I-55 to 10E to 310S. 90 the rest of the way in. Still not many folks around but a few more than last week. DeGaulle was blocked and had to take Terry Pkwy around to Behrmen. NOPD checkpoint looked at my license and welcomed me back. Winn Dixie and Walgreens are open. Looks like gas is nearby on Terry Pkwy and DeGaulle. Power, Cox phone, internet and cable are on in 200 block of Bermuda. Most houses in pretty good shape. Looks like the military is pulling out of their encampment at the Navy base. Sure would like to see those folks stay around a while longer. I'll be grabbing the rake and shovel first thing tomorrow. Debris is everywhere and I have a tree down in my neighbor's yard. What a mess.

John Buffaloe

Can anyone tell me if I can get into the lower coast of Algiers. I am trying to get to Mansfield Av

I'm mobilized with the military, my unit continues refusing to let us go back to attend to our properties, so I would really appreciate any help or passing-along of this request!

My brother is willing to look after my post-hurricane property, however he doesn't drive. I can get him as far as any airport within a day or two, if someone here is returning to Algiers and would be willing to give him a ride to my home near the West Bank navy base.

Semper fi!

We live in the 300 block of Olivier and went down from Baton Rouge yesterday (Saturday 9/10). The block seems to be in pretty good shape considering the size of the storm. I saw no evidence of looting in our block but could have missed something. The worst damage seemed to be the end house and church on Alix.

It is easy to get back and traffic was light. Won't be on Monday when Belle Chasse returns. We went I10 to Luling bridge (there is a check point at I310)then 90 to West Bank Expressway to Franklin. Returning to Baton Rouge we went West Bank expressway to I310 to I10.

Here is a real-time report from my brother, who went into Walnut Bend to clean up and collect belongings from my parents' house on Valentine Ct. yesterday, 9/8.
Kathryn

"Daniel
09/08/2005 10:24 AM

Hey Girl,

Me, Dad and Dale are currently 12 miles from Slidell. Amazing to see 1/3 to 1/2 of all the trees snapped in half. Lots of signs torn down but no destroyed houses as yet. I mean, no houses at all in this area right now. Gasoline is available so far which is a relief. We have 10 gallons in cans in the trunk just in case. Will check in later.
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"Daniel
09/08/2005 01:55 PM

On West Bank expressway. Lots of blown out signs, ripped down billboards, turned over mobile homes, snapped trees. Got Dale's car at airport - constant military helicoptors in and out. Can see them flying over the city here and there. Dad says hi.
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"Daniel”
09/08/2005 02:19 PM
Subject:Re: Algiers announcement

Tons of military transport vehicles everywhere. One gas station functioning - had 30 cars in line for gas. We have full tank and spare in trunk. Oakwood not burned to ground, in fact people are out raking parking lot. De Gaulle has down trees and power lines but buildings largely ok. Not exactly a lot of traffic, as in none. Wow, nearly all trees and some houses have damage. A giant chunk of the sweetgum is in the driveway. Lots of our shingles sprinkled in yard and driveway. Sally's house is intact, still boarded up but their back fence has lost 2-3 sections with tree falling through it. If can I will check back of house before we leave. Tree knocked out [F]'s side window to den completely. We'll cover with tarp. Kathryn's window is indeed broken but in a way that no robber has climbed through it. Like 80% of the sweetgum came down and is on the patio. No looting. TV's are still here. Mom's wreath is still on the front door. Crape myrtle is down, like half the trees on street are down. Must get to work. Will call later.