In case you are wondering, yes, I am still trapped in my trailer. But I'm no longer snowed in, I'm trapped inside my trailer by a downed limb from the old live oak tree that shelters me. I can see by the first light of dawn that one of those big 'whoosh-booms' I heard as I was writing on Gather last night really was a big branch of my oak tree as well as a ton of wet snow landing on my roof. It is no longer just a heavy snow laden branch blocking my door, it is a bigger limb I can see resting on my roof and the roof of my metal shed, extending far enough to hold my door closed.
The wind is rising, and there is no more snow on trees as far as I can see, so no more snow will land on me. However, I can see some of the trees have a very different silhouette than they had yesterday, and a lot of tree branches have broken off. The young live oak tree just outside my small fenced yard has a huge branch down on the ground in a spot where I often park my pickup. Lately I've been parking it at night next to my gate that is only a few feet from my bedroom window. I worry about illegal aliens trying to steal it so I park it close enough that Smokey Joe will hear any skullduggery and alert me by barking. I'm not sure just what my next move would be - maybe yelling like a banshee and attacking them with a shovel. After all, Smokey will be right behind me.
The power went out again at 1 AM and didn't come back on until 4:30 AM. The temperature inside stayed above 55 degrees and that wasn't too bad. I was snuggled down in bed with lots of covers and warm furry cats. Now if those horses don't come around and trip over my extension cords that stretch about 75 feet from my trailer to the utility pole, I can stay warm and on-line until I am rescued.
Last night I was able to call Santiago, the main man to solve maintenance problems on this Rez, and he promised to check on me this morning. At that time I was only partially blocked from getting out my door. My dogs and I could still squeeze through and back in again. Now we can't even begin to get out. I think I will call Santiago again soon to tell him I really am trapped in this trailer, and to bring a chain saw and a ladder.
I think it is likely that anyone who tries to come the last mile of dirt road to this Indian horse camp may need a chain saw. The road goes through some woods with big live oak trees bordering the road and when the wind is strong enough branches are often blown down to block passage.
My dogs have a bigger problem. They can't get out to piddle. I spread newspapers in front of the door and put a big litter box there as well. They don't think I'm serious about the cat box, but Sherpa finally gave up and let it go on the newspapers. She looked so guilty! Smokey is still holding out but he comes and pleads with me every few minutes. I have demonstrated several times that I can't open the door, but he has faith that I can fix everything.
So don't worry about me. This is going to come out all right. I have just got to be patient. Oh yes! My TV is working again. I guess the wind has blown the snow off the satellite dish so it can receive again. I have not been able to go out to brush it free of snow. With this Gather connection on my computer and TV news and chatter back in business, I don't feel isolated any more.
Now if those horses don't come back again and trip over my extension cords that stretch about 75 feet from the utility pole, my pets and I will be fine. It is a definite comfort to have friends like you out there giving me moral support. Thanks again to you all.
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Comments: 49
Well I believe, Miss Ruth, that in Ade's book of Buck Up's, you have been nominated first contender this year.
My dearest fishcamp partner from Klukwan, Ak., Smith Katzeek has spent several years, with me as his devoted apprentice, (younger, woman, grunt extrordinare), and would on occasion give me the advice of my life.
During a particularly tough time in both our lives, the severe illness of his older sister who was my best friend, Ruth Kasko, tears would be rolling off my chin and the tip of my nose. My own salty brew would mingle with the fish slime I was attempting to remove from the near freezing Sockeye, making it even tougher for my stiff fingers to keep hold. This old school Tlingit elder would lean his shoulder into mine and whisper "Buck Up or I'm going to send you home".
I LOVE that man, and although no one can replace the loss of my own brother, Smitty and I have been a pretty formidible team. Each summer we supply multiple families, and two or three big Potlatches per year, with traditionally smoked salmon to give away. Cruising the Chilkat River to check nets are some of my richest memories.
And Miss Ruth, I hope your assistance comes soon. You've got yet another great story added to your rich life. Let us know when things return to semi normal. Stay well entertained and don't let too many hours stack up with out keeping us posted, unless neccessary.
I promise to stay better connected from here forth!
Adrian
Well, I'll step back then and let Ruth share when she's inclined. Glad things are okay.
Santiago and his men had to take a different road that goes around the far edges of this reservation to get here. They said there were so many trees blocking the dirt road from the blacktop they said it would take more than today to clear the way. I don't dare take that long route because if I got stuck up there I wouldn't be found for a long time. We had a lot of sunshine today but the temp stayed not much above freezing so the snow didn't melt much. The snow is still deep enough that my transmission will drag through the median. I don't have chains or snow tires so I don't know if I can drive out of here so we can make the trip to town tomorrow.
So I might not be able to get a new mouse or post much for a couple days. So I'll see you when I see you.
~Mel
Ruth, hurry and get online to us , ok?