OK boys, how did it go? Thankfully it was very fast moving, we didn't lose power up here in Sebring. How did it go down south? Naples? Miami? The Keys? Rick? Anyone there got an internet connection? The Tampa news said wind was gusting to 104 in Miami...any damage? Best wishes, I hope all are safe.

I just found a new photo from Key West on Fox News. Looks like the flooding is worse than the wind damage in that area.

roh no!

not sloppy joes

I wonder how Hogsbreath did... IIRC its just across the street from SJ's.

Is that Rick Loewen in the first pic? Man, what retirement does for ya.

Rick and Mary,

We hope to hear from you guys soon and that everything came out relatively unscathed in Key Largo. Is that internet satellite still working on the RV?

We are back in the real world, thanks to a small generator I happened to have. (have to refill the gas tank every 20 minutes.
In the Keys we had gusts well over 100. No structural damage but every tree in the area is down.., we now have a water view. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
No power in most of the area, although the Winn Dixie up the street just got their power back.
But, all in all, it was nothing like the folks at Pensacola have suffered the past couple of years.
Our house was like a rock. Despite a few big limbs falling on the roof, is was almost quiet inside.
Our screened in porch was on the lee side of the house, so I sat out their and watched the trees falling. Incredible.
All the boats are fine. The 5.7 that Lance bought from me and had not picked up yet came through just fine. We took the trap wire on each side and tied them to trees and it rode out the storm beautifully.
Not much time.., gotta go fill the gas tank.
Rick

Good to hear it! How are the motels looking for Tradewinds?

West Broward County, city of Davie is FUBAR.

The motels should have no problems once electric is restored.
For the upcoming events, i.e., Wave Week and Nationals, Steeplechase and Tradewinds, we are working on a list of motels where folks can stay.
We will be based out of Gilberts, but they are still up in the air as to whether or not they will be renting rooms.
Meanwhile, Neptunes and Kellys are bought out for condos as well.
A few miles down the road are a number of small hotels. We will be getting that info posted pretty soon.., as soon as we get electric and phone service again.
Rick

I was actually hoping the hurricane would come closer to here so it would be farther away from the Taipan
Thanks for taking care of her and thanks again for everything. I will be down very soon to get her out of your way. I've been an incredibly frustrated sailor this year. It's like having a Ferrari in the garage and not being able to drive it because the garage door is broken. Thanks again for everything you've done, words can't really express.

Hi Lance,
Sooner the better. We have a very sick tree that needs to come down and it will land right on the boat.
We may have to move it around to the other side of the lot. Good thing about taking down a bad tree after a hurricane is you don't have to cut it up in 4' pieces for pickup. Just throw it on the huge pile already there.

We have a small generator that we run every so often to keep the frig stuff cool and use the phone and internet. We still have about 10 gallons of gas left. No power in sight it appears.
I can't understand all the ticked off people in lines for water and ice in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. First of all, why did they not stock up on water and ice, 2nd, Why do they expect the government to give it to them free and get mad when it doesn't get there on time, when all the Publix and Winn Dixies have ice and water, 3rd, why don't they just turn on their tap for water.., it is potable, but they suggest boiling it first, although not necessary.
Guess people are dumber than I thought. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Rick

Rick, et al,

Glad that everyone made it threw this last storm,...they are no fun,.... yes!

..plus, it is the aftermath, that is really the trial,...which, can last months (..or longer)!

However, I watched CNN last nite to hear the same thing Rick commented on.

..like, you do not know enough to have extra water in the house?

...or, extra canned goods on your shelf?

..or, a few jugs of water frozen in the freezer at all times?

..this is like Basic Life 101 you know...,

Do you know what also is in the 'Hurricane' supplies in the islands?

Board games.... yep, no power, lo tech, plenty of time to play.

regards,

Bruce
St. Croix
US Virgin Islands

I couldn't agree with you more - Bonnie and I make more preparations for a two day ice storm than the majority of these people do for a freakin Hurricane.

I also agree, all those people panicking in line are an embarrassment to South Florida, we had more than a week warning, even had to restock and refuel because Wilma was so slow getting here. Some people have no water at all due to lost water mains from trees and even a sky crane falling.
But the goverment said be self sufficient for three days.
I guess sailors know how to do that.
My family and I are good for a while but will be looking for fuel for the generator soon. They said 4 weeks for power to be restored.
Good Luck

Amen to that Brother!!!
After our last hurricane we lost power for a week, the wife and I hit the Board game Aisle at the Toys R Us and stocked up!!

This year I made sure we would not get hit without power.........I bought a generator, The next best thing to Pat Robertson Praying them away

people really don't have any excuse after the 4 hurricanes last year and then Katrina this year. I live near pensacola and before dennis, the grocery stores had stacks upon stacks of bottled water- cheap. Put tupperware with water in it in the freezer for ice and all should be well for a few days. I don't understand how anyone should expect the government to prvide for them all the time- and after Katrina people shouldn't think that they will.

I am going to see if I can get down later this week but I might not be able to get down until a week from Friday. I will contact you before that so I can bring down any other supplies you might need like ice, gas, etc...
Thanks,

I recieved a call from Bret Moss last night on his status in Ft Lauderdale. Power is out in most areas until Nov 22 and the place is really a mess! He had the eyewall over him for much of the time. He and his family are okay and the house is standing. Trees are down everywhere. He's taking a break from chainsawing and is going to ride around a bit today. It could have been worse.

Bob

I see on the Orlando news some people are driving all the way up there from Ft. Lauderdale, to get gas and ice? Instead you could drive up 27 to Lake Placid or Sebring, or up 710 to Okeechobee. You don't have to go all the way to Orlando to find gas and ice.

OR the Keys.
Also, they say gas will be plentiful as soon as the gas stations get some generators. Funny, you would think all gas stations would have emergency backup generators.., geez mine was only a couple hundred dollars at Home Depot. I got it several years ago when I did a seminar in Virginia and there was no power to run run the video and TV for replays of how the students did.
Problem is the very small gas tank -- every 20 minutes for refills. But, that is OK.., keeps me from overworking myself. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Rick