THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

If the NOAA extended forecast is right it looks like we will catch a break on the daytime temperatures. The forecast is calling for 80's in the mountains and ONLY 90's along the river. They said partly cloudy, no mention of any chance of rain or what the winds will be doing. But they don't usually forecast that too many days in advance.

Andy

Andy
I use weather.com they tend to be reasonably accurate in this area anyway. You can get a ten day outlook that runs pretty close or at least gives you an idea. The weather has looked good so far.

I've been checking the Big Bend daily report: www.nps.gov/bibe/daily_report.htm, just to see what their stuff says. I normally use a bunch of weather sites, including weather. Their new hybird radar is pretty nifty. NOAA is one that is linked on the Big Bend website, I also like Intellicast because their radar shoots into Mexico and alot of the storms here come from Mexico. It also shows me pretty much all of Texas. Weatherunderground is okay, but it's gotten lame since they have added on a bunch of private stations and those don't even tell you if the wind is blowing. I can have 30 mph winds and the private station not even 5 miles from the house will show calm. For most of what I do wind direction is more important to me than knowing how hot or cold I am. Often knowing just makes it more miserable.

Andy

Andy et al,

Have a great time out there this weekend. Take lots of pictures (and figure out how to post them!!! Stay hydrated and be thinking about our all doing an outting to the BBNP / TransPecos region again in the first quarter of 2009.

Safe travels....

I have cameras and batteries ready to go. I've been thinking, wondering really, when would be a better time next year to do it or expand it into the State Park. I'm worried it might be too hot for some. I don't know why, the Arizona guys also know what heat is.

I think the only problem with 1st quarter is that those who have school age kids will have a difficult time making it. Spring break isn't a really good time to be in the park. We'll see how it goes and play future gatherings by ear.

It's always possible we could find something in New Mexico and split the difference for Arizona, Texas, and Colorado.

I am sorry you can't make it this time, but Ft Davis is a cool place.

Andy

We should be out of here by 11:00 am on Thursday. Mapquest says 7 hours. So we should be in Lajitas 6:00 pm +/-. Depending on my wife and son. So we should be around all day on Friday.

We are planning on getting out of here between 10 and 11. Small problem cropped up, no new insurance card for the Pinz. It takes just under 4 hours for me to get to the park. Don't know if you are going I-10 or 90, but if I go to San Antonio, on 90, it is about a 3.5 hour trip. So Mapquest is probably pretty close.

You, Nims, and us will all be there to putter around on Friday. Thomas, from Luling should be in Friday, he's a couple hours east of San Antonio, so he's looking at 9-10 hours. And I don't know if Pinzczech is traveling with you or coming on Friday.

There is one person from Yahoo, Dr. Steve, who has a G-Wagon, who might be in. I've only heard it from him that it was still tentative and that was about a week ago.

All ya'll drive safe and get there.

Andy

Pinzczech is leaving on Thursday also but going to Marfa for a day. I think he will be in Lajitas on Friday also.

Well, tell him they don't turn the lights on during the day. He may be taking the scenic route to Lajitas via Presidio and Redford. Tell him to watch out for those stupid burros if he runs that way. The big hill west of Lajitas ought to be a treat either driving or towing a Pinz.

Andy

PS, It's zoo time here while the females are trying to figure out what to take and wear.

I can't imagine more than one female to take on a trip. Mine has been shopping for 2 days, also hair and nails have been done. Dog has also been clipped. I'm just glad we aren't going to a Porsch rally or something like that. Who knows what would have to be done for something like that.

There used to be 5, but two are semi-independent now. Estrogen can still get pretty thick with only 3 though. Then it's time to remember something urgent on one of the ranches.

We are just now heading out and should see you all there in 12 hours or so.

Here!!! Finally!!!!!!! Had to go east to head west but got here. I say a Pinz on I-10 heading east just west of Fort Stockton. My phone is not working and I am trying to find out how to check messages from here. All this tech. and still have trouble connecting. This is no way to run a rail road.

We will be here all day on Friday. See you on Sat.

Ok we're packed and its sitting on a trailer waiting gona leave about 3 or 4 so who knows when we'll get there gonna take awhile at 50 or so miles an hour but see yall in awhile.

We had a great time. Sorry we missed the dinner. The heat wipped out my little crew. Andy thanks for the knife. It was great meeting everyone. We need to plan something where it is a little cooler. Or a different time of year. It will be hard for everyone to make it with school and everything else going on.

It was great to meet everyone. I am glad we got to do this.