The long weekend is about to start. It’s still unknown as to where and how strong the storm will be when it hits but everything as of this posting points to the lower Keys. Isaac is still not a hurricane yet but will probably briefly become one today before it hits the island of Hispaniola. Then onto Cuba before crossing the 150 miles of water to the Keys.
Right now the storm is moving about 15 mph which, if it continues at that speed, will take 10 hours for the eye to cross from Cuba to here. But, the storm is much larger than just the eye. We’ll be getting some effects from the outer bands later today and tonight. In fact, we are already getting some windy conditions and a few minor rain storms coming through. While these may not be directly associated with Isaac, they are setting the stage.
Small Craft Advisories, which are the governments way of saying, “Keep your ass on land if you know what is good for you.”, will be up soon. Small Craft Warnings, which mean. “You are on your own dumbs.”, will follow tomorrow, or sooner if conditions warrant.
The Fritter seems to be doing fine at the moment. My biggest headache so far has been tying down the halyards so they don’t bang against the mast all the time. At 3:00 am this morning I was out trying to get them secured. The lines bang against the mast making a nice clanging noise that you can hear all over the marina. It’s especially loud inside the cabin.
I would like to make one more run into town for some minor supplies but with the winds and squalls coming in I may not be able to. Hopefully the bus is running.
No evacuation orders have been issued as far as I know. It may be a last minute thing. If anyone is down here with a rv they would be doing themselves a favor by heading north now. Just to be safe and save some time in traffic.
The North Roosevelt construction is shut down until this all passes over. They are taking down all the temporary barricades today. If we get a heavy storm surge it could cause some problems with all the trenches they have dug for pipes. Be very careful if you are travelling around any of them.
I’ll keep posting as things change and start a blow by blow account on Sunday as long as my power and internet hold out. Grab some popcorn and follow along.
Capt. Fritter
Capt Fritter, congrats on your new home and surviving Isaac. I have just caught up on your last week and had a thought about the clanging halyards. Next storm that comes (and I’m not wishing one on you), take an old tee shirt or towel and cut it up and cover the halyards with the material and some duct tape. That should muffle the the noise in your cabin. I really don’t know about boats at all, but from what you described, I hope this would help. I enjoy your adventures and wish you luck in your new marina.
Thanks! I finally got them tied off and quieted down.
C. F.