Cattle wrangling on the bayou
Posted: Monday, September 26 at 09:35 pm CT by Bob Sullivan
SOUTH OF SWEET LAKE, La. -- Broadway plays keeps their energy by methodically adding characters to the stage; married couple, interrupted by a neighbor, who's interrupted by the garbage collector seeking financial advice, and so on.
Cowboys try to raise a collapsed cow from the road after they had been herded north over the Gibbstown Bridge (background) just south of Sweet Water, La. Monday. (Andrew Locke / MSNBC.com)
The scene at Gibbstown Bridge over the Intercoastal Waterway, about 10 miles north of the Gulf Coast, had that kind of comic absurdity -- albeit with a tragic bent.
The drive down towards Cameron, La., is progressively brutal; the roads are passable, but the downed trees are piled high, and eventually we are driving over dead power lines. Finally, there's a military checkpoint; no one goes in without registering.
Suddenly, as we're approaching the Gibbstown Bridge, we are stopped. We walk up the line of news vehicles, cops and farm rigs. There's even a monster truck with 10-foot wheels sitting on a trailer, presumably ready for rescue missions.
A monster truck, presumably to be employed as a rescue vehicle sits parked as soldiers of the 82nd airborne division from Fort Bragg, N.C. rest with their adopted Labrador retriever on the road just south of Sweet Water, La. Monday afternoon. (Andrew Locke / MSNBC.com)
Holding up the traffic is a small fleet of pickup trucks unloading portable stock gates across the road. The sound of scampering cowboy boots on pavement clicks through the air. We're about to see a free rodeo. A herd of cattle is about to be wrangled over the mile-long bridge.
Frightened cows scattered everywhere during the storm. At the moment, they are wild animals, homeless and dangerous, we're warned. Cowboys herd them up over the bridge and down toward the temporary corral, which guides them into a corner, and then eventually into a cattle car.
Most cooperate, but one calf panics and starts running away, back towards the bridge. She then makes a left into the bayou, steps into deep water, and collapses.
Another angry cow takes off and gets further away, running under the bridge. A man pulling a swamp boat on a trailer has another idea; he launches the boat, which the rancher quickly commandeers to chase and rope the cow.
By now, the spectacle has attracted several cameras and reporters.
"It's a press conference for cows," says one man.
And just then, right when the herd had been mostly controlled, the cavalry arrives. Actually, it was a contingent from the 82nd Airborne division. On foot. With a dog.
They had walked in, about two miles from Sweet Lake. Their maroon berets cut quite a contrast with the cowboy hats. They're annoyed they had to walk.
Why are you here? We ask.
"General (Russel) Honore, (in charge of relief efforts) told us, 'Not one cow dies on my watch,' " one tells us.
Gen. Russel Honore right, gives cowboy Cotton Herbert, of nearby Lake Charles, a business card. (Andrew Locke / MSNBC.com)
A few minutes later, just as they drop their backpacks, a spiffy new Unimog appears in the distance. There are orders to clear the road. It is, in fact, Gen. Honore, apparently here to make sure the cattle wrangling goes well.
Honore hops out of the truck, cigar in mouth, and talks to the oldest cowboy nearby, Cotton Herbert of nearby Lake Charles.
He hands the man a business card; they shake hands.
"He told me that if we have any cattle we can't get to, to call this number, and they have a helicopter fly in and drop them a bale of hay," Cotton tells me. "He's a hell of a nice man."
And as the general leaves, the press conference dissipates. The road clears and we head gingerly over the Gibbstown Bridge. I'm not sure anything prepared us for what we'd see there -- peeking over the crest of the mile-long structure, we get our first glimpse of Rita's real destruction. The world before us is turned into a swamp as far as the eye can see. The sight shoots right through me, reminding me of the breath I lost the first time I rounded a corner near Greenwich Village and saw Ground Zero.
Andrew grabs all the gear he can carry and jumps into a swamp boat headed down to Cameron. What he'll see, I'm sure, will be something no one should ever see.
'There's nothing left'
TRACKBACKS
God Bless you guys and bless you in your task ahead.
