Storm Watch

We didn’t live in Canada when Juan came to visit but we did hear all about, saw the photos and witnessed some of the aftermath in Point Pleasant Park months later. Juan certainly left it’s mark on Nova Scotia and ever since then, the mere mention of a hurricane sends folk around here running to Costco and Sobeys/Superstore to get full propane tanks and stuff their carts with bottled water.

The first visitor this year is Earl who is barrelling through as I write. We thought we were going to escape but early this morning Earl changed track a little and was heading straight for Halifax as he got his second wind!!

When we got up this morning, it was still on it’s way – not too long after breakfast Dylan’s description of the weather was “It’s very windy and very rainy”. You could say that alright!

Not long after 10am the power went out and they say it could be 48 hours before it’s back . . . . . not a huge deal as it’s daylight out and we have a generator. Even so, we chose to conserve gas (mind you every gas-carrying container in the garage, including 3 cars and the lawnmower is full) and not turn it on yet. So, out with the camping stove to make soup (!) for lunch. And that’s when I realised maybe we are a little complacent about having a genny – ‘cos the cupboards are not exactly stocked with non-perishables and as for bottled water – I located one small bottle lurking at the back of the fridge. And we only have 1 small camping gas thingy. . . . note to self - revise the Emergency kit contents. Better safe than sorry.

A little later . . . . Rain has stopped and the wind has died down a bit. Jonathan has gone outside as he thought he heard Jason starting up his chainsaw – a quick check outside and I see the neighbourhood men in a huddle across the road - all they need is a can of beer in their hands and it would be party. Some (incl a recently landed Irish friend who hails form Cork) are saying it wasn't really a hurricane but there is a fair bit of clean-up to do from where I am standing.