haul line between the ship and the tug. Once the chain was in place to the first tug, the second started pushing the container ship into the channel and into the wind.
CG Motor launch also warned, “cabin cruiser get away from the tugs.”
Operations said, "CGHelo2 move forward to monitor the tow operation." "CGHelo1 maintain rear position."
CGHelo1 contributed, "We are going to need fuel if they don't pick up the pace."
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Post 14
Slowly the container ship moved into the channel and away from the bar. The container ship was much easier to manage in the relative calm of the river. The decision was to anchor in the holding area used by other ships heading to Portland. The Coast Guard crews were all sent to base with thanks from the Operations Center.
Realtor Bruce called and said our bid had been accepted. We were about to own property in 2 states. I go back and update an online mortgage application and Paul can sign it when he gets up the hill. I finish up some leftovers and take a book to bed. In the morning the Bank's loan processing specialist called and asked for a couple of additional statements. All of a sudden they wanted monthly instead of quarterly for some of our utilities.
A detective in the Clatsop County Sherriff was using Nancy's tracker app and saw the Tesla cross into Oregon coming up the big hill. The detective had briefed the State Patrol district for Highway 30 and placed his call.
"Monitor a blue Tesla traversing the north side of Oregon."
As the Telsa with Butch and Barney came across Highway 30 they noticed a long downhill stretch ending with a sloping 90 degree turn to the river, if you miss the turn its 300 feet down the hillside. They also noticed a turn off and simultaneously thought of the remaining IED in the back of the car. They decided to stop and switch drivers with Butch taking the package and the pack heading up the hillside quickly. After the blue Tesla continued West, Butch came back to the roadside. They had perfected the hitchhiker stopping for lunch and he dug, placed and covered the IED between cars in either direction. Butch found a flat spot above the bomb and waited.
Within an hour a big truck with a haul trailer came down the hill. It reached his trigger point and the right front tire exploded. The truck driver was trying to slow down crossing traffic and going right over the guard rail to the hillside below. Their load of beef skeletons from the meat processor was scattered over the hillside like a herd of cattle grazing in the afterlife. That would probably make the local papers.
The State Patrol dispatcher added their own note, "Truck accident mile post 59", "Assess and assist the flow of traffic."
The detective then updated his request, "Trail a Blue Tesla probably waiting in the city of Clatskanie", "Stop the Tesla when it reaches the turnout at mile post 60".
State Patrol car 24 said, "I am following a Suspect Tesla that pulled out of a parking lot at the feed store and is going uphill." "This clown thinks I am trying to catch him speeding." "What if he stays in on the highway and abandons his field worker?"
State Patrol car 56 said, "I am coming up the hill from Washington and would be happy to stop your Tesla if he misses the pull out for their stop and grab."
State Patrol car 24 replied, "Thanks for the assist." "Car 31 are you available?"
State Patrol car 31 joined with, "Car 24 what can I do for you?"
State Patrol car 24 replied, "Feel like a run through the woods?" "Come up and stop with me."
State Patrol car 31 responded, "I have my track shoes on."
State Patrol car 24 said, "Okay the Tesla missed the turn out, happy hunting Car 56." "I see the other perp on the hillside." "Stopping." "Waiting for Car 31 to advance."
State Patrol car 31 said "Car 31 and 24 exiting the car." "Starting pursuit."
Several minutes later, State Patrol car 24 said, "Pedestrian apprehended and backpack retrieved." Car 31 will transported." "Car 24 clear."
SP Dispatch replied, "Car 31 in transit to Astoria with a suspect.", "Car 24 assist car 56."
State Patrol car 56 said, "I have my lights on, pulling around to trail the blue Tesla."
State Patrol car 24 said, "I can see your lights, will catch up in a minute."
State Patrol car 56 said, "Coming alongside him." "He is pulling over, single occupant." "I'll pull in front." "Car 24 come in behind him." "Cover me."
State Patrol car 24 said, "I'll escort the suspect to Astoria."
Slowly the container ship moved into the channel and away from the bar. The container ship was much easier to manage in the relative calm of the river. The decision was to anchor in the holding area used by other ships heading to Portland. The Coast Guard crews were all sent to base with thanks from the Operations Center.
Realtor Bruce called and said our bid had been accepted. We were about to own property in 2 states. I go back and update an online mortgage application and Paul can sign it when he gets up the hill. I finish up some leftovers and take a book to bed. In the morning the Bank's loan processing specialist called and asked for a couple of additional statements. All of a sudden they wanted monthly instead of quarterly for some of our utilities.
A detective in the Clatsop County Sherriff was using Nancy's tracker app and saw the Tesla cross into Oregon coming up the big hill. The detective had briefed the State Patrol district for Highway 30 and placed his call.
"Monitor a blue Tesla traversing the north side of Oregon."
As the Telsa with Butch and Barney came across Highway 30 they noticed a long downhill stretch ending with a sloping 90 degree turn to the river, if you miss the turn its 300 feet down the hillside. They also noticed a turn off and simultaneously thought of the remaining IED in the back of the car. They decided to stop and switch drivers with Butch taking the package and the pack heading up the hillside quickly. After the blue Tesla continued West, Butch came back to the roadside. They had perfected the hitchhiker stopping for lunch and he dug, placed and covered the IED between cars in either direction. Butch found a flat spot above the bomb and waited.
Within an hour a big truck with a haul trailer came down the hill. It reached his trigger point and the right front tire exploded. The truck driver was trying to slow down crossing traffic and going right over the guard rail to the hillside below. Their load of beef skeletons from the meat processor was scattered over the hillside like a herd of cattle grazing in the afterlife. That would probably make the local papers.
The State Patrol dispatcher added their own note, "Truck accident mile post 59", "Assess and assist the flow of traffic."
The detective then updated his request, "Trail a Blue Tesla probably waiting in the city of Clatskanie", "Stop the Tesla when it reaches the turnout at mile post 60".
State Patrol car 24 said, "I am following a Suspect Tesla that pulled out of a parking lot at the feed store and is going uphill." "This clown thinks I am trying to catch him speeding." "What if he stays in on the highway and abandons his field worker?"
State Patrol car 56 said, "I am coming up the hill from Washington and would be happy to stop your Tesla if he misses the pull out for their stop and grab."
State Patrol car 24 replied, "Thanks for the assist." "Car 31 are you available?"
State Patrol car 31 joined with, "Car 24 what can I do for you?"
State Patrol car 24 replied, "Feel like a run through the woods?" "Come up and stop with me."
State Patrol car 31 responded, "I have my track shoes on."
State Patrol car 24 said, "Okay the Tesla missed the turn out, happy hunting Car 56." "I see the other perp on the hillside." "Stopping." "Waiting for Car 31 to advance."
State Patrol car 31 said "Car 31 and 24 exiting the car." "Starting pursuit."
Several minutes later, State Patrol car 24 said, "Pedestrian apprehended and backpack retrieved." Car 31 will transported." "Car 24 clear."
SP Dispatch replied, "Car 31 in transit to Astoria with a suspect.", "Car 24 assist car 56."
State Patrol car 56 said, "I have my lights on, pulling around to trail the blue Tesla."
State Patrol car 24 said, "I can see your lights, will catch up in a minute."
State Patrol car 56 said, "Coming alongside him." "He is pulling over, single occupant." "I'll pull in front." "Car 24 come in behind him." "Cover me."
State Patrol car 24 said, "I'll escort the suspect to Astoria."
Post 15
The State Patrol escorted a tow truck with the Blue Tesla back to the Clatsop Sheriff Office motor pool and it was signed into the evidence log for the case. The Sheriff personally spotted and pocketed Nancy's remaining tracking device. The Clatsop Sheriff Office had secured the house in Tongue Point including some incriminating maps and notations neatly "X"ed out when finished. There were a number of IEDs left for a long campaign. They matched up with the units collected from the Megler house and the Astoria warehouse.
Our lender called to say the loan had been approved. We count 3 days after closing and I call Ned the contractor and tell him to start the house. Paul had already sent his designs and includes to him.
Paul creates a list of projects for Northgate house starting with the new roof and replacing the hollow core flat door skins and standardizing the painted 6 panel doors. It was time to paint the rooms we hadn't gotten to yet. We had a little bit of fence work and landscaping to bring forward from the eventual list.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment NW at the Seaplane base at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station drove down from Whidbey Island to Astoria pulling trailers of diving gear and inflatable boats. They made an arrangement to store equipment at the museum and prepared to remove the contact mine east of Wet Dog. They met with Operations Center, the USCG Cutter Steadfast and Bosun Rick.
Ops Joe said, "We appreciate getting your team here so quickly." "We have this map and separate sheet of coordinates to show you what we have found." "We are working to keep ships away from these points." "We feel we have a good idea of the problem from the Columbia Bar to Kelso's wood products port."
The leader of the Disposal team replied, "Thanks for the update and we have already gotten the pictures that were taken." "The way we work in the water is with 2 divers." "We spend time evaluating each mine and look for indications of modifications as well as capping the soft metal spikes." "The last step is neutralizing the threat." "We use the following checklist to notify the area of any expected explosions." "We plan to work on 2 mines per day." "Given what you know this will be most of a week to solve."
