I don't remember exactly when it was, but while we were in Florida enjoying visiting with family, and celebrating Beth's mom's (NaNa) 94th birthday we heard about "an area of interest" that the National Hurricane Center was keeping an eye on. This certainly isn't unusual at this time of year, but it is something that always gets Floridians attentions. Over the next few days, the "area of interest" continued to strengthen, and while it was still a long way away, early projected paths showed that it could be headed for Florida. We watched it closely as it continued to grow in both size and strength, and it became more apparent that Florida could be in the path of what became Hurricane Ian.
We had left the Silver Bullet in Denver close to two weeks earlier and had an Airbnb booked in Ouray, Colorado. Our flight out of Florida was scheduled for Tuesday, September 27. On Sunday morning, while visiting with NaNa, we got word that Southwest Airlines was allowing changes to upcoming flights in anticipation of the Tampa area being impacted by the storm later in the week.
We called Southwest and they were able to change our flights out from Tuesday to early Monday morning. As it turns out the airport closed Tuesday afternoon. The Tampa Bay area was projected to be in the bullseye of what was now a major hurricane. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the island.
What unfolded over the next few days was terrible. The storm grew and grew. Although the Tampa Bay area and Anna Maria Island were spared the worst of the damage, it's incredibly sad to see the devastation that has taken place less than 100 miles south, from Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda where we lived and worked for seven years, down to Fort Myers (where Ben and Sarah were born) and Naples.
We are grateful that all of our immediate and extended family, as well as friends are safe. We are also grateful that while there has been some damage to some of their homes, the damage can be repaired. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, the many who suffered significant damage or complete loss of their homes, as well as the emotional and financial challenges that will be faced for years to come.
We made it to Denver Monday morning and drove three hours to Basalt for the first two nights of this adventure. We've now settled into our Airbnb in Ouray, which we will call home for the month. I look forward to sharing soon about the adventures here in the Centennial State, all the while still trying to reason with hurricane season.
Prayers to all of those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
