Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi, July 2, 2011

1000 words #52

The ongoing U.S. Government shutdown has, in my view, been implemented in some ways that seem to be excessive – and intentional.  As an angry National Park Service Ranger said, according to the Washington Times, “It’s a cheap way to deal with the situation.” and “We’ve been told to make life as difficult for people as we can. It’s disgusting.”

Even in west central Arkansas, open access federal properties have been “closed” and barricaded. Today, on a drive to Petit Jean State Park, we took some short detours to see how the shutdown is being  implemented locally.

At Bona Dea trails in Russellville, two traffic barrels had been set up in the parking lot, with yellow warning tape between them.   This afternoon, when we got there, we saw that the tape was broken and the barrels moved to the side, with vehicles parked in the lot, their occupants probably out using the trails.

At the entrance to the trail system, barricades blocked the path.  A young couple was reading the posted closure notice, which read in part: “… the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide as a result of the federal government shutdown.”

The young couple apparently decided to “follow the rules” as they got in their vehicle and left, but shortly after that, a another individual walked around the barricade and headed out on the trail system.

Other federal facilities we stopped at were similarly closed.  Old Post Road Park, also operated by the Corps, was closed, though access was open through it to the Dardanelle Lock and Dam.  The gate was closed at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge operated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

I understand that this shutdown is very frustrating for the federal workers who have been furloughed.  It’s putting many of them, those who live from paycheck to paycheck, in a difficult situation.  However, those who are furloughed will, in all probability, be paid for the days they have been off from work.

Some of what has been done with this shutdown almost seems to me to be malicious and petty.  I can understand closing federal parks and other facilities that require personnel to be present.  However, barricading open space federal properties where there is seldom or never any personnel is just unnecessary.

USS Razorback, SS 394, North Little Rock, Arkansas, May 12, 2007

1000 words #51.

Floyd Burroughs, sharecropper; photographed by Walker Evans in the summer of 1936.

Library of Congress image.

(also see A symbol of the Great Depression–Walker Evans’ photo of Allie Mae Burroughs.)

 Yellowstone National Park – September 15, 2007

1000 words #50.

We are, as a rule, punctual — generally early, even when we are traveling across several states to visit.  We hate to be late.

Recently, we were to pick up our grandson, Utah, at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock.  We were early and had plenty of time to make it to the gate where we were to meet him – we thought.

Utah, 13, was traveling as an unescorted minor.  To be able go past airport security to meet him at the gate, we had to get passes at United Airlines.

The ticket agents were so ……. s l o w.

However, we weren’t concerned as there is hardly ever much of a line at the security check point –  we still had plenty of time… we thought.

There were so many people there this time that it was like being in line for a popular ride at an amusement park, except it was inside  and most of the people had carryon bags.

Utah’s flight was on time and our time margin was gone.

It was my first time through airport security since security was beefed up so much.  My last flight was in 2002 coming home from Alaska.

As the line inched its way forward, I monitored the progress of Utah’s flight on my iPhone.  Texting, Karen kept our daughter, Jessica, up to date on hers.

The line was moving so slowly and the plane was getting closer and closer to the airport.

We started to try to figure out if we would be able to see Utah if the plane landed before we got there and he left the gate area to go to the airport entrance or baggage claim area after he got off.

Finally we made it to the checkpoint and breezed on through.

The plane was on the ground and taxiing to the gate.

Fortunately, Little Rock airport is not very large so we got to Gate 5 fairly quickly.  There was a little bit of confusion as there was already a plane at that gate while the plane we assumed Utah was on  appeared to be sitting on the tarmac, waiting.  After a few minutes, the plane waiting on the tarmac moved toward another gate just down the concourse.

It did turn out to be Utah’s flight.  We were there to meet him –  just in time.

Wyoming, September 12, 2007

1000 words #49

Cooling Tower at Arkansas Nuclear One – Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas, January 12, 2007

1000 words #48

Dane County Farmer’s market on the Square, Madison Wisconsin, September 15, 2012

1000 words #47.