re-posted on BajaNomad 9-15-09 at http://www.bajabushpilots.com

Hurricane Jimena Relief Update - 9/15/2009

Before I give you all a brief update of the on goings of this past weekend I want to take this opportunity to thank ALL who have helped in this effort so far. Although The Baja Bush Pilots as an organization has been one of many to take the lead in helping those in the areas who need it so much, you the members and family & friends of members who come along side us to make our organization efforts come to life, are a huge part of making it all a success. With all our hearts, as echoed by so many people on the receiving end, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

What a weekend! Medical evaluations and evacuations, food and necessity boxes both from Red Cross and the sate dropped off by our helicopter pilots. One Jet Ranger, 3 Robinson 44s, 3 tanker planes, 1 doctor, 1 EMT, one "better than GPS!" guide and lots of support people. They were long, sweaty, dirty and grimmey days for all involved but it was all very much worth it. For those that didn´t get to hear the thanks yous and see the grateful faces, let me tell you, even with all the frustration, sleeplessness, politics and less than great conditions, it´s all worth it and you have to keep remembering that the people there are living it and don´t get to go home after a few days like we do.  

Because of the current need and all the coordinating happening through the BBP, through other organizations and individually we will be opening the members section up to the public for a few weeks. This opens up the board to all for communicating and posting needs and comments.  I have created the email address guest@bajabushpilots.com Non members can use this email and the password "guest". I ask that guests please not change any of the information for that account (like bulletin user name, name, address, password) as that will not allow others to use it. This is just meant to give you access and to be able to post on the board.

Many had a "problem" with filing to GLL (Mulege) as it was closed by NOTAM. Commander Landeros in Loreto has lifted the NOTAM but as it sometimes occurs, it takes time to reach all the people it needs to. We have made the necessary calls and that should no longer be an issue.

Our goal:

We will be going back down on Thursday. We have so many offers for aircraft in the relief effort. Thank you all for that. At this point we ask that any who are able to donate of your time and aircraft check out a nearby drop off location, pick up a load and head South. We hope to have all items at every location picked up and brought down between now and Friday, Thursday being the most ideal day so that we can do one last mass distribution this weekend. Items should be brought to Mulege unless you need more than 2200 ft and if so, head to Loreto. Very important: If you go to Loreto you need to call the office or send us an email giving us your N#, general description of things you will be taking down and when so that we can give the information to customs in Loreto to avoid problems and also, so that we may coordinate with the person in Loreto who has graciously offered to transport the donations to Mulege for us.

Point person in Mulege: Bobby Powers and after Thursday, Jack. In Loreto, unload donations in the old terminal building.