Just back from Yosemite, where I keynoted the Yosemite Writers' Conference, and on my way to Chicago for Bouchercon (the World Mystery Convention). Had no web access in Yosemite, but wrote a blog entry on horseback riding, which I may post yet; but had to say something about the situation in New Orleans, et al. The similarities to the tsunami are obvious. The major differences are two: besides vast quantities of water, the hurricane came with tremendous winds, so the physical damage is great even in areas where the water wasn't high. That's the bad news. The good news should be, we knew this was coming. In my own case, the friends I've heard from who live in those areas called from much farther north; they packed up and left. What there is for them to come home to, they don't know, but they and their cats and dogs are safe. I hope the few friends I haven't heard from did the same. The question now is, how fast can the emergency services people react? As of last night, watching the news, I can't say I'm impressed, but I don't know what their protocols are, and it may be they're being highly efficient in areas I just don't see yet. In areas I know a little about -- what the governor called the "engineering nightmare" of reinforcing the levees -- I'm impressed with the creativity and courage of the people doing the work, but wonder why there doesn't seem to have been a contingency plan for this.

But of course, it's the man standing with his arm around his grandchildren, telling the reporter how he tried and tried but couldn't keep hold of his wife's hand in the flood waters, who breaks my heart.