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I have been so swamped with prayers and well wishes from so many of my friends and customers out there that the only way I can see to thank everyone is with a short blanket letter to everyone. Thanks, and God bless all of you who have shared your concern for us here in southwest Florida, and have remembered us in your prayers.
Although the main force of Charlie was across Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, Pine Island, Punta Gorda, and Charlotte Harbor in our area, it did extensive damage far from ground zero. We were able to make our way back to camp BarHopp'R on Saturday morning, and the signs of the storm grew ever more ominous as we got closer to the coast. By the time we got back to our neighborhood, our fears were really heightened. The first house was missing its roof, which was across the yard. The destruction was everywhere with carports, garages, patios, roofs, etc. blown away, as well as trees fallen everywhere, many across homes.
As we neared our place I could see extensive damage to the homes on either side of us, and across the street, yet somehow, my prayers had been answered and our place was missing only a small downspout. We made our way down through the debris to the boatyard expecting the worst. To my amazement, all the fencing, the cable tower, antennas, etc. were all leveled, but there in the middle of all the rubble sat both the Talon and the Maverick, unscathed, as far as I can tell. Oh, they were full of debris, mostly leaves, but no harm done that I could find. Unbelievable! God did truly answer my prayers, and the prayers of all of you who prayed for us.
After doing as much cleaning as my still bad back would allow, we sat and stewed in our own juices for two days. Of course, there were nearly two million people without power after the storm. Estimates are 5 days to a month before everyone is restored. Many are without food and water. All are without power and those most precious commodities; ice and air conditioning! Boy, we Americans really are spoiled. Being without those little conveniences has really driven that home.
Most of our time was spent trying to reach friends and loved ones, but that has been difficult to impossible because most cell service and land line service is interrupted. We did have low pressure water for bathing, but not for consumption. When not trying to communicate with the outside world we were outside trying to benefit from whatever breeze there was. It was unbearably hot indoors because there was just not enough ventilation. We have been sitting in the shade of course, but it's August, and we've still managed to get a sunburn, I suppose just from the rays reflected off everything!
With no gasoline available, we have tried to keep travel to a minimum, and the authorities have begged us all to stay off the roads unless the travel was essential. Authorities shut down the road to Sanibel and to Punta Rassa, so trying to launch a boat to check on waterfront friends has been impossible, as well. Gradually, though, we are reaching or hearing about friends directly or through the grapevine.
We are presently in Myakka City, east of Sarasota, with a close friend, Wayne Kinney, and his wife, Denise, whom I've known for nearly 35 years. I can't tell you how good it was to have a glass of iced tea, or to be in air conditioning, and to be able to dry off after a shower. Fortunately, I can now use my computer and cell phone here in this area, and have been able to communicate to some degree.
Miraculously, we were spared the property damage that so befell so many of our neighbors. But, we still face great challenges ahead. With extensive damage to Sanibel, Captiva Islands, Pine Island, and Ft. Myers Beach, our tourism may be non-existent for months. It's hard to say. We just don't have enough of an assessment made of the situation, but from all we hear, it looks grim. There are going to be many business owners who have lost their businesses, including all our area fishing guides, who now have no means of supporting themselves. It's going to be an interesting time, indeed.
I'll make updates and postings as to what's going on down here as time goes alone, and information becomes available.
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