Currently in Belton MO (Low 70 Couple of Thunderstorms High 85)
It was heartbreaking to see all the loss of live and devastation of the recent flash floods in central Texas, especially the Kerrville/Ingram/Hunt area.
We spent most of 2018-2024 parked on what is now the Blue Oak RV Park right on the border of Kerrville and Ingram.
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During that time we had a number of flooding situations, a few that flooded the RV Park, but our location was one level above the river so we never had to move our RV although the lower level RVs had to be moved a few times. Here is the view out the back window with no water. The river is at the edge of the grass in the picture.
Here is the view out the back window after some flooding and the lower level RVs being moved.
We have discussed what we would have done if we were still waiting to sell the RV and were still there. On the one hand we might have been in the KC area anyhow as after selling the truck we got a place up north for summer visits to friends and family. If we were living there we're not sure what would have happened.
With the numerous flooding situations over the years, to be brutally honest, we had grown desensitized to the flood watches and warnings. There were warnings well in advance for this event and for every potential flooding event while we were there.
The park owner, Lorena, was interviewed by the area TV stations and said how she walked to the rivers edge at 01:30a.m. and it was calm as could be. Later on she got the dreaded phone call and they began knocking on doors. If there we would have been asleep and may have been able to get out of there with the cats but not much else.
Over the years we have attempted to only discuss RV living, traveling in an RV and sightseeing, and the food along the way avoiding political discussions. But this event really hit close to home and to see people's hatred for one side of the political spectrum, or one man, be revealed in their reaction to the flooding. Here are a couple of disgusting examples: saying Texas/Kerr County deserved this since they voted for Trump; that the summer camps deserved this since they were Christian; and many other disgusting takes.
They promoted out and out lies about the situation when these are the facts; on July 2nd Texas activated emergency response anticipating a flooding event; National Weather Service added personnel to the San Antonio area office to prepare for this event on July 3rd; also on July 3rd Flood Watch was issued and then extended; first Flash Flood Warning issued at 1:14a and extended at 2:37a, NWS posted on "X" at 3:06a that a “very dangerous flash flooding event is ongoing across south-central Kerr County into northwest Bandera County”. The City Manager then went for a jog about 3:30a along the river and it was not raining and the river was still within its banks. Shortly thereafter at 3:35a the flash flood warning was repeated with urgent language urging people to seek higher ground. At 4:03a the warning was upgraded to a flash flood emergency, indicating that flooding was already occurring. At 4:35a first reports of flash flooding began to come in from local officials.
Sometimes all the planning and warnings cannot prevent catastrophic events from happening, especially in the middle of the night when everyone is sleeping. I'm disgusted that some felt they had to raise the discourse to vitriolic levels because of their hatred for one man, the opposing political party, or religious beliefs.
As Christians we will pray without ceasing for the victims, their families and also those that feel they have to exploit a tragedy exposing their hatred.
Till next time,
Bob and Jo
