How Steve and Jerry coped with Hurricane Hone

Tropical Storm Hone has now become a full on hurricane, but is moving away from the Big Island.  I want to thank everyone who sent their good wishes via comments and private messages.  I am fine, and there has been no damage to my home.  I did, however, have an adventure.  For that, read on.

Yesterday around 3pm the electricity went out, which was surprising since the wind had not been bad at all.  Hawaii County Civil Defense had just told everyone that once the power was out, it could stay off for a week or more, so my friend Steve (who is staying here for the storm) and I decided we needed more fuel for my generator.  The generator can operate the entire house as long as I don't dry laundry, wash the car, and cook dinner all at the same time.  My cell phone service was still working, so I called the gas station in Pahoa Village to see if they were open and had power.  The answer was yes to both questions, so off we went in my car.  At first, things were almost normal, but we soon realized that Pahoa was closer to the center of the storm.  The closer we got, the worse the wind and rain got.  

The gas station was deserted except for a lonely clerk.  That place is always crazy busy, and we were the only fools there.  So we filled the portable tanks and were ready to go home when we noticed that our favorite fried chicken outlet, Popeye's, was open next door.  We looked at each other, nodded, and headed into Popeye's.  The staff were astonished to see us, and I said,  "We weren't expecting you to be here, either, but we need some chicken."  We decided to get takeaway since we didn't want to get stuck in Pahoa.  On the way home, the rain was blinding, and the wind blew the car from side to side.  As soon as we turned off the main road into our area, the wind and rain almost stopped.  When we got to the house, you guessed it, the power was back on.  And it has stayed on since.

So far we have had over eight inches of rain, but my area doesn't flood, so no problem there.  We have been binge watching Breaking Bad, the second time for both of us.  It's amazing how many little things we missed the first time.  And so it goes in Hawaii.