When Rita was just a category 1 hurricane, I wasn't sure what to do. When it went to category 4, it was time to grab everything valuable, stuff it in the truck, and drive to my parents' place in NE Texas.
What was normally a 6 hour trip took 22 hours. Even worse, the last 3-4 hours were reasonable to drive. So, normal 3 hour drive took about 18 hours. Not fun. And if this was a reasonably orderly evacuation, I would hate to see a chaotic one.
Now, I'll wait and see if I have an apartment to go back to. Not the end of the world if I don't, but not good. And I live on the 5th floor of a reasonably solid apartment, so a 20 foot storm surge won't bother me. 175 mph winds on the other hand...
The Anarchangel remembers Galveston in song, and Captain of Smoke on the Water is trying to get away. And Paul at Right Side of the Rainbow is staying in Houston.
Time to sleep. Posting is going to be spotty.
Oh yeah. There was one couple on my floor who were planning on staying, when I was leaving. Prayers would be welcome, Darwin Awards may be forthcoming [although when it hit category 5 they may have changed their minds].
Oh yeah #2: The one nice thing that has happened: several friends and family have called, making sure I was all right. I really appreciate it.
Posted by Owlish at September 22, 2005 03:29 PM | TrackBackMan, that drive is long enough under the best of circumstances. Glad you made it to The Small Texas Town (TM) ok.
Glad to hear you took the prudent course. Be safe.
Posted by: Ted at September 23, 2005 04:47 PM