And....here comes Hurricane Dorian!

[Charlotte Radford]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  Haven't blogged in a while, but with a hurricane in sight, my writer's block has disappeared somewhat.

Hurricane Dorian has Florida in her sights, specifically the east coast of Florida (as everyone knows who isn't on Gilligan's Island).  August and September are normally the most active times, so at least she has her timing down.

Since the governor has declared a state of emergency, everyone is buying tons of water.  Cases and cases of it.  Every store I have entered in the past 2 days has scads of people with baskets filled with cases of water.  I haven't been to the grocery store, but I am willing to bet there isn't any bread on the shelves there, either.  It's so weird to go down the aisle of the store and see nothing but shelving where there were just the day before loaves and loaves of bread.

I've lived in Florida over 30 years and experienced more than one hurricane.  Dorian appears to be one of the strongest yet.  My present marina has new owners and so, while in the past we were allowed to stay on our boats during hurricanes, this time we will have to evacuate due to insurance mandates.  We have friends who live on land, so that's where we will go to have a party.

Because in Florida, when there's a hurricane, there's always a party.  At Christmas, the whole country hates us because of our wonderful weather, but the price of it is sweltering summers and the possibility of a hurricane.  It's a trade off those of us who love this great sailing state accept, but for newcomers, I imagine it's scary when the reality of a cat 3 or 4 hurricane permeates everything.  It's all everyone talks about and the roads are more congested.  In Merritt Island, they will close the bridges if need be, so you have to make sure you keep on top of things if you are leaving.

Boat is safe and secure, and the marina is in a hurricane hole (one of the few left on the east side) so all looks good there.  Thankfully.

Stay safe, Florida east coast, and hunker down.  It looks like it's going to be a bumpy ride this Labor Day.