tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post8951585643099646161..comments2024-03-24T00:09:55.586-05:00Comments on The Field Lab: a monday matinee...John Wellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12783305402239706779noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-65654054201694431712017-07-19T14:36:25.441-05:002017-07-19T14:36:25.441-05:00I guess I'm a little surprised that the Land c...I guess I'm a little surprised that the Land company would repair any road that serves those who won't pay for it.. <br /><br />Those gaping holes .. are going to require an expensive piece of equipment and some paid operators to fix... If I were the land company .. I'd show up and say: "it's going to cost a few hundred dollars to get a backhoe and an operator out here for a few hours.. how about helping to pay for it"? <br /><br />Someone in the land company is paying to send the equipment and operators out there.. right?<br /><br />Larry Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02282254026681944326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-49864336516145307212017-07-18T22:18:52.647-05:002017-07-18T22:18:52.647-05:00John, thanks for the warnings. When it snow, I wil...John, thanks for the warnings. When it snow, I will stick to 118 or not visit.Margery Billdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05589667608391862832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-22193259637534971242017-07-18T22:13:51.353-05:002017-07-18T22:13:51.353-05:00Lin, maybe. With ours here in TX, a different one,...Lin, maybe. With ours here in TX, a different one, a lady in charge stole $89,000 before being caught. But right after that she had a car crash and died.Margery Billdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05589667608391862832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-38421236042688516242017-07-18T22:08:20.977-05:002017-07-18T22:08:20.977-05:00I second John's comment on the roads. I've...I second John's comment on the roads. I've made peace with it and have even come to appreciate my big nasty hill and swampy road - means less people unlike other areas of the ranch. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07910724279533486298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-67091945310000712842017-07-18T22:04:46.214-05:002017-07-18T22:04:46.214-05:00That would be eminent domain Larry.That would be eminent domain Larry.Margery Billdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05589667608391862832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-56786654029826685552017-07-18T21:58:39.682-05:002017-07-18T21:58:39.682-05:00Me Notu: Here is my 10 year "experience with...Me Notu: Here is my 10 year "experience with these roads". The one thing I really hate the most out here is tourists tearing up the road when they have no business being out here in the rain. It's all fun and games for those coming and going, plowing through in their 4WD vehicles - but I live here full time and have to put up with the aftermath. When you come out to your property, keep an eye on the weather and have respect for it and me. FYI - I have been swamped in for as long as six days after a storm - rain out here can be devastating to the road. Here is a subtle warning...If you ever get stuck out here unprepared, I won't be very inclined to lend assistance when having been warned, you should have known better. John Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12783305402239706779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-39058534803099761572017-07-18T21:58:19.252-05:002017-07-18T21:58:19.252-05:00Very in depth information. Thank you. I flashed o...Very in depth information. Thank you. I flashed on the meaning later last night. And thought, of course, owners association, probably the most nefarious "government" body/ form alive today. I wish you and your like minded peers success. No doubt it will be hard won. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09421210304278238468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-4566409832621989682017-07-18T20:52:05.787-05:002017-07-18T20:52:05.787-05:00Wow I wish I'd had a drone when I had 2 miles ...Wow I wish I'd had a drone when I had 2 miles of pasture road between me and the hard pavement. Very very cool. Not to mention the wonderful views you've got there. JudithKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00624192907254384403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-44367432163877393432017-07-18T19:45:53.495-05:002017-07-18T19:45:53.495-05:00Thanks John. I'll plan accordingly.Thanks John. I'll plan accordingly. Francohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09022493910514526698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-45715617055520217052017-07-18T19:45:10.373-05:002017-07-18T19:45:10.373-05:00I've found that when you get caught in the rai...I've found that when you get caught in the rain on this road it's best to to either get through as soon was and safely as possible or stop at a flat area and wait for it to pass. It's like driving on ice when it's pouring and within minutes after the rain stops it's muddy, but passable. Of course, the best option is plan ahead so you're not caught in it and the have to test up the road. That's my very limited experience with these