Ops Joe said, "My team will be the primary contact for the area and we can use existing communications procedures to keep everyone away and notified for the early part of the notification checklist." "This is the frequency we use to monitor our communications." "You should use your horn in the boat as listed." "We expect there won't be further mine deployments given the team we arrested." "We recovered 8 units." "The map covers another 6 mines." "Assuming these were delivered in a 20 foot shipping container there are at least 2 that are still unknown."
When briefed, they took 2 boats for 4 guys. The divers suit up and are ready to deploy when they are over the site. The mine is cut from its anchor and it floats to the surface. It is pulled into the middle of the river. One of the divers carefully wrapped a belt of explosives around the round mine. Both divers climbed into the boats which moved an expected safe distance away. Notices were broadcast and safety horns squawk. A signal from the Navy blows the explosive belt which triggers the mine explosives. One rendered safe and more to go. If the mine had been empty the explosion would have been smaller and shorter.
Contractor Ned in Otis calls after a few days saying concrete would be placed in the footings with penetrations for utilities using the Fab Form Mono pour and Fastfoot foundation with 1 row of ICF blocks. While it is gaining strength additional block is added to the wall with bucks for the doorways. They are expecting near perfect spring time weather. The next concrete placement will be up to the bottom of most of the window openings which dictates how many ICF rows with metal rebar are added. The following concrete placement includes all the window and door openings up to the top of the window and door bucks. The final concrete placement goes to the tops of the wall and includes the roof tie ins inserted into the top of the walls. There are also horizontal jbolts as tie ins for the back porch, green house and front entry roofs in the top row of ICF block.
The south and north wall is 2 blocks row shorter than the East and West walls. The southern exposure has a solar overhang and greenhouse roof attaching to the metal roof trusses to preserve the continuity of insulation around the inside of the house. The inside of the house has 10 feet from the bottom of the metal truss to the concrete floor.
The State Patrol escorted a tow truck with the Blue Tesla back to the Clatsop Sheriff Office motor pool and it was signed into the evidence log for the case. The Sheriff personally spotted and pocketed Nancy's remaining tracking device. The Clatsop Sheriff Office had secured the house in Tongue Point including some incriminating maps and notations neatly "X"ed out when finished. There were a number of IEDs left for a long campaign. They matched up with the units collected from the Megler house and the Astoria warehouse.
Our lender called to say the loan had been approved. We count 3 days after closing and I call Ned the contractor and tell him to start the house. Paul had already sent his designs and includes to him.
Paul creates a list of projects for Northgate house starting with the new roof and replacing the hollow core flat door skins and standardizing the painted 6 panel doors. It was time to paint the rooms we hadn't gotten to yet. We had a little bit of fence work and landscaping to bring forward from the eventual list.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment NW at the Seaplane base at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station drove down from Whidbey Island to Astoria pulling trailers of diving gear and inflatable boats. They made an arrangement to store equipment at the museum and prepared to remove the contact mine east of Wet Dog. They met with Operations Center, the USCG Cutter Steadfast and Bosun Rick.
Ops Joe said, "We appreciate getting your team here so quickly." "We have this map and separate sheet of coordinates to show you what we have found." "We are working to keep ships away from these points." "We feel we have a good idea of the problem from the Columbia Bar to Kelso's wood products port."
The leader of the Disposal team replied, "Thanks for the update and we have already gotten the pictures that were taken." "The way we work in the water is with 2 divers." "We spend time evaluating each mine and look for indications of modifications as well as capping the soft metal spikes." "The last step is neutralizing the threat." "We use the following checklist to notify the area of any expected explosions." "We plan to work on 2 mines per day." "Given what you know this will be most of a week to solve."
Ops Joe said, "My team will be the primary contact for the area and we can use existing communications procedures to keep everyone away and notified for the early part of the notification checklist." "This is the frequency we use to monitor our communications." "You should use your horn in the boat as listed." "We expect there won't be further mine deployments given the team we arrested." "We recovered 8 units." "The map covers another 6 mines." "Assuming these were delivered in a 20 foot shipping container there are at least 2 that are still unknown."
When briefed, they took 2 boats for 4 guys. The divers suit up and are ready to deploy when they are over the site. The mine is cut from its anchor and it floats to the surface. It is pulled into the middle of the river. One of the divers carefully wrapped a belt of explosives around the round mine. Both divers climbed into the boats which moved an expected safe distance away. Notices were broadcast and safety horns squawk. A signal from the Navy blows the explosive belt which triggers the mine explosives. One rendered safe and more to go. If the mine had been empty the explosion would have been smaller and shorter.
Contractor Ned in Otis calls after a few days saying concrete would be placed in the footings with penetrations for utilities using the Fab Form Mono pour and Fastfoot foundation with 1 row of ICF blocks. While it is gaining strength additional block is added to the wall with bucks for the doorways. They are expecting near perfect spring time weather. The next concrete placement will be up to the bottom of most of the window openings which dictates how many ICF rows with metal rebar are added. The following concrete placement includes all the window and door openings up to the top of the window and door bucks. The final concrete placement goes to the tops of the wall and includes the roof tie ins inserted into the top of the walls. There are also horizontal jbolts as tie ins for the back porch, green house and front entry roofs in the top row of ICF block.
The south and north wall is 2 blocks row shorter than the East and West walls. The southern exposure has a solar overhang and greenhouse roof attaching to the metal roof trusses to preserve the continuity of insulation around the inside of the house. The inside of the house has 10 feet from the bottom of the metal truss to the concrete floor.
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Post 16
Contractor Ned in Otis called and said the metal roof trusses would be placed on top of the ICF walls this week and there should be enough time to get the deck plywood on it as well. The next step is the waterproofing sheet over the plywood sub roof and screwing standing seam metal roof into place. 3-4 inches of insulation panels were hung under the metal trusses and insulation was blown under the sloped plywood sub roof filling the energy foot of the metal truss.
My USCG helicopter unit was back on primary and I hear an uncommon alert over the PA system. An oil tanker had reported an explosion in the water near their hull. We cleared our tower and joined the Ops Center Desk for assignment.
CGHelo1 said, "Ops Center reporting for assignment."
Ops Center replied, "Reports of 2 wounded on the ship." "Coordinate with the ship for pickup."
Oiler replied, "CGHelio1 the injured are ready for pickup on the front deck." "My smoke will indicate where."
CGHelo1 said, "Oiler we are 6 minutes out and will look for your smoke." "We will drop our swimmer to the deck and organize picking up 2 for a ride."
Oiler replied, "We have you in sight." "We will have 2 crew to assist."
CGHelo1 said, "Thanks we are on station and swimmer is coming down."
Chief Andy lowered swimmer to the deck. Quick handshakes around and the cable lowers again for the first victim. The cable hooks to the basket and the safety cords from the basket attach to the cable. The first victim lifts and the cable is lowered for the second victim. The cycle repeated and then it was time to retrieve our swimmer. On the third lowering the cable catches on something attached to the deck before the swimmer gets it. The force of the buffeted helicopter snaps the cable into the rotors. I can almost count the revolutions I have left.
I say, "Break swimmer, we are declaring an emergency."
Ops Center, "We have a helicopter emergency on the river, clear the airspace back to the Oregon side." "CGHelo1 you have the ball."
The dang red light were flashing and ringing.
I say, "Team get buckled in and secure the baskets." "We are going in for a rough landing." "Urgency beats grace."
Keeping the helicopter steady I try to make the Oregon riverbank. There was the USCG cutter near the museum and a parking lot just beyond. There is time to drop the wheels and then the engine popped and goes silent. There isn't time to get my feet off the pedals before the hard landing. The local fire department is already heading to the site. Luckily there was no fire but a number of wounded need transport for at least a checkup. The EMT's organizes getting everyone out of the injured bird and prioritizing who gets the first ride to the emergency room. The other pilot and I share a ride suffering broken lower right legs and possible internal injuries.
The accident has turned the emergency room of the main hospital in Astoria into a busy place with medical staff being called in. I am alert enough to hear the doctors discussing sending injured to Vancouver and Portland, but we stay where we are. The EMTs had stabilized our condition before the transport and the ER got that documentation before noting a couple of things during the general exam and then we got local pain killers to reset the leg and cast it. We are transferred to the ICU for observation overnight and the medical teams move off to new patients coming in.
Contractor Ned in Otis called and said the metal roof trusses would be placed on top of the ICF walls this week and there should be enough time to get the deck plywood on it as well. The next step is the waterproofing sheet over the plywood sub roof and screwing standing seam metal roof into place. 3-4 inches of insulation panels were hung under the metal trusses and insulation was blown under the sloped plywood sub roof filling the energy foot of the metal truss.
My USCG helicopter unit was back on primary and I hear an uncommon alert over the PA system. An oil tanker had reported an explosion in the water near their hull. We cleared our tower and joined the Ops Center Desk for assignment.
