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Yasi 02 Feb 2011
Up later than usual, just caught breakfast, and out for a walk while we were still allowed. Uploaded a blog, as it will likely be some time before I find Wi-Fi and of course, we will be without electricity for who knows how long. Laid in extra sandwiches, peanut butter and buns, and fruit. Back to the hotel as the cops were clearing the streets. Confined to our room at 13:00.
The waiting was agony. Just stuck in the room, not knowing what to expect. We received a note under our door every couple of hours, with direction and reassurance. Filled the bathtub, glasses and kettle w water.
The wind picked up seriously around 19:00. Just watched the news and TV all night. Lights out at 22:00, about the time things got heavy. The wind and banging woke us at 23:30, and we were prepared to sleep in the bathroom or hallway if the patio door shattered. This passed soon enough, and back to heavy rain and wind. Overall, we managed to get some sleep and felt as secure as we might.
A day and a half before the cyclone hit, we debated renting a car and running South. The problem w that is, by the time you know where it'll actually make land fall, it's too late to move. Turns out South would have been the wrong way to go. Being North of a cyclone is better, as they rotate clock-wise, and South get the worst off the ocean. As it was, the eye shifted from Cairns to 120km South at the last minute.
I can't imagine what it might have been like 100 yrs ago. There truly is a calm before a storm, then the wind picks up, and in a couple of hours, your house is gone.
Up at 5 and sent off an email that all is good. Continued heavy rain and rough seas through the day. We were able to get out a few times between bouts of rain and Cairns has suffered comparatively minor damage in the areas we were allowed to go. Poor pigeons! They look like they spent the night in a washing machine! Trees are down, and some huge concrete blocks on the waterfront were shifted an impressive few feet. Don't know how the low lying areas faired as of yet. The few convenience stores and restaurants that opened did a booming business during the day. Really coming down in the evening, so the streets and restaurants empty again.
Overall, not such a big deal. The leadership shown was impressive, and this town was over-prepared, as it turns out. Much better than being underprepared.
Just a few unrelated points. We are on the 5th floor, and having eaten in our room, have to keep our garbage out on the balcony or be overrun by teeny-tiny ants. Out our window we have trees full of what they call "Flying foxes", bats the size of crows. Hundreds of them! When they take to the dark grey sky at dusk it is truly ominous.
I'll post a few photos if I get some descent Wi-Fi.
- comments
Jane Thanks goodness for weather patterns that change at the last minute, although it does look like/sound like it was and impressive weather event! Congratulations on your war wound. Happy Adventures!