Re: our troubled childhood
Not trying to hijack this thread but on my way in to work this morning there was a horse and buggy parked in the right of way at the State Park about 3 miles from my house. This was in my local paper this a.m.<br /><br />Request drives ferry officials buggy<br /><br />By Nathan Smith <br />The Daily News<br /><br />Published June 11, 2004<br /><br />PORT BOLIVAR The Port Bolivar ferry may have transported thousands to The Zoo over the years, but a trio of pilgrims discovered that the transportation service is strictly off-limits to animals. <br /><br />The three Hare Krsna pilgrims, known as Padayatro, arrived at the Port Bolivar ferry landing after traveling more than 2,000 miles from Pennsylvania on their way to Argentina.<br /><br />The trek has been no small feat, considering the three have made the journey thus far in a horse-drawn wagon. <br /><br />Our journey is a sacrifice we do to glorify God, said Avadhuta Siromani, who is making the arduous journey with his wife and another companion. Most people can appreciate that.<br /><br />The Texas Department of Transportation employees that manage the ferries, however, told the pilgrims they would not be able to travel on the ferry to Galveston because it was illegal to bring unconfined animals or animal-powered vehicles aboard.<br /><br />This is a very rare situation, and I cant recall any other instance like this in 17 years, said ferry operations manager William Mallini. We dont want to cause anyone any inconvenience, but we do try to follow the letter and spirit of the law as closely as possible. Whoever created these rules were very thorough and thought through every potential situation, even this one.<br /><br />Siromani said that the pilgrims had asked Texas Department of Transportation employees at the landing Wednesday night if it would be possible for special arrangements to be made, and that they were told they could be ferried across to Galveston by themselves on a ferry at 9 a.m. Thursday. When they arrived, however, they were told it would be impossible.<br /><br />Mallini said Thursday that the travelers had, in fact, been informed of the law on the previous night.<br /><br />No matter when the problem arose, though, the three were still stuck at the landing by Thursday evening. <br /><br />Our only plan is just to wait for help, said Siromani. We have nothing but what is provided to us through the generosity and charity of others. If the Lord wills it, we will find the way to continue.<br /><br />Just before dinnertime, the pilgrims path was made clear. The Galveston County Sheriffs Office arrived with a borrowed livestock trailer to take the horses and their companions across the bay to the Oleander City.<br /><br />The good thing is that were not in a hurry, said Siromani, smiling. Just getting all the way here from Pennsylvania has been a miracle. If the Lord wants us to get to Argentina, we will arrive there.