CGHelo1 said, "Ops Center reporting for assignment."
Ops Center replied, "Reports of 2 wounded on the ship." "Coordinate with the ship for pickup."
Oiler replied, "CGHelio1 the injured are ready for pickup on the front deck." "My smoke will indicate where."
CGHelo1 said, "Oiler we are 6 minutes out and will look for your smoke." "We will drop our swimmer to the deck and organize picking up 2 for a ride."
Oiler replied, "We have you in sight." "We will have 2 crew to assist."
CGHelo1 said, "Thanks we are on station and swimmer is coming down."
Chief Andy lowered swimmer to the deck. Quick handshakes around and the cable lowers again for the first victim. The cable hooks to the basket and the safety cords from the basket attach to the cable. The first victim lifts and the cable is lowered for the second victim. The cycle repeated and then it was time to retrieve our swimmer. On the third lowering the cable catches on something attached to the deck before the swimmer gets it. The force of the buffeted helicopter snaps the cable into the rotors. I can almost count the revolutions I have left.
I say, "Break swimmer, we are declaring an emergency."
Ops Center, "We have a helicopter emergency on the river, clear the airspace back to the Oregon side." "CGHelo1 you have the ball."
The dang red light were flashing and ringing.
I say, "Team get buckled in and secure the baskets." "We are going in for a rough landing." "Urgency beats grace."
Keeping the helicopter steady I try to make the Oregon riverbank. There was the USCG cutter near the museum and a parking lot just beyond. There is time to drop the wheels and then the engine popped and goes silent. There isn't time to get my feet off the pedals before the hard landing. The local fire department is already heading to the site. Luckily there was no fire but a number of wounded need transport for at least a checkup. The EMT's organizes getting everyone out of the injured bird and prioritizing who gets the first ride to the emergency room. The other pilot and I share a ride suffering broken lower right legs and possible internal injuries.
The accident has turned the emergency room of the main hospital in Astoria into a busy place with medical staff being called in. I am alert enough to hear the doctors discussing sending injured to Vancouver and Portland, but we stay where we are. The EMTs had stabilized our condition before the transport and the ER got that documentation before noting a couple of things during the general exam and then we got local pain killers to reset the leg and cast it. We are transferred to the ICU for observation overnight and the medical teams move off to new patients coming in.
Post 17
Paul got permission to make the compassionate trip to Astoria to visit Nancy in Hospital. The last information check was that Nancy doesn't have internal injuries and has been moved from the ICU to the general ward.
The Clatsop Sheriff came to visit me in hospital complete with a flower arrangement including my third tracking unit from the Tesla tucked into the dirt. He also briefed me on the grain ship in Portland, "We had a grain ship suffer a water line explosion like the oil tanker before your helicopter accident." "Preliminary investigations say Portland was also a contact mine."
I replied, "I am sorry to hear the bombers went so far inland." "How is the Navy team doing?"
The Sheriff said, "We are scrambling to check from Kelso to Port of Portland which wasn't included in the initial survey." "You can bet the Port is scared stiff on what the press will say." "The Navy demolition team is almost done with the initial list and will be ready to shift to Portland if necessary for the new area."
I said, "It sounds like the Task Force needs to add a seat for the Portland Operations Center."
The Sheriff replied, "I have heard that is what the Task Force is considering." "If you are up for it there is another remote meeting tomorrow morning."
I said, "Thanks for the heads up and your flowers." "I was curious how I was going to hobble over to your motor pool." "I appreciate you dropping by."
As the Sheriff left he said, "I hope you get back on your feet and full strength." "You are an asset to your helicopter unit."
My next guest was the USCG Astoria Air Station Captain with a box of technology and notes. He said, "We are all glad you made it out of the ICU so quickly." "Thanks for putting your bird on dry ground." "I can assume you heard about the contact mine in Portland." "You should be able to attend your Task Force meeting in the morning with this."
I said, "Thanks, I was about to call someone to bring those." "The accident was dumb luck and it was an exciting recovery." "Between the pain pills and the cast, I'm in good shape." "How is the rest of the crew and what is the status of the oil tanker?"
The Captain said, "Your back seaters should be back at work next week." "You and the other pilot broke some bones and will take longer, the good news is nobody got a life changing injury." "The oil tanker bumped into one of the located contact mines and the explosion punctured their hull." "We have oil containment around it and after the rest of the area is re-checked for other mines we will clean up the spill." "Let me know how the meeting goes and your plans to get back to work." "Sorry I have to scoot but there are more meetings in my future."
Finally husband Paul made an appearance, complete with a cup of tea. "It looks like you got lost and couldn't find your base."
I said, "Thanks that took some real wrangling to not put that thing in the drink." "The crew is banged up, but safe." "We left our swimmer on the oil ship, but he got picked up and delivered home."
Husband Paul said, "Ned reports the Otis construction work is stepping inside for the rough plumbing connecting to the pipe stubs in and under the footer. Then they are adding the rebar for the floor. After bending and tying it in place, the radiant floor pex will be tied to the rebar. The trick with RFH is keeping it away from wax toilet rings and future cabinets. They are adding stronger rebar in the garage floor. Then it is time to place the concrete for the floor including the patio, porch and garage floor."
I replied, "They are making good time." "You don't really plan for these hospital stays, if you could run a few errands and eat some leftovers I won't be so far behind."
As Paul was leaving he said, "Just keep those male nurses at a social distance."
Paul got permission to make the compassionate trip to Astoria to visit Nancy in Hospital. The last information check was that Nancy doesn't have internal injuries and has been moved from the ICU to the general ward.
The Clatsop Sheriff came to visit me in hospital complete with a flower arrangement including my third tracking unit from the Tesla tucked into the dirt. He also briefed me on the grain ship in Portland, "We had a grain ship suffer a water line explosion like the oil tanker before your helicopter accident." "Preliminary investigations say Portland was also a contact mine."
I replied, "I am sorry to hear the bombers went so far inland." "How is the Navy team doing?"
The Sheriff said, "We are scrambling to check from Kelso to Port of Portland which wasn't included in the initial survey." "You can bet the Port is scared stiff on what the press will say." "The Navy demolition team is almost done with the initial list and will be ready to shift to Portland if necessary for the new area."
I said, "It sounds like the Task Force needs to add a seat for the Portland Operations Center."
The Sheriff replied, "I have heard that is what the Task Force is considering." "If you are up for it there is another remote meeting tomorrow morning."
I said, "Thanks for the heads up and your flowers." "I was curious how I was going to hobble over to your motor pool." "I appreciate you dropping by."
As the Sheriff left he said, "I hope you get back on your feet and full strength." "You are an asset to your helicopter unit."
My next guest was the USCG Astoria Air Station Captain with a box of technology and notes. He said, "We are all glad you made it out of the ICU so quickly." "Thanks for putting your bird on dry ground." "I can assume you heard about the contact mine in Portland." "You should be able to attend your Task Force meeting in the morning with this."
I said, "Thanks, I was about to call someone to bring those." "The accident was dumb luck and it was an exciting recovery." "Between the pain pills and the cast, I'm in good shape." "How is the rest of the crew and what is the status of the oil tanker?"
The Captain said, "Your back seaters should be back at work next week." "You and the other pilot broke some bones and will take longer, the good news is nobody got a life changing injury." "The oil tanker bumped into one of the located contact mines and the explosion punctured their hull." "We have oil containment around it and after the rest of the area is re-checked for other mines we will clean up the spill." "Let me know how the meeting goes and your plans to get back to work." "Sorry I have to scoot but there are more meetings in my future."
Finally husband Paul made an appearance, complete with a cup of tea. "It looks like you got lost and couldn't find your base."
I said, "Thanks that took some real wrangling to not put that thing in the drink." "The crew is banged up, but safe." "We left our swimmer on the oil ship, but he got picked up and delivered home."
Husband Paul said, "Ned reports the Otis construction work is stepping inside for the rough plumbing connecting to the pipe stubs in and under the footer. Then they are adding the rebar for the floor. After bending and tying it in place, the radiant floor pex will be tied to the rebar. The trick with RFH is keeping it away from wax toilet rings and future cabinets. They are adding stronger rebar in the garage floor. Then it is time to place the concrete for the floor including the patio, porch and garage floor."
I replied, "They are making good time." "You don't really plan for these hospital stays, if you could run a few errands and eat some leftovers I won't be so far behind."
As Paul was leaving he said, "Just keep those male nurses at a social distance."
Post 18
The next morning after breakfast the hospital staff set up the hardware for the remote meeting on a table and got me into a wheelchair. I decided since I wasn't on base, I didn't need to be in uniform.
The meeting starts with the introduction of a member of the Portland Operations Center with welcoming comments by the rest of the task force. We review the oil train incident and the cow bones bomb in Oregon. The Sheriff's rep distributes the arrest report from the State Patrol. The prisoners have all said they have one more, named Sanchez, that hasn't been captured and the team will be rebuilt. There is new cellphone data available for download.
