The Calm Before the Storm

Quick update on Shelley and the boys.

They decided yesterday to check out this morning and drive back a day earlier than originally planned. When checking out this morning, a sign in the office indicated that officials had ordered a tourist evacuation of Destin ahead of Hurricane Dennis, (currently a Category 4 hurricane SSW of the Florida Keys).

Shelley and the boys went to the Taj to say goodbye, and were awed by how still the ocean was, with waves no bigger than you would see on a lake. This was especially striking after two days of rough water following Tropical Storm Cindy. They were equal parts glad to be going home and sad at missing being in such calm water on such a sunny, beautiful day.

As they left around 10:15am, they discovered that all gas stations on the island were either closed and boarded up, or had lines that were 25 or more cars deep to get the remaining gas. They crossed the mid-bay bridge into Niceville, and found a gas line with only about 12 cars in it. After waiting for 35 minutes, they ran out of Premium, the only type of gas that was left when Shelley got in line. Driving off, they found a gas station (with only Premium gas left) at I-10, and got the half tank of gas needed for a full tank.

While in line at the gas station they noticed that clouds had started making their way into the sky overhead, and Shelley and Jamie both got a case of the heebie-jeebies realizing they were in the literal "calm before the storm".

They are on Interstate Highway 10 now, heading West without any difficulties or heavy traffic. I expect them to be home around 10 or 11pm tonight.

Our prayers go out to those who must stay behind and face the wrath of this horrible storm.

UPDATE: 3:00pm, Friday - Shelley is in Biloxi, Mississippi. Traffic was heavy around Mobile, Alabama but has tapered off the further west they go. Gas stations are open and have regular gas.