Phatwater Natchez Gauge this morning is 21.46′, roughly four and a half feet below the level a year ago today.  Projected rains throughout the South and Southeast should keep things stable. Reports of “hundreds of banded water snakes” invading schools, neighborhoods and Popeyes Fried Chicken restaurants throughout the Mississippi River corridor have not been substantiated by Snopes, and Snopes has not been substantiated by anyone.  What has been substantiated is this year’s Phatwater Bowie, seen here in all the glory we could muster for the moment:

It’s a beast of a piece, handcrafted by Terry Vandeventer.  The guard is what Terry refers to as a Shell Pattern, seen here, along with some detail of the spacers:

Close Up Detail of Guard/Spacers

And a ECU of the Shell Pattern

Close Up of Shell Pattern, resembling rattlesnake segments

So as you can see, we’ve been busy getting the point across, in this case, the point being the tip of 15″ of custom Bowie Knife.  It’s valued at $2000 and will be presented to the winner with a beautiful sheath, also made by Mr. Vandeventer.  Once again, the tickets are only $10 apiece and are available now, or when you register.  We only print 500, and all proceeds go to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, so join us in supporting this worthy effort.  Every time I see that word “Effort” I have a vision of “F” Troop and Fort Courage. “F Fort”.  Corporal Agarn, where are you?

We are very busy, with only 23 days before the Phatwater, but if you have questions, we have answers.  An anticipated tour of the Phatwater today has been curtailed due to expected thundershowers, but we hope to make one passage before the show.  I will do my best to keep you  all apprised of any developments and/or Zeuglodon Sightings.

All for now— KB