Franklin Ranch Road, near Tilden TX

We continue to work as gate guards in the Texas Eagle Ford Shale in south Texas. Our assignments have been somewhat in proximity to Tilden, Texas for the past two years. We've had some breaks in service for rest and relaxation, but gate guarding has been fairly relaxing in and of itself. It's pretty easy work - and it pays well. Our side trips and diversions have been to Port Aransas and Mustang Island to enjoy the Gulf shore, and to San Antonio to visit the Alamo and the Riverwalk.

Currently we are at a site on Franklin Ranch Road, a gravel road running east and west between Highways 16 on the east, and Hwy 97 on the west. Our site is about 38 miles from Jourdanton/Pleasanton, where we get our mail and do our shopping. The area is rural and fairly remote. Nothing around us but ranches and oil wells. At night you can see the flare stacks at other wells looking in every direction. It's like having campers with fires surrounding you in every direction.

We could tell that Annie was in a period of deep funk since the loss of Molly. Recently, Pat had a stroke of luck by coming upon a lady at Wal-Mart (in the parking lot) with three mini-doxie puppies. Pure bred, but no paperwork. Bargain price, but you KNOW there is no such thing as a free dog, or even an inexpensive one. Anyway, Pat was smitten with the smallest of the three and brought her home. Annie has become a changed dog! Of course, there has been a positive effect on Pat and me as well.

We'd like you to meet Gretel.

This is Gretel. She's sleeping now, but when awake she's almost too fast to photograph. Seven weeks old at this time. Already able to climb stairs!

Gretel will not leave Annie alone when she's awake. Mostly, Annie tolerates it.

Pat and Annie trying to get Gretel's attention.

After playing, they both usually crash together.

 At the Alamo in San Antonio

 

Sunrise over the pipeline project.

Trenching machine at work digging the ditch for the pipeline.

Vacuum boom moving sections of pipe.

Every section has to be welded by hand, then x-rayed and approved before burial.

 

We've been present at most every phase of oil well production there is. This is a drill rig punching a hole into the shale. The drill goes down about 8000 feet and then bend horizontal for another 8000 feet. Once you learn what they are doing the process becomes mind-boggling.

Control cabin for the drill rig. We got guided tours of the drilling operation. Very interesting. Cost of the drilling operation can vary depending on a lot of factors, but 5 to 10 million dollars are the numbers that were thrown at us. Just one drill bit is about $50,000. Consider each tank truck of crude oil is worth about $18,000. Do your own math, but you can see that having an oil well is not a get rich quick scheme. It takes time.

That's it for today. Let us hear from you.