roads. Francohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09022493910514526698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-51978804453814544402017-07-18T16:56:40.961-05:002017-07-18T16:56:40.961-05:00Me Notu: Big Bend Telephone will only provide ser...Me Notu: Big Bend Telephone will only provide service if you have a permanent structure and grid power or an alternative in place. The alternative energy system must operable full time and be able to handle a standard commercial grade 110 volt, 15 amp AC circuit at the service location . The alternative power must be installed in such a manner as to meet all applicable federal,state, and local codes for installations of the specific equipment type. If you have line of sight to the tower on 9 Point Mesa or the new tower at the highway, they will not run the line to you but will provide you with a dish to get phone and internet. If installation requires them to run a hard line it will take at least 3 months once you get on the waiting list before they begin the work.John Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12783305402239706779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-26849388331839430722017-07-18T16:21:35.271-05:002017-07-18T16:21:35.271-05:00I am actually quite happy with my road as is - if ...I am actually quite happy with my road as is - if it was all weather, there would be more neighbors out here. The current grader operator actually does a pretty good job on the roads. John Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12783305402239706779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-90193667673105439032017-07-18T16:10:19.514-05:002017-07-18T16:10:19.514-05:00At a cost of 2-3 mil for 1 mile of 2 lane road it ...At a cost of 2-3 mil for 1 mile of 2 lane road it is safe to say what you have is all you ever will have. Unless you can convince the DOD or Homeland Sec to put an installation at the far end of it. Then you will get the finest road money can buy.Dalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00931051133262635879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-34689129762393778652017-07-18T15:26:40.853-05:002017-07-18T15:26:40.853-05:00John's drone film also vividly shows the great...John's drone film also vividly shows the great number of detours made in this relatively short section of road. <br /><br />POATRI policy is to simply cut in a fresh bypass road - when the existing road becomes non repairable or a part of the land drainage system. The latter problem happens quite often - because the graders keep making the roadbed lower than the surrounding terrain - creating new dry creek beds - when it rains and they flood. Also notice that the original road went straight over the large hill near - near Highway 118 - which was abandoned and a new bypass road was constructed around this hill. This hill has a lot of Bentonite clay which proved to be unmaintainable - and extremely slick to drive on. When wet - there was no traction trying to go uphill - nor any braking - when going downhill. <br /><br />And because of the standing water on the roads - it should be obvious that POATRI does not utilize roadside drainage ditches nor road culverts to keep roads from flooding. <br /><br />Like John Wells warns all - it is best to stay off these roads until they dry out a few days. I once stuck my 4x4 diesel pickup truck - and it took many miles of walking just to find a telephone to call for help. Then it eventually took two wreckers to do the job - and a great many dollars. These are not all weather roads - they are traps for your car or truck - WHEN IT RAINS!Ronald Mahanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14212335044689143408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-13787745147897219472017-07-18T15:20:34.916-05:002017-07-18T15:20:34.916-05:00for new construction - the state determines where ...for new construction - the state determines where the road will go..they determine what terrain conditions are acceptable- first and then takes the land (with "just" compensation).<br /><br /><br />for existing roads (which may not meet state standards) to be accepted into the state system - they typically require the current owner to bring it up to state standards at their cost. first and usually don't pay for it, just accept it.<br /><br />In some States the state might help by matching the owners costs.<br /><br />but again - most all of us benefit from the State doing this- even those that live "off-grid"! We just take them for granted. Just imagine if folks could choose not to pay fuel taxes!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Larry Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02282254026681944326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-21917997986791470862017-07-18T15:06:04.199-05:002017-07-18T15:06:04.199-05:00Most roads have to meet minimal standards of the s...Most roads have to meet minimal standards of the state or county before they will accept the right of way. Things like a proper elevation, dome, cliche and drainage. The graded paths out there would not qualify but are better than nothing at all.Dalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00931051133262635879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-76785008792823955692017-07-18T14:41:29.973-05:002017-07-18T14:41:29.973-05:00Great Video John!
