Earth Experiences #11: Hurricane Milton

Here we go again...

Global climate change—it’s scary stuff, friends. (And yes, it’s real. Vote accordingly.) Here we are, one week after Helene, and Milton is barreling toward us. News stations are saying he’s the biggest, baddest hurricane to hit the Tampa Bay area in over 100 years. The newscasters keep comparing him to Katrina.

And, well, we all know about Katrina.

We’re hunkered down in a hotel room with our sweet pups. Anxious Ruby has found her safe space in a corner of the bathroom. She hasn’t left this spot all day.

A little Trazodone may or may not be involved here.

And sweet Sissy won’t leave my side.

Our hotel is currently housing more dogs than humans—or at least it seems so. When I need a little break from the room, I go down to the lobby to pet wet, nervous dogs and talk to their wet, nervous humans.

I won’t say I’m not among the nervous humans. When the weather people use words like “unprecedented” and “never seen before” and “evacuate or you will die,” one tends to get a little edgy. But we’ve done what we were told by local authorities to do: We left our rig and took shelter in a hotel.

These windows, though, aren’t doing my anxiety any favors.

Luckily, the bathroom is windowless, and Ruby has proven it to be a nice place of rest. I’m guessing we’ll spend some quality time in there as the evening progresses.

I brought my most precious possessions with me: Mom’s rings, Carrie’s ashes, my kids’ pictures, Mom’s photo albums, the book I wrote when I was eight, two packages of Oreos.

We may not have a home by tomorrow, but I think we’ve made our peace with that possibility. We’re insured, and “stuff” can be replaced. It’s not ideal to think about all our possessions being lost to wind and rain, but so many people are in much more dire situations.

Fingers crossed she’ll still be standing tomorrow.

We will survive. (At least we plan to. There’s no bargaining with Milton, though.)

We hope the brand, spanking new Crosstrek Sport makes it, too.

We brought our most expensive bottle of wine to drink tonight. We should all be eating dessert first, shouldn’t we? After all, nothing is guaranteed.

I was supposed to fly out tomorrow to begin my fall kids’ visit—first Portland to see Sam and Mary Claire, then Boulder to visit George. My flight was moved to Friday, but everything right now is a game-time decision. If our little, moveable home is destroyed, I won’t be going anywhere. I’m just grateful my kids are safe where they are. If someone has to be in the path of a Cat 5 hurricane, I’m glad it’s me and not one of them.

Tornados and tornado warnings are now popping up throughout Florida. The rain is steadily increasing, and the winds are picking up. It’s fascinating and terrifying all at once.

It is likely we’ll lose power and mobile service tonight, and we have no idea when it might return. (Good thing I’m a super sweater. I’ll get to exhibit my Super Powers in full force without air conditioning.)

I’m sending this post out a day early, I know, but I wanted to assure you all that we’re safe for now, we’re taking every precaution, and I’ll keep you posted as I am able.

Namaste, friends.

See you on the other side.