Then there was a discussion of contact mines. The new Portland member covered the grain ship and concerns of undiscovered mines still in the river and the new search from Portland to Kelso. The Astoria Ops Center updates the Navy demolition progress. The Astoria Ops Center covered the oil tanker and the currents that took it into a known mine. The cleanup teams in the river are feeling a little overwhelmed with all of their responses.
Husband Paul is back to visit in the afternoon, heaping praise on my left overs. The doctor is on rounds and tells me I can go home in the morning. I'll get a PT session to introduce my crutches after breakfast, but to make sure I stay in the wheelchair until I'm in the parking lot.
Contractor Ned calls and Paul puts him on speaker, "In the main house interior walls are being added." "They will also put up the exterior stud walls for the garage." "Another crew will put the garage joists up for the 2nd floor apartment." "And put down the plywood underlayment before installing the Gambrel wooden roof trusses over the apartment." "The roofers will be back to sheath, insulate, waterproof and finish the metal roof."
The next morning I learn to cuss at the crutches. I hope I won't face plant getting in the car. Paul came to take pictures and helped deliver 2 loads of stuff to the car. He was at the hospital entrance to takeover pushing the wheelchair from the aide which earned Paul a kiss for his efforts when I get out in the sea air. Neighbor Ann helped us into my apartment and stayed for tea. Paul downloads the new cellphone files and packs up. Ann volunteers to take Paul back to his Explorer at the hospital. My sneaky husband has prepped a couple of my better casserole recipes for the next couple of days and cleaned up his regular mess.
The next morning after breakfast the hospital staff set up the hardware for the remote meeting on a table and got me into a wheelchair. I decided since I wasn't on base, I didn't need to be in uniform.
The meeting starts with the introduction of a member of the Portland Operations Center with welcoming comments by the rest of the task force. We review the oil train incident and the cow bones bomb in Oregon. The Sheriff's rep distributes the arrest report from the State Patrol. The prisoners have all said they have one more, named Sanchez, that hasn't been captured and the team will be rebuilt. There is new cellphone data available for download.
Then there was a discussion of contact mines. The new Portland member covered the grain ship and concerns of undiscovered mines still in the river and the new search from Portland to Kelso. The Astoria Ops Center updates the Navy demolition progress. The Astoria Ops Center covered the oil tanker and the currents that took it into a known mine. The cleanup teams in the river are feeling a little overwhelmed with all of their responses.
Husband Paul is back to visit in the afternoon, heaping praise on my left overs. The doctor is on rounds and tells me I can go home in the morning. I'll get a PT session to introduce my crutches after breakfast, but to make sure I stay in the wheelchair until I'm in the parking lot.
Contractor Ned calls and Paul puts him on speaker, "In the main house interior walls are being added." "They will also put up the exterior stud walls for the garage." "Another crew will put the garage joists up for the 2nd floor apartment." "And put down the plywood underlayment before installing the Gambrel wooden roof trusses over the apartment." "The roofers will be back to sheath, insulate, waterproof and finish the metal roof."
The next morning I learn to cuss at the crutches. I hope I won't face plant getting in the car. Paul came to take pictures and helped deliver 2 loads of stuff to the car. He was at the hospital entrance to takeover pushing the wheelchair from the aide which earned Paul a kiss for his efforts when I get out in the sea air. Neighbor Ann helped us into my apartment and stayed for tea. Paul downloads the new cellphone files and packs up. Ann volunteers to take Paul back to his Explorer at the hospital. My sneaky husband has prepped a couple of my better casserole recipes for the next couple of days and cleaned up his regular mess.
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Laurane
Canadian Loonie
That’s a big walk-in closet… bigger than bath
Room for a safe? The well dressed man and well dressed woman need appropriate accessories…
Post 19
The Duty Officer at what was informally known as Merritt Signals called the Clatsop Sheriff Detective
The Duty Officer said, "We have an update on the Bombing Group in your custody."
The Clatsop Detective replied, "We appreciate the exchange of information."
The Duty Officer continued, "We are looking through Pilot Nancy's original notes and seeing an apartment in Astoria that apparently no one has followed up on." "We also have an update on the remaining member known as Sanchez." "His cellphone was in the Middle East and was conveniently infected with malware by a 3 letter agency." "It gives us the phone location even when the device is turned off." "This provides us with the apartment address and he is the renter of record." "We were shocked when it also showed a number of military bases where it had been carried." "Comparing its off times against a list of non-regular troops has shown a very good correlation with one Special Ops Saul." "The same one that helped form my team." We recently provided him with a new work cellphone which came through a shop that could add a device powered by his battery even when the rest of the phone is off." "This is a new initiative for some selected senior soldiers." "It was carried into the Sanchez apartment while Sanchez' cellphone was on." "This continued the pattern of one phone on and the other phone off." "Which provided some old cellphone tower data that shows Saul has been visiting near the Sanchez apartment and Sanchez is very likely an alternate identity for Saul."
The Clatsop Detective replied, "That is a very strong case, you must have considerable computing power to narrow it down so accurately." "Could you send my office a photograph of your soldier and a couple of signatures?" "If the apartment manager can identify your soldier as Sanchez the renter we have this buttoned up." "We can also show the picture to the captured bombers."
The Duty Officer said, "That sounds like a plan." "His portfolio should be in your possession in the next hour." "Keep us briefed."
When the photo arrived it was mixed with other similar choices and shown to each prisoner during individual interviews. Only 2 of the prisoners had met Sanchez or met with him over a video link. It was confirmed by the Apartment Manager and the signatures scored as a match with degrees of certainty.
I received an update from our Otis house project. They are making the house weather tight with fiberglass windows and fiberglass doors. The egress windows were installed on the east and west walls with minimal units on the north wall and larger units on the south wall with the green house having a door into the kitchen and extending next to most of the utility room.
The electricians had roughed in the wiring runs for switches, plugs and fixtures. Including the separate circuits in the kitchen and utility rooms and the new exterior shutoff required in recent national electrical code changes. The exterior shutoff panel also includes the solar panel circuits from the roof. A subpanel in the garage handles the apartment above and the outside lights and pumps. The first subpanel in the utility room has dedicated runs for the Air Handler and the RFH pumps with wet protected circuits for the bathrooms. The second subpanel has circuits for the kitchen appliances and remaining general house circuits for plugs and lights.
The well pump has a fresh water buffer tank in the pump house and the Chiltrix Air to Water Heat Pump has a Glycol buffer tank for Radiant Floor Heating in the utility room. The kitchen appliances will be added after the cabinets have been installed. The kitchen is designed for large groups with dual stove/ovens and a 3 hole sink unit. The kitchen will have a large island including cabinets below as a prep area with power and a separate sink.
The Duty Officer at what was informally known as Merritt Signals called the Clatsop Sheriff Detective
The Duty Officer said, "We have an update on the Bombing Group in your custody."
The Clatsop Detective replied, "We appreciate the exchange of information."
The Duty Officer continued, "We are looking through Pilot Nancy's original notes and seeing an apartment in Astoria that apparently no one has followed up on." "We also have an update on the remaining member known as Sanchez." "His cellphone was in the Middle East and was conveniently infected with malware by a 3 letter agency." "It gives us the phone location even when the device is turned off." "This provides us with the apartment address and he is the renter of record." "We were shocked when it also showed a number of military bases where it had been carried." "Comparing its off times against a list of non-regular troops has shown a very good correlation with one Special Ops Saul." "The same one that helped form my team." We recently provided him with a new work cellphone which came through a shop that could add a device powered by his battery even when the rest of the phone is off." "This is a new initiative for some selected senior soldiers." "It was carried into the Sanchez apartment while Sanchez' cellphone was on." "This continued the pattern of one phone on and the other phone off." "Which provided some old cellphone tower data that shows Saul has been visiting near the Sanchez apartment and Sanchez is very likely an alternate identity for Saul."
The Clatsop Detective replied, "That is a very strong case, you must have considerable computing power to narrow it down so accurately." "Could you send my office a photograph of your soldier and a couple of signatures?" "If the apartment manager can identify your soldier as Sanchez the renter we have this buttoned up." "We can also show the picture to the captured bombers."
The Duty Officer said, "That sounds like a plan." "His portfolio should be in your possession in the next hour." "Keep us briefed."
When the photo arrived it was mixed with other similar choices and shown to each prisoner during individual interviews. Only 2 of the prisoners had met Sanchez or met with him over a video link. It was confirmed by the Apartment Manager and the signatures scored as a match with degrees of certainty.
I received an update from our Otis house project. They are making the house weather tight with fiberglass windows and fiberglass doors. The egress windows were installed on the east and west walls with minimal units on the north wall and larger units on the south wall with the green house having a door into the kitchen and extending next to most of the utility room.
The electricians had roughed in the wiring runs for switches, plugs and fixtures. Including the separate circuits in the kitchen and utility rooms and the new exterior shutoff required in recent national electrical code changes. The exterior shutoff panel also includes the solar panel circuits from the roof. A subpanel in the garage handles the apartment above and the outside lights and pumps. The first subpanel in the utility room has dedicated runs for the Air Handler and the RFH pumps with wet protected circuits for the bathrooms. The second subpanel has circuits for the kitchen appliances and remaining general house circuits for plugs and lights.
