Live from Myrtle Beach at Hurricane Central! We came down to the beach late today to make sure the boat was tied down well enough to weather the impending storms. We have no less than 18 lines holding her down. If anything, we're gonna bring the dock with us if we break free (pictures tomorrow when it's light outside). We're more concerned about boats breaking free and hitting us more than we are about damage from hitting our own slip. The other boats on our dock all appear to be pretty well secured though.
We've been watching the weather channel pretty much non-stop since Tuesday and Myrtle Beach has been in the projected path the whole time. Myrtle Beach is located in Horry County, South Carolina and as of today the SC governor has recommended voluntary evacuations, and all the schools are closed tomorrow. We stopped by Wally World to pick up a few supplies when we got here, and the parking lot was the emptiest we've ever seen it. Bizarre.
I've felt sick to my stomach all day - partially because of the thought of any potential damage to our beloved boat, and partially because we have landed ourselves in the direct path of a hurricane. OK, technically it's *just* a tropical storm but there's not much difference between 65 mph winds and 74 mph winds - which is what makes it a Category 1 Hurricane.
Also on the way down we had to make a stop in Wilmington, NC, and between there and the beach we passed a number of homes and businesses that had boarded up windows. Add that to my sick stomach. It was weird - very much a ghost town feeling. I can't stop thinking about how bad Hurricane Hugo was for us in 1989. I know Hanna is no Hugo - but still.
So how long we stay will really be determined tomorrow, but in all likelihood we're going to stay here and ride out the storm. The real kicker is that we've had a photographer booked for MONTHS to take a family portrait this weekend, and as of right now, we are STILL planning to be able to have that taken. On the beach. Saturday. I KNOW!!!!!!!!!! The absurdity of not cancelling/rescheduling that appointment has become comical at this point. Mother Nature may yet prove me wrong, and I'll eat crow if she does, but I'm just not seeing this portrait session taking place. Oy.
Our 70+ friends George & Betty are down here and they plan to stay through the weekend. We'll see. More updates tomorrow. But as of right now, it's breezy but no more than normal really. It's cloudy but some stars (AND PLANETS) are visible. The water is calm and all's quiet at the marina. Again, more updates tomorrow and pictures of our boat all strapped down and ready for Hanna, and probably for Hurricane Ike, a Cat 4, right on her heels.
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