The Ire of Isaac: TE Patch Blogger Takes the Hit in Key West, FL

Editor's Note: This blog post was filed after Isaac hit Key West, FL but before it developed into the hurricane that slammed into the Louisiana and northern Gulf Coast. Thanks to Candy for sharing her experience with readers "back home." TE Patch invites you to share your summer vacation experience here in the Local Voices Blog section of TE Patch.

Having just weathered Isaac,  in Key West, Florida,  I feel it's my civic duty to report this harrowing experience.  

Luckily, I did not have to face this meteorological nightmare,  alone.   I had three good and brave friends by my side.  

We arrived in Key West on Friday afternoon and immediately started preparing for our confinement.  After collecting provisions at the local Public's and Big Daddy's Spirits, we purchased a flashlight.  

As the storm grew in strength, we lugged heavy patio furniture to safe areas,  secured floats and noodles, tied down the porch swing and carried orchids indoors.  Needless to say, we were exhausted, and not just from the labor.  The heat and humidity was intense.  

We realized we had drained our reserves and took corrective measures.  After we got back from Duval Street,  around midnight, we needed to recharge our batteries, so we plugged in our cell phones and went to our bedrooms.  The idea was to get as much sleep as possible, since we didn't know what the next day would bring.  

The winds howled, thought the night, making sleep difficult.  I don't think any one of us got more than 8 or 9 hours.   Saturday was a similar situation.  We worked diligently, walking around the property,  picking up anything that, with the gail force winds, could become a flying missile.  At one point in the day, we hauled more than seven branches to a refuse can, designed for just those branches.  It's times like these, that this sort of advanced technology can make the difference between life and death.

Sunday was "landfall day"!  It was with great trepidation that we made the decision to go to Pepe's for brunch.  I know, it was a bold move, but once the decision was made, there was no going back.  As the winds picked up and the rain poured down, we marched right into the storm.  

Fortified with mimosas and eggs Benedict, we knew we had made the right call!  We chose to drive around the island to make sure we were getting the coverage our little island deserved.  We counted 6 different locations, where fearless reporters were facing down the storm, in order to bring the news to the hungry public.  Then, one last check on around the house and we barricaded ourselves in the house, waiting out the storm.  

This was 2:30 PM, Sunday and Isaac was due to hit at 4:00.  By 3:50 and after a careful assessment of our mental and physical health, we concluded that we had "cabin fever" and could not be confined any longer.   Yes, we took the restraints off the car, grabbed our poncho's and braved the elements.  Yes, we chose to spit in the eye of the storm!  And Yes, we said  "Nani, Nani, Boo, Boo" to Isaac!!  

Although the rain had ceased, we could feel an occasional gust of wind.  We marched, four abreast,  straight down Duval Street!  We were aware of the local constabulary eyeing our bold move.  They waved.  Girded in courage, we joined a large group of similar minded survivors,  who sought to restore their strength, with liquid refreshment. And this is how we faced Isaac's wrath - straight on, no fear, the smile of confidence on our faces and the spirits of what has made Key West great- in our souls and in our hands.