Pammy's Knotical Adventure: Camping out during Irene

Woke up at 3 am to high winds and vigorous rocking. We were prepared to expect the storm and hoped that we could stay with RO as long as we were able to monitor it. To set up a quick getaway, we gathered our life jackets and last min gadgets such as our cell phones and flashlights in a spot close to the hatch door. The marina managers arranged for all of liveaboards to seek temp housing in an empty unit at the apartments across from the marina, should we need it.

Through the night, some of us got out of the marina and went to the apt to camp out until the storm passed over. We finally had to get off the boat. It didn't feel safe to stay any longer. We put on life jackets...and I was grateful that we did as we were walking on the dock to the boardwalk. The dock was buckling wildly. It was still dark, but the electric towers along the dock were giving out a soft glow of amber light as we used it to guide us to the ramp. My stomach was in a knot by the time we made it to the parking lot to retrieve our sleeping bags and overnight bags as well. We had stowed them in the car in the event we needed to get off the boat without carrying a hefty load.

Got to the apt and met up with 4-5 couples that sought refuge like we did. It turned out to be a social gathering while waiting out the storm. While the storm broke a bit, we took advantage and left the apt to a diner nearby for breakfast. It was indeed the only place opened--a delicious breakfast and great company was the way to go! :)