Hope Gardner, Lexington, SC (Sent Sep 26, 2005 9:51:22 PM)
love the story, it covers the issues that the layman does not expect and yet it is part of the life and affected areas of the region.
There is humor in this, as we watch the residents of the area return will they be as successful as the cattle getting back to where they can feel at home.
Michael Neiman, Santa Rosa, Ca (Sent Sep 26, 2005 10:00:01 PM)
WOW! Not one cow dies on his watch? That is so cool! We showed this story to our son who has Asberger's Disorder (a form of autism) and he was SO HAPPY. He is so very sensitive to the plight of the animals so we do not turn on the television or news due to how upset he becomes to the sadness of lost lives and of the animals especially. He says that animals are helpless and rely on us humans to help them, especially farm animals and domestic cats and dogs. Thank you so much for getting this story Bob, as I too was worried about those cows.
We hope and pray for the survivors and that the people did in fact evacuate and there are no victims within the waters. Also for the cows, we hope that those that cannot be rescued right away due to surrounding flood waters that they have at least found a dry patch so they do not get hoof rot and can get food dropped for them. Also other animals like cats and dogs if they were left behinbd we hope for their safety and rescue.
Great pictures, but the cow, what was wrong was it just exhaustion? We hope, and okay people some of you may think just a silly cow but that was somebody's pet or food source or source of dairy, so it is not "just a cow," but we hope that it will be alright, as well as all of God's creatures. All creatures great and small (and yes this includes humans) the Lord God made them all. We should all find this caring of these cows an inspiration, the heart of these men conducting the rescue are BIG, though they may come from small towns, we have discovered the small towns people have the Biggest Hearts as evidenced by this, and other stories about how they all looked after one another. Bless you all and Assalamu Alaykum (means: peace be upon you).
The Harlow's, San Diego, California (Sent Sep 26, 2005 10:28:52 PM)
Thank you for the pictures and story. We are seeing very little on the news about Cameron and the rest of Southwest Louisiana. I am from Moss Bluff which is north of Lake Charles up Hwy. 171 just across the Calcasieu River and my Dad is still there. He rode out the hurricane in his home and he says that the area around his home is just unbelievable. He has a tree across one end of his home. I wish that we could see pictures of Moss Bluff. It is so hard to be away and not know exactly what the condition of our home and community is. Thank you again and God bless!
Sherrie Winkles, Moss Bluff, Louisiana (Sent Sep 26, 2005 10:32:30 PM)
What a great story! Thank you so much for sharing. I am still laughing at the "...press conference for cows..." Those cowboys have a challenging job ahead, but it makes for a very interesting story - and a nice break.
Ann, Houston, TX (Sent Sep 26, 2005 10:59:18 PM)
The cow laying in the road was exhuasted and dehydrated. The truck with "10 ft. wheels" is an amphibious vehicle, called a marsh buggy, which is typical of the region. And the cattle stranded in the flooded marsh, need to have hay and water airlifted in or the cattle must be transported out to a pasture where there is hay or grass and fresh water. Ultimately fot the long term it is more practical to evacuate the animals, but in the short term, we may need to airlift food and water in for their survival until evacuation is possible. What a lot of people may not realize about this situation like the people left behind in New Orleans at the convention center is that the disaster area is large(thousands of square miles) and naturally surrounded by a water wilderness area with limited roadways. Then compound this with "high water" and roadways go under and you can't just roll in to transport evacuees to the food and water that is essential for survival. So you need a marsh buggy that allows you to cross dry land or water for search and rescue, because ultimately these animals must be evacuated to dry land, food and fresh water. The area from Sweetwater has only one road in and runs 50 miles westward to the nearest road heading north to high land. The ridges along this 50 mile stretch are called islands, in that they are surrouned by marsh land wilderness and are naturally nearly flooded even if there is no hurricane. These "islands" are cattle country and the logistics of transporting cattle such a great distance with the poisonous snakes and alligators everywhere is going to be a challenge. Ultimately I think we are going to have to wait for the water to go down a little so we can go in with pickup trucks pulling cattle trailers and transport them to high ground.
www.delahoussayes.com
Marcus de la Houssaye, a cajun cowboy
Marcus de la Houssaye (Sent Sep 27, 2005 6:09:30 AM)
What happened to Hackberry??? What happened to Holly Beach??? I haven't seen any reports on these 2 small towns??
