First update from Xcalak from Tom Biller and Yamira Photos.

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:14 pm

It could have been worse. We were in Chetumal. Electricity was knocked out but they were working on it by noon. We made it back to Xcalak at 4 PM. Needless to say there is no electricity here ether. We are on the generator now. The center made shore just south of Mahaual. Rumor has it the cruse ship pier is gone and the rest of Mahaual is leveled.

Saludos,

Tom and Yamira,

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:49 pm

I had heard that the center made land fall south of Mahaual. But now I see it was just north. The rumors I heard about Mahaual are just that, “rumors”. I might get a chance to get up to Mahaual and El Placer tomorrow. Depends on what happens. Priorities can change quick. I will send more picks anyway.

TB.

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:55 pm

Photo of Military check point at Xcalak turn off

Advanced Member Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 55

Tom!!
So glad you are well and back home!

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/sc/091905hurricanes/im:/070822/481/479e6ee5b65345adb2a1f32e25b172ae;_ylt=AoGkQhGdhSnHNc62XuL1EoXlWMcF

there's a few photos of mahahual here....very few. But Hotel Mahahual looks great.

Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 10:37 pm

tell felipe sanchez if he needs help mike will be down from delaware

Junior Member Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 15

Thanks Tom, its a great relief to see that Xcalak is still on the map. And it looks like Yamira's place held up well.

If you get a chance to work your way up the beach road at all -- reports would be welcome.

Where there any controls driving in? When I come down (should be there Saturday) will I need some sort of proof of residency, ownership etc.

Chris and Anne,

Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 7:12 am

Here is a store in Pedro A. Santos

Senior Member Joined: 22 Oct 2005 Posts: 34 Location: AL

Thanks for the pics.Relief was provided to see no bodies, only cosmetic damage that can be repaired (whenever) and trees will grow back!
Again thanks so much for the updates!

Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:33 am

I just got back from as far as Tierra Maya. Xcalak was spared the worst of the storm. The surge did not come up to high. Most of the damage is from the wind. No structural damage that I could see.
Tom

Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:39 am

That is all good news for XcalaK!
Isn't that the store that sells meat in Pedro A. Santo?
Have anyone seen Cliff?

Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 10:13 am

Thank god it was not so bad as expected and after a massive clean up Xcalak should be fine.

Reagards from Puebla to Xcalak
Heike

If anyone sees Alejandro please give him a hug on my behalf.

Hope Cindy and Murph are fine too.

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 7:50 am

Here are some from the foot of the light house in Mahahual. I was standing ware you would normally turn right to pass the navy installation and then into Mahaual. And one from in Las Casitas looking at the cruse ship complex.
Tom

Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:18 am

Suzanne,
The pics show terrible destriction but as mentioned, Xcalak was spared the worst of Dean. Thats great news!
So glad to know you and the fam are fine. Where are the boats? I saw the pier still standing but all 3 boats have been moved.
Alan and I send many hugs. We think of you guys often and glad to hear that you all are doing well (as far as Dean is concerned.)
xoxo,
melissa

Starting Member Joined: 23 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

I was so relieved to hear that everyone survived and to see that your houses are all still standing! My sister is getting married in Tulum in February. We'll be mentioning the relief website to our friends and family, as well as that generous contribution to donate a percentage of rental income toward the relief effort. How well did the reef survive? I heard there were sea turtles coming to shore in Tulum, but much of the beach had washed away.

Nice to be able to hear the news through this message board!

Dodie