New base camp – meet my new friend Iggy!

Changing basecamp locations today. Whahooo!!!! Not.

I have received many questions on living conditions so let me share with you the new living quarters. We are now in Big Pine Key at a former road patrol prison.

Need to use the bathroom?


Definitely not a hotel. No real toilets in sight.

Male and female tents separate the people staying here.


Inside our sleeping quarters.


Good thing I stopped by early so I can claim top bunk.

But upon closer inspection, I found that something has already claimed my space.


So I figured it was a good time to take a picture with my new bunk mate.


I shall name him Iggy.

If there isn’t enough housing for disaster survivors, don’t think you are going to have a nice hotel to stay in or to lounge around. Plain and simple – disaster Survivors are the priority.

So to summarize, those that THINK they are going to be pampered with lush amenities, stay in a hotel, and gain points – this ain’t it. Don’t expect anyone to pamper you or get turn down service. And yes, it’s loud at night.

I’d also recommend that if you can’t stand camping, you are not cut out for disaster response.

I would best associate this disaster’s lodging to extreme camping.

@rusnivek

Turkey thawing temperatures and safe handling techniques #DFT2015

To help thaw my turkey, I just might try this method.

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Maybe I should get some gloves so I don’t cross contaminate everything.

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But seriously, here’s a few tips to help keep your kitchen (and bathroom) clean as you are thawing your birds:

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Keep all dishes, plates, and kitchen utensils clean.
  • Use different platters for the raw and cooked turkey.
  • When thawing turkeys in the fridge, use a try or pan to catch the falling juices that may leak.

That sounds like a ton of stuff to remember.

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Turkeys are more difficult to cook than rabbit

But for those science nerds or mathletes out there, here’s a more pound based calculation for you:

  • To thaw a 4-12 pound turkey, it will take approximately 1-3 days.
  • To thaw a 12-16 pound turkey, it will take approximately 3-4 days.
  • To thaw a 16-20 pound turkey, it will take approximately 4-5 days.
  • To thaw a 20-24 pound turkey, it will take approximately 5-6 days.

Basically, if you have a frozen turkey, over 12 pounds, you are screwed.

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Get thawing! NOW!

@rusnivek