Everything is a bit busy up here in F.N.Q. Cyclone Yasi is off the coast and is predicted to be the biggest cyclone ever to hit QLD. Yesterday, it was thought that the cyclone would hit Townsville and here where we are would be some rain and wind but not enough to cause damage. Reports were that this cyclone was in the vicinity of 700klms wide so a huge portion of QLD is under threat yet again with rising tides and flooding in low lying areas and so soon after the floods. Last night Robin and Pauline were talking to their family who live in Townsville and plans were being made to bring the grandchildren up here where they would be safer. Sirens were going off on a regular basis giving updates on phones, radio and TV keeping everyone updated on what was happening.
This morning (Mon) is a completely different story for us at Ravenshoe and Atherton. The cyclone direction had not changed as they thought it would through the night and rather than go south west toward Townsville it had continued in a westerly direction and now thought to hit land closer to Innisfail. They have said that Capetown down to Sarina which is just passed Mackay and possibly even as far as Rockhampton could be affected based on its currrent speed and intensity.
This creates a whole new scenario for us at Ravenshoe as we are about an hour due west of Innisfail.
Early this morning Pauline and I went into Ravenshoe to go to the Chemist and pick up some bread and ham etc.at the little IGA supermarket. It was so busy we had to drive around looking for a place to park. We (Ken and I, Pauline and Robin were away) didn't even see it this busy leading up to Christmas. The Chemist was our first stop and they were were busy but we got served fairly quickly. From there Pauline went to the Post Office while I went into the supermarket and it was just as busy. I collected the few things we required and went to wait at the Deli counter to be served. Whilst going through the checkout I commented to the girl about the busyness of the shop and she said that all three checkouts were going non stop they had been that busy. Later in the day Pauline had a doctors appointment and went back into town just before lunch time but rang us to say not to wait lunch for her as she would have at least an hours wait to have her prescription filled as the Chemist was so busy.
Radio reports are constantly keeping people updated. Two hospitals in Cairns have been evacuated and all schools are closing for the rest of the week. That even means the boarding schools at Herberton not far from here have to make arrangements to have those children picked up by the end of school today.
When Pauline and I came home from shopping Robin and Ken had pulled our van out from where we had it parked beside the little chalet and were busy giving the awning a really good clean as we were going to back the van under their carport beside the house as it would be protected their a little bit. Unfortunately we couldn't get it right under as the air con on the roof stopped it from going all the way under. There is enough room for both our cars and Robin and Pauline's motor home in the shed and since the shed wasn't there when cyclone Larry came through it will be put to the test. So when all is said and done we have done as much preparation as we can and now must trust God will keep us safe.
The last radio report says the cyclone is travelling at about 35 klms per hour and is expected to come through at about 1am day after tomorrow with winds from 120 to 220 klms per hour. We have no idea what to expect as we've not been through anything like this before. As Pauline and Robin say cyclones are so unpredictable that it could turn around and head back out to sea.
Last Sat was Ken's birthday so I arranged a lunch out at the Ant Hill Hotel in Mareeba with Robin and Pauline, Peter and Erica and we had a great time together. We left there and went on to Peter and Erica's and had coffee and cake for dessert so he had a really enjoyable day. He also had a phone call from each of the kids which was a lovely way to end his birthday.
That's about it for now. Shall keep you updated as news comes to hand.
All our love and God bless.
Ken and Lyn
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