Gail LaBove Theriot, Plaquemine, LA (Sent Sep 27, 2005 6:22:03 AM)
Great story. We need more stories like this to let us know that eventually things will be alright instead of the constant barrage of stories about finger pointing, whose gonna pay, etc.
This is something I've been able to smile about for the first time in 4 weeks.
Keep up the good stories.
John T., Sevierville, TN (Sent Sep 27, 2005 7:20:56 AM)
My whole family is in that end of the world (and now that you are down there I think you might agree - its the end of the world :)). My aunt and uncle lost their house in Cameron, and most of my cousins and other remote family live in the Cameron, Lake Charles, Carlyss, and Hackberry areas. I thank you for going in an bringing out what is happening there. Also, glad you had a chance to witness some real cowboys in action. They have been herding cattle in those swamps for as long as I can remember, and now it's especially challenging.
Kirby Little, Orlando Florida (Sent Sep 27, 2005 8:12:05 AM)
I have had much admiration for Gen. Honore since he arrived in NOLA and now even moreso that he cares for cows under his watch as well as people. God bless you, General, and all the men in Louisana and the Gulf region each doing a hero's job
Rita Michalski, Lock Haven, PA (Sent Sep 27, 2005 8:44:40 AM)
Why has Gen. Honore let dogs and other companion animals 'die on his watch'? Why didn't anyone ask him why he said he would use his troops to go into New Orleans with cages and help rescue the pets, and then didn't coordinate a mobilization? Is it $$$$. Farm animals are business. Sadly, pets are not.
Elizabeth, Richmond, VA (Sent Sep 27, 2005 8:58:20 AM)
Gen. Honore for Governor!!!
Soop, Lake Charles, LA (Sent Sep 27, 2005 9:00:30 AM)
How about a little news for Welsh & Jennings La. They are located just east of Lake Charles on I-10 about 30 miles. I am sure that they must of been hit hard also.
Doug Rhoads, Eudora Kansas (Sent Sep 27, 2005 10:21:40 AM)
Marcus, THANK you for the info about the cow. Seems silly we know, but our son was so worried about it, as was I too. At least it got rescued, onto higher ground so will be fine. We were wondered if it had hurt legs or something. Thank you Bob and Andrew for posting this, the story truly is inspirationsal. We are also sure that Gen. Honore is not letting cats and dogs go unrescued (though clarification would be wonderful to ease the fears to those who think he is not helping anything other than cows). Thank you and be safe. Our prayers with all of you survivors, may you build stronger and better, and maybe relocate to higher ground a possibility? Hugs and prayers for you all.
The Harlow's, San Diego, California (Sent Sep 27, 2005 10:59:18 AM)
I just want my utilities back! I am separated from my children as they are staying with grandparents and I am staying with friends so I can go to work each day. Everyone is safe we are just not all together and its hard. I have heard that utilities will be on anywhere from one week to nine weeks. Which also effects the school year. I am a native Texan who made it thru Alicia, but this is the worst since I have my own family to deal with. My whole world has been turned upside down, but we are blessed with no damage to our home, property yes, displaced yes but no damage or loss of life. We count our blessings.
JEM (Sent Sep 27, 2005 11:37:55 AM)
I just LOVE that Gen Honore! I have to give him a GREAT BIG HOOAH!! (That's Army talk for all you civilians out there ;-) And I love you guys too for bringing us these great stories. Bless you!
