2011 Hurricane Season is in full swing now and the first threat of the year is upon us. The past few years have been really calm and we have only been brushed by the outer squalls of a couple of storms. Irene is the first one that has actually been headed our way in some time. We are currently only on the far left side of the cone of uncertainty, but we still can expect some rain, gusty winds and rough seas starting about Wednesday.
What does this mean to a Rumstyler? It is time to mix up a batch of Hurricane Bob and get together with all my Key West nautical friends and drink in defiance to Irene on the dock to drive her away from out island. This has been our tradition for the past 5 years and it has worked very well to drive the evil hurricane forces away. Wednesday about 7:00pm it is on, us against the hurricane on the docks.
Yes we will really party on in the face of a hurricane, but only after all of the preparation around the marina is completed. The loose items secured, things that will be damaged in storm surges put on higher ground, lines secured on the boats, and all the other preparation that means minimal damage should the storm make it here. That being said and done, the best part of a hurricane approach, "The Hurricane Party". This is a tradition in Key West, there are always several bars open through these storms and we will be partying on the docks and on the boat til it is over.
If you are in the path of the storm, your preparation is the most important thing you can do, make sure you have all of the essentials for survival without water, electricity, or phone service. There is a guide for preparation at
http://www.ready.gov/ and following these suggestions might be the difference between survival and not.
When you are ready for the storm it is time to party, so make the best of it, keep an eye on the sky's and above all be safe. ;o)
