Monday, August 21, 2017

Solar Eclipse 2024

Did you miss the eclipse, or regret not making the pilgrimage to somewhere to see totality? Well, don't worry, there's another opportunity on April 8th, 2024. The lake area will probably be in the 70% of totality range, not quite as much as yesterday's, but a quick trip down to Southeast Missouri is all you need to get in the path of totality. I'm thinking of being on one of the many beautiful rivers such as the Current or Eleven Point for the next one. Poplar Bluff looks to be on the path of totality. Better make your reservations now!  Other major cities seem to be Austin Texas and Little Rock, Arkansas. These are both great cities and should be very festive.  I imagine rooms are already being booked.

The 2024 event will also be a total solar eclipse, with the major difference being where totality will peak, it's longest duration and sharpest contrast. This will occur in central Mexico in 2024, but Missouri should have a fine show again.


Friday, August 04, 2017

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard!

The oldest military service of the United States turns 227 years old this month.  I've been a little harsh on the Coast Guard lately in regards to Lake of the Ozarks, so let me make some amends by saying Happy Birthday to what I consider the finest branch of the military this country has ever produced. Certainly not the most lethal, but that isn't their mission, which is why I was proud to have served. Saving lives, protecting our country, and ensuring free commerce along our waterways is just as important as projecting force abroad. Any damn fool can pull a trigger, but it takes something a bit more to put your ass on the line to save another.

U.S.C.G.C Eagle and escort. Did you know she was originally a Nazi ship? Yep. You can just make it out in the picture but on her prow remains the nautical figurehead of the Nazi Party Eagle, called Parteiadler ("Party's Eagle"), and where it once clutched a swastika, it now clings to the shield of the U.S. Coast Guard. The spoils of war.


From Alaska to Key West Florida, and on three separate ships, my four years were probably the most memorable years of my life. To the great men and women I served with, and those that serve today, a heartfelt salute.

Oh...
To the U.S. Navy.... Phhhht!
To the U.S. Army...... Phhhht!
To the U.S. Air Force.... Phhhht!

To the U.S. Marines.... You guys are great! Remember D-day!

All in good fun lads. You know we're all in this together.

Semper Paratus!


Thursday, August 03, 2017

July 2017 Lake Levels and Flow Rates


A very typical July chart with start and ending levels almost exactly at the 5 year average with power generation coinciding nicely with temperature demands for energy.  I'm sure this helped keep levels at full pool despite the modest lack of rain. Boring, but I like boring when it comes to this data. It means things are predictable and orderly.

One more month of peak summer to go.  Enjoy!