Cheaha not looking good for me...Hillbilly Highway / InZane ?

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've not been home since April 15 and with last weeks tornado damage on top of what damage we already had from the two weeks before it looks like Cheaha is a no go for me    In fact The Hillbilly Highway Run and Inzane are in question. We have over 75 highline 500 KV towers on the ground and I'm not sure if anyone knows how many 161 KV steel poles we have on the ground I've heard over 150. I've been working at Widow's Creek Steam Plant and Brown's Ferry Nuclear Plant both in northern Alabama and also outside of Cleveland, Tennessee. Just so folks know VRCC member T-Bird had severe damage to his home outside of Cleveland . Both he and his wife are fine they was in the basement . They told us today we was looking at up to 5 to 7 months before all our lines will be back in service if that's the case I'll not be making any of the rides    I've not worked less than 15 hours days since the 15th of April and I've had four 30 plus hour ( days ) without a break...Bummer    I need to see my family and take a ride.

[RoadKill]

You are helping your neighbors...paid overtime or not !  Dont let it burn you out ,Joe. You are doing what it takes, and I know you would be out there helpin folks in your time off any how. 

[3fan4life]

I had wondered if all of these storms were causing you alot of work.

Hang in there Joe, you're providing a much needed service.

[Bandit]

Well Joe it looks like I will be seeing you someplace in ALB,going out at the end of the week.   Bandit.

[..]

Hope the rest of the Knoxville lads make Memorial Day.

Keep up the good work 

[Cliff]

...........................
Hang in there Joe, you're providing a much needed service.

+!    A VERY much needed service, many thanks Joe.

[Dubsvalk]

Joe, Hang in there man!  Alabama is out for me too but I'm still planning on going to Franklin and Inzane!  Let me know if you need any help while you are out.
Dubs

[Jabba]

Hey Joe... find out if T-Bird needs anything from us.

I'll be glad to send something his way.

Jabba

[Jess Tolbirt]

do i see another Valk in Joes garage soon?

[flamingobabe #44]

Joe thanks for the update...hope T-bird and family are doing OK....is there anything that the VRCC family can do to help T-Bird?

[G-Man]

Funny thing about working long hours,....you don't get to spend what you make and the money adds up.  After high school I did 5 days as a locksmith and 2 nights driving for the NY times.  I was able to save so much money because I didn't have time to spend it.  I think my wife follows this as well.  Even when she's on vacation, she goes in for a couple of evening shifts and if they need nurses during the day, they know she'll never say no.  So where's all the money   ?

[hubcapsc]

We'll have to call up Joe-on-the-road from some of the after ride parking lot gatherings
at Britman's or the West Virginia ride or wherever and give him a big HOOT!...

-Mike "don't know if it will make him feel better or worse  "

[ChromeDome]

...........................
Hang in there Joe, you're providing a much needed service.

+!    A VERY much needed service, many thanks Joe.

+1 

[ibsrp]

Joe I live in Huntsville, Al and we spent 4 1/2 days without power, just got
it back on Sunday night. Some of the people I work with just got theirs back
on this afternoon.

I thought about you when I first heard of all those towers that were down, knowing
you work for TVA. All I can say is that I felt better about it just knowing you were
probably in the vicinity and helping with the repairs.

I know I speak for all the people of north Alabama when I say we all owe you a great
deal of thanks. I've never met any of the people on this forum and I no longer have
my Valk, but I still read this forum every day and I think the folks on this board are what
really makes this country what it is....great !!!

Thanks for all your hard work. Stay safe and we really appreciate all you have done.

[flatsixlover]

Thanks for doing what needs to be done Joe    I know the hours are long, but you're helping so many people in need.  Let us know if we can help T-Bird in any way.
Hope to share the wind with you in Franklin.