Touching the Ancient One

June 12, 2008

The whole upper Mississippi River Valley and the tributaries that feed it are in great turmoil at this time. Sometimes, situations like this don’t become real until it strikes at something or someone we know. That’s the case here.

Elkader, in northeast Iowa and located on the Turkey River, is right now fighting to survive a record-breaking flood. In a message I just received from Ed Olson, friend, resident, and former Mayor, he briefly outlined the situation.

“Some 100 persons were forced from their homes when the 30.9 ft. high waters came rushing down the center of Elkader (flood stage is about 12 ft.). Some 30 businesses are trying to recover and business in the city is at a standstill.”

The Clayton County Register has pictures of the disaster.
You can see the pictures by clicking here:

Ed Olson is a fellow survivor of the 1954 C-47 crash in Alaska which is the event around which my book Touching the Ancient One is based. One of our several reunions was held in Elkader in 1999. It's a splendid little town.

If anyone would like to contact Ed, send me a note through this site to that affect and I’ll send along your address or phone number. They’re going to need some help.

Rupert