I like how Ben looked up when he...Great Video John!<br />I like how Ben looked up when he heard the drone of the drone. Awesome view of everything and big time distance range. You could probably fly it over and check out my place.<br />Well Done My Friend!Off Grid Researchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09929571507373542943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-17129247856037724752017-07-18T14:34:33.959-05:002017-07-18T14:34:33.959-05:00I dunno about tolls but folks should recognize tha...I dunno about tolls but folks should recognize that every foot of Tx 118 used to be private property and the State forced them to sell it .. so others would have a road they could use.<br /><br />All our public roads were obtained that way - i.e. taking private property from others - whether they wanted to sell or not.. <br /><br />Private roads are basically some agreement between the owner and the users of it... <br /><br />typically if there is no agreement - then no right to use what others own - unless folks<br />go running to the govt to make them... <br /><br />we all take for granted our use of public roads... we assume it is a "right"... and it is but few of us recognize that that "right" was provided to us by the govt taking land from others so we would have that right.<br /><br />Larry Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02282254026681944326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-51691078456630714512017-07-18T14:28:21.490-05:002017-07-18T14:28:21.490-05:00Trump can help by making them all toll roads lolTrump can help by making them all toll roads lolDalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00931051133262635879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-67201924338020719892017-07-18T12:13:03.720-05:002017-07-18T12:13:03.720-05:00Hi John,
Nice video and it's nice to get a per...Hi John,<br />Nice video and it's nice to get a perspective of the road in after the rain. I own the property .5 mile south of you below Sal's property and hadn't made it out there since April, so this was nice to see. If you ever get a chance to run your drone down the Lavaca Rd, I'd sure love to see the video. What do you think the odds are of Big Bend Telephone running a phone line to my property? Francohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09022493910514526698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-33200661099316325032017-07-18T11:19:25.789-05:002017-07-18T11:19:25.789-05:00WhyR: POATRI is a lost cause and best left to jus...WhyR: POATRI is a lost cause and best left to just being ignored. The local real estate interests pretty much control who runs for and gets elected to the board of directors. Funny thing is - every couple of years, someone gets their panties in a knot and there is a coup at the ranch resulting in the ousting of the manager and any number of employees. A bunch of amateurs vying for control of a useless organization. John Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12783305402239706779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-83448286408226648782017-07-18T10:57:40.649-05:002017-07-18T10:57:40.649-05:00Wonderful use of that drone. I was fascinated by ...Wonderful use of that drone. I was fascinated by the washes and the spots of runoff.Magehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17333086721654817750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-3665158070106763182017-07-18T10:30:31.764-05:002017-07-18T10:30:31.764-05:00No taxation without representation- boy, that goes...No taxation without representation- boy, that goes back a long way.<br />How do people get appointed, or elected, to POATRI? Is there any turnover (regular elections, etc)? Can smaller landowners, who must exist in greater numbers, unite to install more favorable representation?WhyRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12046543188384740257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-72807934353046781892017-07-18T09:36:07.661-05:002017-07-18T09:36:07.661-05:00Lin Weichold" asked:
1. What does POATR...Lin Weichold" asked: <br /><br />1. What does POATRI stand for?" <br /><br />The answer: <br /><br />P - Property<br />O -Owners<br />A - Association<br />T - Teringua <br />R - Ranch<br />I - Incorporated<br /><br />2. "And do any of the smaller property landowners have legal challenges pending re flat fee?"<br /><br />The answer:<br /><br />Property owners have sued POATRI twice on the illegal approval of our POATRI fees! <br /><br />The first lawsuit failed because the plaintiffs ran out of funds to continue the expensive litigation involved. To be more specific - our pro-bono lawyer decided to side with POARI - so we had to fire him - and to non-suit our first legal challenge.<br /><br /> The second lawsuit failed because the Brewster County Judge ruled the property owner plaintiff did not "Have Proper Legal Standing" - to sue POATRI. Currently there are no lawsuits pending. <br /><br /> We would welcome help to sue the POATRI Board - that takes care of their wealthy friends (i.e real estate companies) by shifting the road maintenance fee burden onto the backs of the smaller property owners. POATRI is well aware that they may be subject to future lawsuits on the legality of their FEES - and has quit trying to take property because of failure to pay the illegal fee. They know what that NO SAY - NO PAY sign means.Ronald Mahanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14212335044689143408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120586935905234915.post-85068956229362192032017-07-18T07:09:52.688-05:002017-07-18T07:09:52.688-05:00Government up front and personal. Most basic need...Government up front and personal. Most basic need in society. Roads and how to pay for them. Rest of us in more population dense areas dont have to think about this issue. Take it for granted there is going to be a road when we need it, someone else will build it, maintain it, and only grumble about net paycheck size.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09421210304278238468noreply@blogger.com