The well pump has a fresh water buffer tank in the pump house and the Chiltrix Air to Water Heat Pump has a Glycol buffer tank for Radiant Floor Heating in the utility room. The kitchen appliances will be added after the cabinets have been installed. The kitchen is designed for large groups with dual stove/ovens and a 3 hole sink unit. The kitchen will have a large island including cabinets below as a prep area with power and a separate sink.
Post 20
The Clatsop Sheriff office called the Merritt Signals group and provided the extra identifications. Spec Ops Saul was currently on a mission and would be returning to Joint Base Lewis McChord, but the timing was unknown. Given the crimes involved the Merritt Signals group would work directly with JBLM to detain Saul on his arrival. Having been active in two states the bomber case will be joined with the ransom case and heard in Federal Court.
I returned to USCG desk duty with appropriate comments about the maneuverability of a full leg cast. Restrooms are my current challenge. It falls to me to complete the accident reports and file them appropriately. Then came all the insurance forms for the whole crew. Chief Andy drew the task of getting the helicopter back to base and getting it repaired. The station Captain had already requested a temporary loan of a MH 60 Jayhawk and 2 crews TDY until we were back to operational.
I am assigned to contribute to a history project documenting Coast Guard sites in the Columbia River area for a bigger project from Puget Sound to Northern California. My specific task is to research persistent rumors of Coast Guard activities before or after the Army Lighter than Air squadron at Tillamook, OR using unimproved air strips for coastal observation and possible distributed rescue recovery sightings. I sent out a new project announcement and data collection notice to area stations. I find another group that covers the history of existing bases, and they forward boxes of content for abandoned bases they didn't have funding to develop. My first sort of the material is by state. I start sorting and find a folder labelled Lincoln City and recognize the geographic coordinates for the Otis area.
During the winter of 1941/1942 the US had panicked about the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor and looked to improve protections for its mainland coastal borders. From the document in my hands a tunnel had been constructed from approximately a blockhouse to the cliff. A hole in the cliff had been added and was deep enough for fluid storage and some tools. A material lift had been constructed to the top of the cliff and a runway constructed on top for the new Catalina PBY-5As. One of the early base consolidation efforts had scrapped the lift and dynamited the tunnel because the domestic Nike missile sites became the primary focus for the Cold War. Among the collection of reports in the folder is one labelled the Abandonment Checklist. It would be interesting to check the names who signed off on this effort all those decades ago.
The next Joint Task Force remote meeting covering an update of the knowledge gained from the Merritt Signals group without naming names. It ended with a call to report any remaining and new incidents pertaining to Task Force activities.
The update from the house in Otis marked a shift to making it operational. The well tank is filled and the Pex lines and buffer tank are filled with a glycol/water mix. Inside the shower areas are tiled and finally functional.
The plumbing subcontractor roughed in the pipes above the concrete floor before drywall is hung in the main house, garage and upstairs apartment. A careful job of caulking and stuffing insulation into every void is complete with taping and mudding getting started. Painting returned the house to a normal feeling of size.
The electrical subcontractor has come back to power the overhead lighting for the finish work. Our finishes for the floor are complete. Plumbing and electrical returned to finish trim.
Husband Paul is finishing the task list on our Northgate home. He has made a couple of trips to collect boxes and packing materials and is spending the evenings packing.
The Clatsop Sheriff office called the Merritt Signals group and provided the extra identifications. Spec Ops Saul was currently on a mission and would be returning to Joint Base Lewis McChord, but the timing was unknown. Given the crimes involved the Merritt Signals group would work directly with JBLM to detain Saul on his arrival. Having been active in two states the bomber case will be joined with the ransom case and heard in Federal Court.
I returned to USCG desk duty with appropriate comments about the maneuverability of a full leg cast. Restrooms are my current challenge. It falls to me to complete the accident reports and file them appropriately. Then came all the insurance forms for the whole crew. Chief Andy drew the task of getting the helicopter back to base and getting it repaired. The station Captain had already requested a temporary loan of a MH 60 Jayhawk and 2 crews TDY until we were back to operational.
I am assigned to contribute to a history project documenting Coast Guard sites in the Columbia River area for a bigger project from Puget Sound to Northern California. My specific task is to research persistent rumors of Coast Guard activities before or after the Army Lighter than Air squadron at Tillamook, OR using unimproved air strips for coastal observation and possible distributed rescue recovery sightings. I sent out a new project announcement and data collection notice to area stations. I find another group that covers the history of existing bases, and they forward boxes of content for abandoned bases they didn't have funding to develop. My first sort of the material is by state. I start sorting and find a folder labelled Lincoln City and recognize the geographic coordinates for the Otis area.
During the winter of 1941/1942 the US had panicked about the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor and looked to improve protections for its mainland coastal borders. From the document in my hands a tunnel had been constructed from approximately a blockhouse to the cliff. A hole in the cliff had been added and was deep enough for fluid storage and some tools. A material lift had been constructed to the top of the cliff and a runway constructed on top for the new Catalina PBY-5As. One of the early base consolidation efforts had scrapped the lift and dynamited the tunnel because the domestic Nike missile sites became the primary focus for the Cold War. Among the collection of reports in the folder is one labelled the Abandonment Checklist. It would be interesting to check the names who signed off on this effort all those decades ago.
The next Joint Task Force remote meeting covering an update of the knowledge gained from the Merritt Signals group without naming names. It ended with a call to report any remaining and new incidents pertaining to Task Force activities.
The update from the house in Otis marked a shift to making it operational. The well tank is filled and the Pex lines and buffer tank are filled with a glycol/water mix. Inside the shower areas are tiled and finally functional.
The plumbing subcontractor roughed in the pipes above the concrete floor before drywall is hung in the main house, garage and upstairs apartment. A careful job of caulking and stuffing insulation into every void is complete with taping and mudding getting started. Painting returned the house to a normal feeling of size.
The electrical subcontractor has come back to power the overhead lighting for the finish work. Our finishes for the floor are complete. Plumbing and electrical returned to finish trim.
Husband Paul is finishing the task list on our Northgate home. He has made a couple of trips to collect boxes and packing materials and is spending the evenings packing.
Post 21
The Joint Task Force is brought to order and Portland announces a stable environment with no new incidents joined with similar reports from the other units on the call. The Ops Manager asked for a motion to dissolve the Task Force, passing expected legal work to the Clatsop Sheriff Office. Any water operations issues would be forwarded to the appropriate Operations Center.
I find some Lincoln County records showing the Federal project site was split into 3 lots when the Federal Government spun out the property to private ownership. Our property is the lower third and the cliff top is the middle property leading to the far third. The block building had been destroyed and replaced with the current barn in the 1960s.
I have another doctor appointment and lose my full leg cast and gain a walking cast. My love/hate relationship with crutches is almost over and a cane will be mine soon. The Doctor says everything is progressing well. In celebration husband Paul joins me for a trip to Otis for a walk through with the inspector for the final inspection. We added a number of automations to this house to maintain it while nobody was home. Two side benefits were less checking while home and better statistics on the thermal performance.
With that step done, we convert our bridge loan to a mortgage and I return to Northgate with Paul. We go out for dinner that night and came back to a house in mayhem from the move effort. We pack up the first truck in Seattle to start the move to Otis. Starting with a load for the garage. The tools from the current garage are packed in last so the first things off will be the garage items in Otis. Our guest bed and living room furniture make it on this truck. Paul will still be working in Merritt and days off will be packing for the second and final truck from Northgate. He had never taken more than a car load to Merritt, which would make it easy when that time comes.
Contractor Ned blades out the driveway and meets the first moving truck. Unpacking is a simple process of boxes and tools to the garage and furniture to the correct rooms. We are planning a drought resistant landscape with a fire break around the house. We start with some bushes along the driveway. We plant an orchard with fruit trees in front of the rock cliff behind another row of bushes. The sunlight falling on the rock face should yield warmth for the fruit trees at night to eliminate most of the frost danger. The landscapers reported a small cave in the cliff face that hadn't been spotted on the look around. The immediate area around the house gets plugs of ground cover and the start of a rock garden.
The Joint Task Force is brought to order and Portland announces a stable environment with no new incidents joined with similar reports from the other units on the call. The Ops Manager asked for a motion to dissolve the Task Force, passing expected legal work to the Clatsop Sheriff Office. Any water operations issues would be forwarded to the appropriate Operations Center.
I find some Lincoln County records showing the Federal project site was split into 3 lots when the Federal Government spun out the property to private ownership. Our property is the lower third and the cliff top is the middle property leading to the far third. The block building had been destroyed and replaced with the current barn in the 1960s.
I have another doctor appointment and lose my full leg cast and gain a walking cast. My love/hate relationship with crutches is almost over and a cane will be mine soon. The Doctor says everything is progressing well. In celebration husband Paul joins me for a trip to Otis for a walk through with the inspector for the final inspection. We added a number of automations to this house to maintain it while nobody was home. Two side benefits were less checking while home and better statistics on the thermal performance.
