Riding The Storm Out

 

Full timers talk often about riding out storms. One of the insecurities of all of us is knowing how vulnerable we and our homes on wheels are to severe weather. Yesterday, Central Iowa endured a severe storm unlike we have seen in many years. A cool front approached from the west and slammed into 85-degree air with 90% humidity. The result was 100 mph straight line winds, and heavy rain the endured for over an hour.  In the storms wake are downed trees and powerlines everywhere. Roofs missing and not a single backyard trampoline left in its designated yard. Although they have determined that there were no tornadoes the damage is severe and widespread.

As far as I know there were no injuries to any of the RV Volunteers here. Nerves were a little rattled and I heard a report that one couples camper slid a few inches on the jacks the wind was so forceful. As soon as the storm passed the volunteers all rolled up their sleeves and got to work right away. 

Today, Champ is in the Bobcat with the big Grappling hook, tree picker upper thing. I had planned to spend my day off from Menards working with them, but our daughter needed help with the kids today, so I am spending the day with two grandsons. We did do some work here at the Village. A neighbor, the boys and I took an hour or so and did some cleanup here in the Village. I used it as a civics lesson to the boys and Leslie and I were still able to help in our own way and have some fun together this morning.

The  Containers took a beating but its all back to normal today. 

The entry road to our area yesterday

3" tube steel bent like a pipe cleaner. Straight line wind damage at the beach area

The campsite our friends were in over the weekend. 

Champ's job for the next several day

Hunter and Isaac watching Grandpa work

Hunter helping clean the pavillion area at the Village

Isaac hauling away what brother raked up

With 4 major camping areas the Rangers have prioritized and it’s all hands-on deck today at Prairie Flower removing downed limbs, blowing off streets and cutting down damaged trees that pose a risk. Another campground is so damaged that they are closing it and asking the campers to leave, for their own safety, so they can go in and safely remove the debris and cut down the damaged trees.

We have survived another major storm and today is a beautiful, sunny, calm day. We know there are times when RV’ers don’t dodge the bullet and we always feel fortunate when the skies clear and we are all safe.

Until Next Time…