Well, this page is dedicated to the trip Becky and I took in 1995 to the Bahamas. It was a trip to remember, not for just being the Bahamas, but for the fact that we were there when Hurricane Erin crossed over the island. The ride over on the boat was something to behold too. When we arrived at the dock there was a warning being posted. It said if you did not need to travel on this day please reschedule, also that the seas (waves) were at 10 to 13 feet. So, being the adventurous type we popped a few Dramamine and boarded.

There was a little boat that escorted our boat from the harbor. I felt sorry for that little boat because the waves were just throwing it around. On top of that a man had to jump from the loading door of the ship to the little boat. Becky and I watched over the side and decided that someone was crazy and it wasn't one of us.

The ride was nice I thought. The wind was tremendous and at one point I looked over at Becky and her cheeks were being blown back and just shaking like crazy from the wind. The laughter from seeing that was worth the trip in itself.

    When we got to the island it was sunny but within 24 hours it was about to change. We booked a ride on a tour bus for a ride around the island. Halfway into the tour the rains came. The government of the Bahamas then put out a statement for all businesses to be closed by 1 o'clock. The bus driver informed us of this and also informed us that the Hurricane Erin was headed right for the island. He then proceeded to the nearest grocery store and told us to get some groceries, enough to last at least 2 days. The placed was packed and the clerks were pricing the items as they were being bought. I picked up a can opener, a normal everyday can opener, it was $8.00. Well I put it back and got some pop top cans. The bus driver waited for every passenger to get back to the bus. The driver was a really nice guy to stop like that for us when he could have just took us back to the Inn and left.

    The Hurricane hit about 5 o'clock that afternoon with winds of 105 mph and gusting. Out the door I went. I was never in a Hurricane and didn't think I would be again so I wanted to get a first hand experience of what it was like. We were on the 3rd floor of the Inn so I had a good view of the area. I stayed outside for the most part until it got dark. The power was out anyway so there was nothing to do but look at the walls and wonder what next. I also shot 3 rolls of film from the balcony. I have included some of these pictures and some other pictures on the Bahamas picture page.

    When I packed for the trip I packed a Walkman radio and batteries. I think we were the only guests at the Inn that heard anything official during the storm. Of course the station would go off and on with the storm passing but we got enough information to know how the island was being affected.

    All the activities we had planned for our visit were canceled and it wasn't until the day before our departure that we actually got to go to the beach and swim. The sun had returned but the water was still pretty rough. I got an ocean kayak and Becky and I took it out for a bit, but not to far. The guy running the kayak stand actually asked us if we were sure we wanted to go out that day. It was the only day left so we did. It was fun fighting the waves and trying to keep from turning over.

After our return we headed up to St. Petersburg for some sun and beach. It was an eventful trip and one we will not soon forget.