Theresa Mack, Germantown, MD (Sent Sep 27, 2005 1:49:53 PM)
Gen. Honore is a man I want to be in charge of FEMA, he knows how to get the job done with compassion for those in need, including the animals. Thanks for reporting and enduring the hardships with our neighbors in these horrible conditions. They are hard hit and soon the Holidays will be approaching, with yet another blow -how will they celebrate? What will these cities do for these residents in these hard hit areas for the holidays ,let alone for each day that adds up to them? What will states do that have taken in the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita for the hollidays? It will take many months to get them on their feet and many days to get them back to work. Please, don't let these people be forgotten. Keep reporting in these hard hit areas.
Eva Perpruner, Charleston, SC (Sent Sep 27, 2005 3:46:49 PM)
It's great that you have shown pics of Galveston/Houston area's. But some of us have families in places like Orange, Vidor and Bridge City, TX, which as I understand received quite a bit of damage. I would like to see how bad these towns are, my sister has a tree in her living room, one brother completely lost his home and another brother had a tree to come down on his house. But of the three the latter brother had the least amount of damage.
C. Smith (Sent Sep 27, 2005 4:47:57 PM)
i think general honore is a great cajun and a nice guy. i pictured blackhawk helicopters pulling up three cows at a time (like the sandbags for the levees) and landing them on navy ships or the locals in pirouges taking one cow each... lol. i am glad animals are being rescued. i trust him to care about all species. i'd vote him for a high office.:)
s dragon, crescent city , calif. (Sent Sep 27, 2005 4:48:13 PM)
WOW WHAT A GREAT STORY! I COME FROM A RANCHING BACKGROUND AND ITS GREAT TO KNOW THAT THE RANCHERS WERE LOOKED AFTER! GOD BLESS!
ND LONGMONT CO (Sent Sep 27, 2005 6:12:24 PM)
I'm too glad to see the cows are being taken care of. I'm certain that even Noah's Wish wouldn't be able to care for all those displaced ranch animals. Are there any horses in the Bayu?
I am with your son, Harlow Family; I sometimes feel like I have more empathy for the animals than people - only because an animal will never be able to care for itself in a manner like people. I've worked as a nurse's aide, and now work in an animal shelter, and I can tell you - my heart bleeds for all of the victims. I would love to be able to do down and help you; the small change I send to disaster relief doesn't seem like it will ever be enough.
Stephanie, Standish, ME (Sent Sep 27, 2005 7:59:51 PM)
General Honore is a TRUE hero. I also feel so much pain when thinking about the plight of the animals in these disasters. Yes, I feel for the human survivors but the animals had no choice in this matter. When I hear about these animal deaths (including cows) I am very deeply saddened. These animals rely on us for survival and are so very helpless. How anyone could only think of themselves and leave any animal behind is completely beyound me. I have donated to the animal associations but I know that isn't enough. The rest of the government needs to follow this General's determination and provide aid to help all of God's creatures. God bless General Honore.
Tristine, Hudson, FL (Sent Sep 28, 2005 7:20:50 AM)
It is wonderful to see something positive come out of such tragedy. We know individuals who have given many hours to drive into the hurricane striken areas to help by donating their time and talents. They give up their cool homes and family time to give of themselves to others in need. Please continue with these wonderful stories of hope. The world needs to know how America works together,one step at a time, to overcome tragedy. Few examples are greater than the American cowboy and his patient attitude with animals. God bless all those involoved in this horrible disaster. Keep up the good work!
Julie W. George West, TX (Sent Sep 28, 2005 7:46:53 AM)
Well, I find it rather disconcerting that cattle are getting special treatment when I haven't heard anything about General Honore trying to help the confused, scared pets in New Orleans and other disaster areas. I hope that he is trying to help them and we just haven't heard it reported yet. I would much rather see another beloved "Miss Kitty" rescued than a beef cattle which, let's face it, will ultimately just be killed and eaten anyway.
Monica, Washington (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:23:01 AM)
I am so pleased to read about people trying to save the cows. What a lot of people don't think about is that how we treat our animals, whether wild or domestic, paints a picture of us. It is even more than livelihood or economics or the love we have for a particular animal. It shows what we as a people are. If we cannot reach out to help them we are dead on the inside even if we survived the hurricane. Thanks so much, for the story and to those people.
Jan Ramey Sunset Valley Texas (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:38:14 AM)
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