With that step done, we convert our bridge loan to a mortgage and I return to Northgate with Paul. We go out for dinner that night and came back to a house in mayhem from the move effort. We pack up the first truck in Seattle to start the move to Otis. Starting with a load for the garage. The tools from the current garage are packed in last so the first things off will be the garage items in Otis. Our guest bed and living room furniture make it on this truck. Paul will still be working in Merritt and days off will be packing for the second and final truck from Northgate. He had never taken more than a car load to Merritt, which would make it easy when that time comes.
Contractor Ned blades out the driveway and meets the first moving truck. Unpacking is a simple process of boxes and tools to the garage and furniture to the correct rooms. We are planning a drought resistant landscape with a fire break around the house. We start with some bushes along the driveway. We plant an orchard with fruit trees in front of the rock cliff behind another row of bushes. The sunlight falling on the rock face should yield warmth for the fruit trees at night to eliminate most of the frost danger. The landscapers reported a small cave in the cliff face that hadn't been spotted on the look around. The immediate area around the house gets plugs of ground cover and the start of a rock garden.
Post 22
The second truck from Northgate emptied out the house and the Lincoln City based moving crew started with moving things to the right room from the garage. In Northgate Paul passed the keys to the realtor and the staging crew for their open house in a few days. At least we had a chance to cook a few meals in the newly remodeled kitchen.
We took a couple of weeks to organize the Otis house getting the kitchen utensils, counter appliances and pots into the right places. The house performed as designed with very little power usage that didn't come from the PV on the roof. Part of the design was minimizing the air gaps between indoor and outside spaces and cracks which blocked thermal waves and noise waves which resulted in little background noise and a very consistent temperature throughout. The grill from the back deck ended up in the passage way from the garage to the house.
We had a small gathering including Ann and Frank from my Astoria neighborhood and Brothers Ranger Ben and Bosun Rick to celebrate selling our Northgate house. The brothers arrive first giving husband Paul a chance to work with them on the trap door in the barn.
Paul says, “I have a surprise for you out in the barn.” “Nancy found an early WWII feature we share with the next 2 properties.” “The barn covers a tunnel to the runway on the cliff top.” “Apparently the tunnel managed light for night time operators and kept crews out of the weather.”
Ranger Ben was the first to respond, “Cool, we should take a quick look before dinner.”
Bosun Rick added as they walked, “I wouldn’t expect much, the check list to shut down one of these sites is fairly complete.”
Paul responded as they got to the barn, “Nancy found documentation the tunnel had been dynamited and the cliff lift disassembled and capped.” “We can use our new medium tractor and the overhead cross tie should hold the block and tackle.”
They lift the cover up and out of the way. Paul grabs a ladder off its wall hooks and extend it about 10 feet until it finds the bottom. He dons a battery headlamp as backup and takes a trouble light on an extension cord down. The team carries enough side arms to blast any furry critters. The rays of light show Paul a tarp covering an object on the floor and shelves along one wall. Checking the ground carefully it appears to be rock or pavers, but the good news is no booby traps and appears water tight. The ceiling is heavy beams supporting the concrete of the barn floor. One wall of the 12 x 12 room appears to be an entrance to another room. My light doesn't detect an end of the next space and it appears to be headed back toward our cliff. Tonight I pull back the tarp revealing an old motor. I will leave the possible tunnel for another day.
Bosun Rick said, “That is probably the lift motor.” “Military ingenuity may have carted it down here and blown the tunnel before they realized it wouldn’t fit through the trap door.”
Paul said, “I think I hear the dinner bell.” “Help me lift this new wood lid over the hole to prevent falls.” “I will put the ladder back on its hooks.”
The dinner bell reluctantly calls off the search and we backtrack to the house. I throw some veggies on the grill while the kitchen crew gather chips for appetizers and sugary cakes and pies for dessert. Dinner focuses on Ann’s report the big news from the Sheriff's office that Sanchez had been Spec Ops Saul and was captured as he returned from a mission. The whole bomber squad will face charges in Federal Court when all the units put together their final reports for the prosecutor. The Feds were also contributing the ransom case against Saul. This surprised Ranger Ben who had worked with him on the Merritt concept more than Paul. Paul was thinking back to the bodies on the Merritt perimeter. Could the indications of illegal weapons sales actually tie that incident with this crime spree? The night was called early to allow the guests to return to Astoria.
The second truck from Northgate emptied out the house and the Lincoln City based moving crew started with moving things to the right room from the garage. In Northgate Paul passed the keys to the realtor and the staging crew for their open house in a few days. At least we had a chance to cook a few meals in the newly remodeled kitchen.
We took a couple of weeks to organize the Otis house getting the kitchen utensils, counter appliances and pots into the right places. The house performed as designed with very little power usage that didn't come from the PV on the roof. Part of the design was minimizing the air gaps between indoor and outside spaces and cracks which blocked thermal waves and noise waves which resulted in little background noise and a very consistent temperature throughout. The grill from the back deck ended up in the passage way from the garage to the house.
We had a small gathering including Ann and Frank from my Astoria neighborhood and Brothers Ranger Ben and Bosun Rick to celebrate selling our Northgate house. The brothers arrive first giving husband Paul a chance to work with them on the trap door in the barn.
Paul says, “I have a surprise for you out in the barn.” “Nancy found an early WWII feature we share with the next 2 properties.” “The barn covers a tunnel to the runway on the cliff top.” “Apparently the tunnel managed light for night time operators and kept crews out of the weather.”
Ranger Ben was the first to respond, “Cool, we should take a quick look before dinner.”
Bosun Rick added as they walked, “I wouldn’t expect much, the check list to shut down one of these sites is fairly complete.”
Paul responded as they got to the barn, “Nancy found documentation the tunnel had been dynamited and the cliff lift disassembled and capped.” “We can use our new medium tractor and the overhead cross tie should hold the block and tackle.”
They lift the cover up and out of the way. Paul grabs a ladder off its wall hooks and extend it about 10 feet until it finds the bottom. He dons a battery headlamp as backup and takes a trouble light on an extension cord down. The team carries enough side arms to blast any furry critters. The rays of light show Paul a tarp covering an object on the floor and shelves along one wall. Checking the ground carefully it appears to be rock or pavers, but the good news is no booby traps and appears water tight. The ceiling is heavy beams supporting the concrete of the barn floor. One wall of the 12 x 12 room appears to be an entrance to another room. My light doesn't detect an end of the next space and it appears to be headed back toward our cliff. Tonight I pull back the tarp revealing an old motor. I will leave the possible tunnel for another day.
Bosun Rick said, “That is probably the lift motor.” “Military ingenuity may have carted it down here and blown the tunnel before they realized it wouldn’t fit through the trap door.”
Paul said, “I think I hear the dinner bell.” “Help me lift this new wood lid over the hole to prevent falls.” “I will put the ladder back on its hooks.”
The dinner bell reluctantly calls off the search and we backtrack to the house. I throw some veggies on the grill while the kitchen crew gather chips for appetizers and sugary cakes and pies for dessert. Dinner focuses on Ann’s report the big news from the Sheriff's office that Sanchez had been Spec Ops Saul and was captured as he returned from a mission. The whole bomber squad will face charges in Federal Court when all the units put together their final reports for the prosecutor. The Feds were also contributing the ransom case against Saul. This surprised Ranger Ben who had worked with him on the Merritt concept more than Paul. Paul was thinking back to the bodies on the Merritt perimeter. Could the indications of illegal weapons sales actually tie that incident with this crime spree? The night was called early to allow the guests to return to Astoria.
Staging
Paul starts, "Now that we sold our Northgate/Seattle house and built here, what are your plans with the US Coast Guard in Astoria?"
Nancy says, "Before the accident, I was planning to exit when I had my second retirement." "Since my accident, I am less loyal." "It was a busy season even without a big event." "How about I stay for a year from the date we moved in here?"
Paul says, "I am comfortable with that timeline." "I know we discussed this, but with the increased distance to Merritt, I am ready to say I'm done." "My next trip up there will be my last one." "On a different topic, we have talked about a dog, are we ready?"
Nancy says, "Neighbor Ann and husband Frank emailed me they are considering moving from Astoria to Otis so they can still be neighbors." "While I am still flying a dog will bond with you more than me, I would prefer to be here permanently first."
Paul says, "They could stay with us if they wanted to make house hunting more productive and I am sure they could use a few extra hands packing." "Ranger Ben has asked us to stay home at the end of the month, he has something to show us." "How about I go back to Merritt at the end of the week and you come up next Tuesday?" I want to spend more time in the WWII tunnel on our property, but I would have to assess it as a low threat and low payoff." "We can investigate it together when we work through our priority list first."
Nancy responds, "The tunnel is historical and Ben is pursuing his future." "What are you cooking for dinner?"
Paul says, "The pork shoulder on the smoker is almost done." The vinegar onion sauce is fresh and the potato rolls are warm."
Nancy replies, "A touch of the South, nice move." "What have you been researching since you have been hiding in the office for the last 24 hours?"
