I don't blame them either. I wouldn't invest a dollar into rebuilding in the coastal lowlands down there.
I guess the coastal lifestyle is worth it to some people, but I ain't one of 'em. I'll visit and go home! We get it bad enough all the way up here when one comes in just right and we live about 8 hours from the Gulf, so I have no desire to experience "one up close and personal".
I got to ride the newest saddle this weekend, and I think it's going on ebay. We rode about 5 hours and when I pulled it off, Bob had dry spots on either side of his withers. Plus, when I got him home and gave him a bath, he was VERY touchy over his loins. So it don't look very encouraging. I'll check him out again today to see if he's still ouchy, but it looks like I'm going to have to bite the bullet and buy another Ortho Flex, even if I just get a used one. I've NEVER had a sore back with the one I have.