Meltdown

  We are all in thrall to the fulgid patriarch that boils the summer sky. In Baghdad the sun claims dominion over all, there is no sector of the city that doesn’t bow before its scathing wrath. The sun is utterly pitiless; those foolish enough to shed tears in the blistering onslaught would find the drops evaporating before they hit the ground.
     The heat is manageable, even with body armor. Miserable, but manageable. The sheer force of the sun is another matter entirely. The rays burn down with such force that the palm groves here rain down boiling sap. And manmade structures fare much, much worse. Yesterday our patrol linked up with an armored task force and we fell in line behind some  M1 Abrams tanks. As soon as we settled in behind the tank we noticed it was leaving soot black impressions on the roads as it rolled by. It seemed like some massive stamp pad was leaving a breadcrumb trail of hundreds of jet impressions in perfectly symmetrical lines. It took us less then a minute to realize the superheated asphalt was literally melting the tanks rubber track pads. Boots suffer the same fate, if you stand in place too long you will often find the spongy roads have settled around your soles like so much boiling tar. I’m really starting to miss the rainy season... even if it does mean ankle deep mud. 

Comments

[postales]

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[Ethan]

Heard of you on television somewhere, and decided to check you out. My God, you are an amazing writer. I'll continue reading this truly incredible blog. Best wishes for you and your mates--come home safe.

[cristian]

hi i`m cristian and i `m from chile i love your blog checks these address www.lun.com/internacional//detalle_noticia.asp?cuerpo=701&seccion=803&subseccion=901&idnoticia=C385818920312847 www.fotolog.net/tuerca26 bye mucha suerte

[fromchile]

thunder6, i'm from santiago, chile and i send all my strenth for you and your mates.. although this war doesnt consern us i hope it ends soon so you can be with your fam. plz stay safe and hope to hear about you soon.

[Steve B]

Why do people live in such a place? Not just live, but die for.. even more so.. why do our brothers and sister die for it? Just my first reaction. Sad to say...

[Alida]

Its raining here in North Carolina's mountains. I wish we can send some of this rain your way so it won't be that hot! Its been raing all morning. Thanks for sharing with us your memories of the day to day in Iraq. We respect you and your friends serving. Like I said before we wish we could send some of this rain and fog your way. I won't complain anymore eithier about the Heat Wave...Also the birds have been singing this morning and taking cover from the rain. Its adorable to see those little things in nature. Hope you all can see those beautiful things too. Like really cool sunsets and sunrises! Good Luck!

[Fureshia]

www.lun.com In this place is your notice ;) tautau!!

[Fresia]

hi...i'm from chile and i read you history in a national news [sorry but i don't speak really good the english]... that call my atention and late y find your web side... i let the link to my flog to you let me a message,ok??? this is: http://fotolog.terra.cl/fureshia_san i'll be waiting 4 that i wish you so much luck and i hope God take care of you...you're like an heroe *^-^* ... kisses and hugs to you... ¡¡good luck!! bye bye Fureshia_san paso por aki ^-^

[Chevy Rose]

Sending some moonbeams your way, they seem alittle cooler. Take care and God bless.

[olga]

I second the opinion of Eileen, the first commenter. You write beautifully and create vivid images with your words... 'Melting the tank's rubber track pads' OMG!! And we are whining about 110 degrees here in NYC... Will be sending some cool weather your way Please take care and stay safe

[Eileen]

When you finish over there write a book. You write beautifully. Good luck. stay safe.

[KAT IN GA]

OMG that is AWFUL!!! Very definatley a literal "meltdown!" Guess I won't be complaining aobut the 97-degree, 200% humidity here in GA anymore, ever!!! Yipes!!!

[e1]

"melting the tanks rubber track pads" Jeezus. that's really all i can say. it's stunning mental image. so much for me complaining about 90F and no AC. plz take care.

[soldier's dad]

Soon man, soon; as September rolls on you will begin to see it become less oppressive. Mind you, don't plan to plant the fall peas yet. Living in New Hampshire I'm amazed that human beings have actually chosen to dwell in that part of the world for so many thousands of years. Keep low and God bless.

[membrain]

That is absolutely amazing Thunder6. When does the season start to cool down in Iraq. Stay safe as you can.

[jamie]

Will try to send some cooler weather your way. Do I have to fill out a customs form for that? Hoping you guys get a break from the heat soon, even if just for a moment.