As Paul seasons and pulls the pork he notes, "We have tentative plans to go to the US 4 corners area." "So I created an incomplete orientation targeted for our interests there." "New Mexico as an example is a tricultural area fostering a slower vibe."
Nancy responds, "I am glad we are considering visiting there a few times and can focus on different slices in different seasons."
As they move to the table Paul continues, "The Spanish Conquistors explored the Taos Valley starting in the 1540s and the largest native revolt started in 1680." "The Indian villages are known as Pueblos and most of them participated in pushing the Spanish out of New Mexico for 12 years." "The Mexicans replaced the Spanish in 1821 and their time included the Santa Fe Trail and names like Geronimo and Kit Carson." "Statehood started in 1912 with the Energy Lab in Los Alamos and chilis from Hatch." "Their story continues with the new space ports."
Nancy responds, "For my interests the Anglo period is less of a priority and I would like to focus on the influence of the Catholic Church and the advances of the Indian culture."
Paul says, "Just that will keep us busy well beyond this lifetime." "I will flesh out some of those ideas and see which towns should be on the itinerary."
Paul starts, "Now that we sold our Northgate/Seattle house and built here, what are your plans with the US Coast Guard in Astoria?"
Nancy says, "Before the accident, I was planning to exit when I had my second retirement." "Since my accident, I am less loyal." "It was a busy season even without a big event." "How about I stay for a year from the date we moved in here?"
Paul says, "I am comfortable with that timeline." "I know we discussed this, but with the increased distance to Merritt, I am ready to say I'm done." "My next trip up there will be my last one." "On a different topic, we have talked about a dog, are we ready?"
Nancy says, "Neighbor Ann and husband Frank emailed me they are considering moving from Astoria to Otis so they can still be neighbors." "While I am still flying a dog will bond with you more than me, I would prefer to be here permanently first."
Paul says, "They could stay with us if they wanted to make house hunting more productive and I am sure they could use a few extra hands packing." "Ranger Ben has asked us to stay home at the end of the month, he has something to show us." "How about I go back to Merritt at the end of the week and you come up next Tuesday?" I want to spend more time in the WWII tunnel on our property, but I would have to assess it as a low threat and low payoff." "We can investigate it together when we work through our priority list first."
Nancy responds, "The tunnel is historical and Ben is pursuing his future." "What are you cooking for dinner?"
Paul says, "The pork shoulder on the smoker is almost done." The vinegar onion sauce is fresh and the potato rolls are warm."
Nancy replies, "A touch of the South, nice move." "What have you been researching since you have been hiding in the office for the last 24 hours?"
As Paul seasons and pulls the pork he notes, "We have tentative plans to go to the US 4 corners area." "So I created an incomplete orientation targeted for our interests there." "New Mexico as an example is a tricultural area fostering a slower vibe."
Nancy responds, "I am glad we are considering visiting there a few times and can focus on different slices in different seasons."
As they move to the table Paul continues, "The Spanish Conquistors explored the Taos Valley starting in the 1540s and the largest native revolt started in 1680." "The Indian villages are known as Pueblos and most of them participated in pushing the Spanish out of New Mexico for 12 years." "The Mexicans replaced the Spanish in 1821 and their time included the Santa Fe Trail and names like Geronimo and Kit Carson." "Statehood started in 1912 with the Energy Lab in Los Alamos and chilis from Hatch." "Their story continues with the new space ports."
Nancy responds, "For my interests the Anglo period is less of a priority and I would like to focus on the influence of the Catholic Church and the advances of the Indian culture."
Paul says, "Just that will keep us busy well beyond this lifetime." "I will flesh out some of those ideas and see which towns should be on the itinerary."
Recovery
After dinner they take what was becoming a traditional walk out to the mailbox observing the green shoots of spring in the yard. Paul leaves for Merritt by mid day and I am leaving for Astoria just after breakfast but we stoke the masonry wood heater for the morning.
I arrive at the Coast Guard thankful I am done with the leg casts and approved for flight again. We have our old flight crew back and we have our repaired helicopter back on the line, we are looking forward to a calmer spring. The science of the Cascadia Fault was moved to the back burner and we managed to catch up with our plans. If they don't change the size of the geologic plates underground our new frameworks should help us determine more situations faster. Changing from a damage estimate to a needs assessment adds to our contribution to an overall recovery. It also provides more opportunity to refresh the information until we can use it.
I was called for both Federal Court cases. Ops Saul/Mastermind Sanchez was kicked out of the military and charged with both the collusion and ransom phases while the bomber team was charged with illegal firearms, property damage and personal harm. Outside of court, my mind enjoys practice flights without looking on the back of all the trucks.
Paul has a quick trip back to Merritt and asks for a meeting with assistant George and the Base leader. George sat with me at breakfast the next day.
I say, "Thanks for joining me this morning, has it been smooth sailing during my vacation?"
George's reply, "The occasional surprise but calm enough to practice with my bow."
I ask, "If I were to resign would you be interested in being promoted to my role?"
He says, "I would if I can backfill my role." "You are serious about itchy feet and the need to move on?"
I say, "Otis is a good hike from here and I'm not getting younger." "I will work our ideas into a proposal for the boss." "From now on, you are unofficially in charge of setting the task lists and rough drafting the reports."
He says, "Today is fluid check day." "If you check the underground tanks and Quonset 3, I will take the other 2."
Later that day I had my appointment with the Base Leader. I had complete my second performance review of assistant George and detail my resignation and my request that George replace me.
The Base Leader says, "Please come in and have a seat." "I have a feeling I know what you are scheming."
My reply, "Thank you, I would like to start by discussing the job my assistant has been doing, which can be summarized as excellent." "Here is the second review I have done for him since he started." "I will note that I am planning to resign my position here, but have taken the liberty to write up our plan for the next year."
The Base Leader replies, "I will hate to lose you, but I agree a different position may challenge your skill set better." "I know civilian employees are important, and it took me a while to understand the breadth of your job." "I hope there is a recommendation in this plan to fill your role."
I say, "You won't be disappointed." "Please consider my requests quickly, I am proposing next Monday be my last day." "I am of course available if you will need me for longer." "Before the screen door hits my backside I have an unofficial request." "The company that built this complex gave me a tool to keep the site secure until you accepted the facility." "Would you have any problems with me keeping it as a keepsake?"
The Base Leader stood up, "You learned the boundaries of ownership before, I don't think I could ever find that asset on my inventory." "Just keep it out of my sight." "We can end our meeting, I have a farewell coffee to plan."
The next morning assistant George had his own meeting with the Base Leader. I don't think I have ever seen the smile he was sporting when he came back to the office. Now I am officially his assistant and temporary. We are planning a lunch in Leavenworth to celebrate this occasion and Nancy can attend.
The rest of the week went quickly and the final morning I packed up the Explorer and headed for the mess hall. My favorite cook has outdone his previous efforts with this cake and the management team of the base are all on hand. The Base Leader takes the floor, "I am announcing this morning that Paul is leaving us and I have promoted George to fill his shoes."
I took over saying, "It was a dark afternoon when I arrived at this site." "I have enjoyed most of the times watching this community grow into a functioning unit making use of the buildings I designed." "George, I am sure you will continue your progress and help others fulfill their missions."
George took over saying, "I am not sure I would have picked this future." "But I feel lucky to have found it." "Without Paul I am still here to help everyone." "Can we dig into the cake, yet?"
George and his hunger fit in well with the group. Everyone shook my hand and I had a cordial departure. I kidnapped George and we drove into Leavenworth to find Nancy and chow down. Nancy and I are each driving and we stopped one more time at the base to turn in my keys and check a final time for skeletons in the closets I may have missed. The cook staff present me with a ceremonial broom. Nancy and I head down the mountain and as we drive by our old house in Northgate we note the kids in the yard.
After dinner they take what was becoming a traditional walk out to the mailbox observing the green shoots of spring in the yard. Paul leaves for Merritt by mid day and I am leaving for Astoria just after breakfast but we stoke the masonry wood heater for the morning.
I arrive at the Coast Guard thankful I am done with the leg casts and approved for flight again. We have our old flight crew back and we have our repaired helicopter back on the line, we are looking forward to a calmer spring. The science of the Cascadia Fault was moved to the back burner and we managed to catch up with our plans. If they don't change the size of the geologic plates underground our new frameworks should help us determine more situations faster. Changing from a damage estimate to a needs assessment adds to our contribution to an overall recovery. It also provides more opportunity to refresh the information until we can use it.
I was called for both Federal Court cases. Ops Saul/Mastermind Sanchez was kicked out of the military and charged with both the collusion and ransom phases while the bomber team was charged with illegal firearms, property damage and personal harm. Outside of court, my mind enjoys practice flights without looking on the back of all the trucks.
Paul has a quick trip back to Merritt and asks for a meeting with assistant George and the Base leader. George sat with me at breakfast the next day.
I say, "Thanks for joining me this morning, has it been smooth sailing during my vacation?"
George's reply, "The occasional surprise but calm enough to practice with my bow."
