Day three Grand Isle

You don't have to travel far to see the oil here in Grand Isle. All you have to do is walk along a pier or walk by the water. It's hard to believe that it's going to get worse - but there is a rumour going around that there is a 16 mile plume that is heading here - could be here tonight or tomorrow. After only three days here I feel like I am becomming a Louisianian - I am becomming resigned to the next crisis - knowing that really nothing effectual is being done.
I did talk with a rep from the Fisheries and wildlife today - Terry (also talked to Tim and Steve). I asked them about the lack of presence from rescuers on Bird Island. They explained that they have to be very careful about how they go about saving the oiled birds. If they go on the island they will scare the birds - who may fly off and thus there may be more birds oiled. I have to be optimistic and believe that Terry is here to help and will do the right thing and that he cares. But then I think about the birds I saw and it just all seems so confusing. Who do you believe?
I tried to speak to the PR rep from BP - he is my "Roger" (i.e. Roger and Me - Michael Moore) - he is very elusive.
I then went out to Port Fouchon - this is where all the oil companies are located. I found Haliburton - but was asked to leave. I expained that I was not a reported - that I just wanted to talk to some people about the impact that this is having on the oil workers. But again I was asked to leave.
It is really hard to understand why people do not want to talk. What is there to hide at this point?
I met some locals - Mary (wife of my friend Dave the shrimper) found my by a peir and invited me over for a beer. She also gave me a tour of the area via golf cart. I asked her what they are planning on doing when (not if) they have to evacuate. She really does not know what they will do. Mary is expecting her first grand-child so we talked about the legacy that we are leaving to new generations. Hard to believe - but her granddaughter may never experience swimming in the gulf. She will never know the culture of her Louisianian grandparents, great grandparents etc. etc.

The people I have met here are so gracious. It's hard to imagine them having to relocate. I ask everyone what will they do - and they just don't have any answers.

We watched the President tonight - blah blah blah.... the overall impression he left here in Grand Isle was more promises and no action.

I'm standing by to head up in the helicopter - going out on the water again tomorrow.