Learning Some Camping Skills

I have never been on a primitive camping trip but I think I am experiencing one as I write this. As a matter of fact I am powering my laptop and a small light and fan using a generator at my house. I bought the generator several years ago and it was probably the best purchase I have ever made.

Along with a couple of my breakfast buddies Jerry Miller and Gordon Hyde we each actually bought a generator during the summer of 2004. There was a lot of talk that we were probably going to get a major hurricane coming right through central Florida. Several weather outlets had predicted Hurricane Charley had a bead on this area. Little did they know Category 4 Charley had a mind of its own and decided to make a hard right turn into Punta Gorda, sparing this area. The generator has been in my shed pretty much since then and when needed it worked flawlessly.

Here is what I have learned so far from those who predict the weather.

First, I do talk with my good friend Howard Shapiro quite a bit. He worked at WTVT Channel 13 in Tampa for 30 years and has seen many, many storms. He told me as a meteorologist one of the hardest things to predict is the path of a hurricane. As we have seen from Irma all of the American and European models shifted and an East Coast landing just didn’t happen. The East Coast was prepared and most places were boarded up and people got out of town. Many headed to the West Coast of Florida.

One thing really impressed me. There was a Sunoco gas station at the corner of Dean Dairy Road and State Road 54 in Zephyrhills that had gas on Tuesday afternoon. It was not a zoo. It was super organized, courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. There was one way in and one way out. Nobody succeeded in butting the line. A few tried it but were told politely where the line began. To me it was a major event as people were looking everywhere for a few gallons of gas so they could get by.

As I write this I still have no power but applaud all those who are working extra hard to make this problem go away. I am also super proud of those businesses and individuals that stepped up to help during our time of need. Also a shout out to the police officers, shelter volunteers, lineman, first responders, cable technicians, EMT's and so many more. Your time and talent have not gone unnoticed.

I was disappointed to find out everybody does not know the rule when a traffic light is out. Here is what I do know. The light becomes a four way stop. The person on the busiest highway does not have the right of way. Many people blew right through the light like they were extra special. I am surprised there were not more accidents. I am pleased at some of those areas where law enforcement was present. Funny, when that happened, it went really well.

Many folks are stressed out. I get that. Not to have power, the Internet or even Facebook can cause a panic attack in some.

I have to admit, my family including our dog, Pooh, have adapted to this new way of life. My wife Jenny said we will be laughing about all the stuff that has happened to us during our time dealing with Irma. Even during a tragedy like this you can always find something to smile about. For now it has brought many closer. Friends have gone out of their way to help friends and family and have lent a helping hand to those they didn’t even know. Many have told me that they are actually talking while preparing a meal with no electricity. That part is kind of neat. Praying was on the increase and I believe that prayers were answered.

I’m glad the weather people didn’t get this one totally right. If they did God only knows what we would really be facing today. It would be a totally different story.

Please be safe everyone.