I ask, "If I were to resign would you be interested in being promoted to my role?"
He says, "I would if I can backfill my role." "You are serious about itchy feet and the need to move on?"
I say, "Otis is a good hike from here and I'm not getting younger." "I will work our ideas into a proposal for the boss." "From now on, you are unofficially in charge of setting the task lists and rough drafting the reports."
He says, "Today is fluid check day." "If you check the underground tanks and Quonset 3, I will take the other 2."
Later that day I had my appointment with the Base Leader. I had complete my second performance review of assistant George and detail my resignation and my request that George replace me.
The Base Leader says, "Please come in and have a seat." "I have a feeling I know what you are scheming."
My reply, "Thank you, I would like to start by discussing the job my assistant has been doing, which can be summarized as excellent." "Here is the second review I have done for him since he started." "I will note that I am planning to resign my position here, but have taken the liberty to write up our plan for the next year."
The Base Leader replies, "I will hate to lose you, but I agree a different position may challenge your skill set better." "I know civilian employees are important, and it took me a while to understand the breadth of your job." "I hope there is a recommendation in this plan to fill your role."
I say, "You won't be disappointed." "Please consider my requests quickly, I am proposing next Monday be my last day." "I am of course available if you will need me for longer." "Before the screen door hits my backside I have an unofficial request." "The company that built this complex gave me a tool to keep the site secure until you accepted the facility." "Would you have any problems with me keeping it as a keepsake?"
The Base Leader stood up, "You learned the boundaries of ownership before, I don't think I could ever find that asset on my inventory." "Just keep it out of my sight." "We can end our meeting, I have a farewell coffee to plan."
The next morning assistant George had his own meeting with the Base Leader. I don't think I have ever seen the smile he was sporting when he came back to the office. Now I am officially his assistant and temporary. We are planning a lunch in Leavenworth to celebrate this occasion and Nancy can attend.
The rest of the week went quickly and the final morning I packed up the Explorer and headed for the mess hall. My favorite cook has outdone his previous efforts with this cake and the management team of the base are all on hand. The Base Leader takes the floor, "I am announcing this morning that Paul is leaving us and I have promoted George to fill his shoes."
I took over saying, "It was a dark afternoon when I arrived at this site." "I have enjoyed most of the times watching this community grow into a functioning unit making use of the buildings I designed." "George, I am sure you will continue your progress and help others fulfill their missions."
George took over saying, "I am not sure I would have picked this future." "But I feel lucky to have found it." "Without Paul I am still here to help everyone." "Can we dig into the cake, yet?"
George and his hunger fit in well with the group. Everyone shook my hand and I had a cordial departure. I kidnapped George and we drove into Leavenworth to find Nancy and chow down. Nancy and I are each driving and we stopped one more time at the base to turn in my keys and check a final time for skeletons in the closets I may have missed. The cook staff present me with a ceremonial broom. Nancy and I head down the mountain and as we drive by our old house in Northgate we note the kids in the yard.
The Old Reverberates
We stopped at Nancy's apartment in Astoria for the night and called neighbor Ann and Frank to come over for a pizza and beer and we explain our interest in helping them look in the Otis area. As we go to sleep, we kiss and Nancy thanks me for my designs in Merritt, but tells me the design for our Otis house is better.
When Nancy joins me in Otis we take time to head for the hole in the cliff. As Nancy's document predicted it is about 30 feet long and the entrance is only 6 feet wide and 10 feet tall. Once inside the ceiling stays at 10 feet, but the cave widens to 20 feet. Overhead is a large hole, apparently going up to the top of the cliff. In the floor a similar hole disappears into the ground below about 20 feet. We will need to fence this area off, pronto. Time to head for the barn and look at the other end of the tunnel. Nancy helps me lift the wooden cover and we lower the ladder back into the hole. After we rig our lights I say, "You can go down first while I steady the ladder."
Nancy reaches the bottom and says, "Your turn, I will steady the ladder for you."
It is a quick trip into the tunnel about 60 feet and 12 feet wide with a rubble pile with dirt above that runs from floor to ceiling. Nancy says, "This looks like the residue from an explosion, as predicted by the Abandonment Report." "At least we have conduit on the walls and some left over shelving." "Let’s get topside and use the tractor to carry the ladder back to the cliff."
Visually it looks like 120 feet back to the cliff from the hole in the barn. Extending the ladder we could drop to the cliff hole floor and find some signs of water from above and an old sign about closing the door before use still hangs on the wall. We see the same conduit from the other side and the same flooring material. The rubble pile is about thirty feet from this end which means about thirty feet were dynamited to seal the tunnel. A minimal list is sealing out weather from the top of the cliff and fencing off the fall hazard. Our dirt contractor Nerd could dig out the blast residue and recap the tunnel roof if we find an economic or other justification to restore the historical functionality. For now the only win is soil amendments and tool storage in the cliff room for the small orchard we planted last fall.
With everything outside put away, we start dinner and I summarize what I have learned about what is known as the Revolt from my Southwest research. "The Pueblo Revolt occurred between 1680 and 1692 led by a San Juan/Ohkay Owingeh Holy Man and War Captain known as Po'Pay who was hiding in Taos after being publicly whipped." "He had spent 5 years touring area pueblos to build up support preceding the revolt."
"Long distance communications were knotted cords with 1 knot being undone every morning as it was carried to the remote pueblos of the area or made it to its destination. Hopi/Tusayan is 200 miles away. Two Tesuque Pueblo youth were captured and tortured to determine the function of the knotted cord."
"Because the Spaniards had gained pre-knowledge of the uprising, the attack in the Rio Grande area was bumped forward 24 hours." "Each pueblo would attack any local Spaniards and destroy records and communities." "The populations from separate pueblos would then come to Santa Fe to join the shared attack." "The Spaniards gathered in the Palace of the Governors' in Santa Fe and at Isleta toward modern Albuquerque." "The revolt killed 400 Spaniards including 33 missionaries and drove 2,000 settlers out of the area. Both survivor pockets retreated to Socorro."
We stopped at Nancy's apartment in Astoria for the night and called neighbor Ann and Frank to come over for a pizza and beer and we explain our interest in helping them look in the Otis area. As we go to sleep, we kiss and Nancy thanks me for my designs in Merritt, but tells me the design for our Otis house is better.
When Nancy joins me in Otis we take time to head for the hole in the cliff. As Nancy's document predicted it is about 30 feet long and the entrance is only 6 feet wide and 10 feet tall. Once inside the ceiling stays at 10 feet, but the cave widens to 20 feet. Overhead is a large hole, apparently going up to the top of the cliff. In the floor a similar hole disappears into the ground below about 20 feet. We will need to fence this area off, pronto. Time to head for the barn and look at the other end of the tunnel. Nancy helps me lift the wooden cover and we lower the ladder back into the hole. After we rig our lights I say, "You can go down first while I steady the ladder."
Nancy reaches the bottom and says, "Your turn, I will steady the ladder for you."
It is a quick trip into the tunnel about 60 feet and 12 feet wide with a rubble pile with dirt above that runs from floor to ceiling. Nancy says, "This looks like the residue from an explosion, as predicted by the Abandonment Report." "At least we have conduit on the walls and some left over shelving." "Let’s get topside and use the tractor to carry the ladder back to the cliff."
Visually it looks like 120 feet back to the cliff from the hole in the barn. Extending the ladder we could drop to the cliff hole floor and find some signs of water from above and an old sign about closing the door before use still hangs on the wall. We see the same conduit from the other side and the same flooring material. The rubble pile is about thirty feet from this end which means about thirty feet were dynamited to seal the tunnel. A minimal list is sealing out weather from the top of the cliff and fencing off the fall hazard. Our dirt contractor Nerd could dig out the blast residue and recap the tunnel roof if we find an economic or other justification to restore the historical functionality. For now the only win is soil amendments and tool storage in the cliff room for the small orchard we planted last fall.
With everything outside put away, we start dinner and I summarize what I have learned about what is known as the Revolt from my Southwest research. "The Pueblo Revolt occurred between 1680 and 1692 led by a San Juan/Ohkay Owingeh Holy Man and War Captain known as Po'Pay who was hiding in Taos after being publicly whipped." "He had spent 5 years touring area pueblos to build up support preceding the revolt."
"Long distance communications were knotted cords with 1 knot being undone every morning as it was carried to the remote pueblos of the area or made it to its destination. Hopi/Tusayan is 200 miles away. Two Tesuque Pueblo youth were captured and tortured to determine the function of the knotted cord."
"Because the Spaniards had gained pre-knowledge of the uprising, the attack in the Rio Grande area was bumped forward 24 hours." "Each pueblo would attack any local Spaniards and destroy records and communities." "The populations from separate pueblos would then come to Santa Fe to join the shared attack." "The Spaniards gathered in the Palace of the Governors' in Santa Fe and at Isleta toward modern Albuquerque." "The revolt killed 400 Spaniards including 33 missionaries and drove 2,000 settlers out of the area. Both survivor pockets retreated to Socorro."