Saturday, November 07, 2009

Come And Get Us!

Preparations for IDA are now either completed or well under way. Yesterday was a busy day.

We got the cabana almost all battened down. Furniture is up on blocks, plastic furniture placed inside and one of the three windows is now covered with plywood. They would all be done except the battery pack on my portable drill ran out of juice. Will put up the remaining two this morning. I'm not that afraid of flying debris hitting the windows. The windows are aluminum and as anybody who lives here knows, it is impossible to install them leakproof. Don't ask.

On the homefront, plastic furniture has been stowed, plants put in safe places and the boards are waiting to go up on the ocean facing windows. The wind will drive the upcoming rain through every little crack it can find in the windows. Better to have them covered to help deflect as much water as possible.

I was somewhat surprised yesterday to find the grocery store so deserted. No panic. Not many shoppers. Nobody stocking up. I imagine today will be different though. Interestingly, the only area of the store almost depleted of product was the potato chip/snack aisle. Probably all snatched up by tourists as the only portable food source they know!

I think we are in between leading bands of IDA at the moment. Waves are cresting out front at around 5-6 feet but only the foamy surge makes it to shore. I can see a bit of blue appearing on the horizon this morning. A welcome sight. We have a constant wind. Not a breeze but nothing to be concerned about at this point. (until I try to carry large pieces of plywood later!)

The eye of IDA is due to pass us sometime around 1pm tomorrow. I hope so. Most of these storms hit us during the night. I hate not being able to see what is going on.

So, not to worry. We are doing fine and are well prepared for anything that IDA brings our way. Have a nice weekend. I'm sure mine will be interesting!

12 comments:

Steve Cotton said...

Iwill keep you in mind as I battle my own storms at the Los Angeles port -- storms of cruisers.

Anonymous said...

Stay safe Wayne! I'm hoping for the best for you and all the others on the island.

Anonymous said...

Sheesh, Wayne .... I'm watchin' NOAH, and it looks like you've got a wild night a-comin' ..... hope the cats are in and safe ...

Congrats for the preps you've made ... we'll all be pullin' for you ....and take lots of pics....

O Robert

Sue said...

Well, you know the drill. I'm not there to help on our end, so who knows what will end up getting boarded up (or not). As you know, once the strong winds show up, it's almost impossible to do much. I'm not even going to try to call Miguel today to see what he's up to - it's out of my control. Guess I can expect a cancelled flight tomorrow - due to land right when the center is supposed to be over the island. I am just hoping it goes farther east and stays below hurricance status, but Wilma tells me that it is going to be a hurricane, just how strong is anyone's guess. I know you'll be fine, and hope to get there as soon as possible.

Tom said...

Living on the Atlantic seacoast, I'm unfortunately familiar with how fickle Mother Nature can be-some days absolutely beautiful, the next she shows no mercy. Best of luck to you.

Jackie said...

Be safe! Hopefuly Ida won't move back up to hurricane speeds. Isla doesn't need one more thing this year to keep visitors away.

KfromMichigan said...

Posting on a Saturday? Thanks for the update. Are you taking pictures? Thank God this isn't another Wilma!

Andree Healey said...

Keep safe and dry. Look forward to your update next week!

Life's a Beach! said...

Wayne, I'm one of the tourists who cleaned out the snack aisle. I think I'll knock over a mini-mart on the way back to the Rocamar!

IslaZina said...

Beck, I'm glad you accepted responsibility for the missing snack foods. Just enjoy them! I'll be cooking rosita beans! That's real comfort food, but I could have joined your for juice and plantain this morning! Next hurricane. Wayne, you got your computer fixed just in time!

Jason said...

This is a great site you have here. I have a new site myself that's going to be a useful source for vacationers. I was wondering if you would like to exchange links and spread some traffic around. Let me know if this is possible.

Jason

Kathy said...

Take care Wayne. Everyone at home (PaaMul) is worried, but calm. If she intensifies, it will only be while passing over you. :) Hold tight!