If I remember correctly, the storm came on a Thursday and I left Michigan the following morning for a straight through drive. While driving south of Birmingham, the traffic was scarce and gas stations and rest areas were closed due to the lack of power. The rest areas were blocked off but those in need of sleep drove around the barriers and parked wherever. This what I did for a couple of hours and when I woke up there were emergency crews all around as well as volunteer groups waiting for their directions.

It was now Saturday morning and my fuel was running low. I was getting nervous so I cut my speed down to 50 and nursed what little I had. Fortunately, I noticed one station that had emergency vehicles around it so I stopped and hoped I could get some fuel. Yes, this station had a generator and the pumps were running so I filled up.

As I drove farther down I-65, you could see the storm path as major tress were toppled on top of one another and this was almost 50 miles from SC. Now, I was concerned. What does my RV lot and building look like and could I even get into the Cove?

When I came across the bridge from Florida (Perdido Bay) the stop light at 99 and 98 was down and the roadway was under water but traffic was flowing slowly. The gas station was open but they had no power to run the pumps or the lights inside. Kind of an eerie feeling as no one was about

As I pulled onto Buena Vista the road was blocked by fallen trees, however someone had taken a chain saw and cut their way through. As I drove further, I thought that I may have to get out and walk, but luck was with me as the individual that had made the path was my next store neighbor.

When I arrived at my lot, it was full of tree limbs and aluminum skirting from other homes. My next store neighbor had two trees across his RV and there were only four neighbors on my street. Some of them were without food or a means for refrigeration. Several had no one to look out for them and they were unable to leave. One other was on a breathing machine with no power. So, we came up with a generator.

We lived this way up until the following Tuesday when the Red Cross came in with hot meals. During this time we also got MRE’s and ice from the Fire Department manned by the National Guard. I also was able to get to Foley and the Walmart was open for limited business and I purchased some cooking utensils for the coleman stove and an air mattress for sleeping in my shed. During the day we cleaned up as best as we could and helped others get their homes secured. There was no hot water so cold showers were in order.

For those of you who have not experienced this take what you can from this dialog and make sure you can contact somebody at the Cove in the event this happens again. Security is not the answer as they can’t patrol in this situation. A site such as this one is the answer.

Sorry, to drag this out but this was an experience that sticks in my mind when folks talk about the victims of Katrina. No way did I have to endure what they must have gone through and it continues even today. Your neighbors are your first line of defense so be nice and help when you can. Especially, the elderly because I am now past the 70 mark.

Thanks!