aussiew Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 So, yours truly flew down to NO on Sat AM for a last meeting with the hotel for my work conference and the Bills weekend. I even called Jay on Saturday to boast about looking out the window of the 18th floor and seeing the Superdome. I was soooo pumped about our upcoming game. I heard the news about the approaching storm throughout the day, but I knew I had an early flight out at 8:30am so didn't worry (that was 24 hours b4 the storm was due to hit). Evacs were taking place throughout the afternoon from the parishes right on the gulf. But the general feeling in the city was quite calm. Lots of tourists, walking around in the late afternoon sun acting so normal. The casino closed at 11pm on Sat night. That was a warning that I'd better leave early for the airport. Left at 6am by cab - the cab took side streets to the Airport because the driver said the main highways were jammed - he was trying to find an open gas station on the way but they were all closed and boarded up. Not sure how people are supposed to evacuate if they can't buy gasoline. Then I started to realize how serious the situation was. Got to the airport and found thousands of people, all flights quickly cancelling (including mine). Walked around wondering what to do. Starting to feel scared (and kinda' alone) by that time. Long lines everywhere but for the most part people were quite calm. I guess they figured that the storm would turn and they might get out of town Monday night or Tuesday. Not knowing what else to do, I felt that I'd rather ride out the storm in the hotel than the airport - at least I'd have a bed. Called the Holiday Inn to ask if I could come back - they said no because the city had just issued a mandatory evac and under those rules they had to get rid of all non-emergency guests. Called American Airlines on my cell because there were about 300 people in the line (getting "re-accomodated). They said if I could find a way to Baton Rouge they could get me on a flight that evening. Proceeded down to the rental car area and here are about another couple of hundred people in lines. Only 2 companies were giving out cars because even though the others had cars in their lots, their employees had all left. I got in the Avis line and counted about 150 people ahead of me. I called a girlfriend and had her book me a car online, one way, to Baton Rouge. By the time I got to the front of the line, they had two cars left. So, I combined with 6 strangers from all different parts of the country and we took one of the cars (by this time I'm feeling like the start of a Stephen King movie plot) Headed out of the city but couldn't get on 10 West because of Contraflow. Had to go 61 all the way. It was about 70 miles and took us about 7.5 hours. Bumper-to-bumper all the way. Nothing open along the way, no gas stations, no stores, no bathrooms. Made for a tiring and frustrating trip but at least we started out with a full tank of gas and some crackers and water in the car. We saw many people who had run out of gas along the way, car loads of people just standing, waiting for emergency personnel to assist. I felt so bad for those with small children. So we make it finally to Baton Rouge airport at 6:30pm, the group dropped me off. They had to proceed on the Shreveport because their airlines had no more flights out of BR. I go to the counter and had a confirmed seat on the 9pm flight. I figured I'd check in early and go have a comfortable meal and a cold beer. So I see a 6:55pm flight to Dallas on the board and ask to go standby - they had one seat left. I run for the flight (no meal and beer) and just make it on. It's one of the American Eagle 40 seaters and as we're getting on the Captain makes an announcement asking people to get in their seats quickly because we're going to take off a few minutes earlier than scheduled. The one flight attendant was trying to get everyone buckled in FAST. We pulled away and he hauled ass out to the runway and took off. From the East side of the plane I could see all this black cloud SHCITT approaching the airport (more Stephen King stuff!!) The plane took off to the north and he made a sudden bank to the left trying to turn West. Then he came on and apologized for any discomfort So I get to Dallas, and as we're getting off the plane, the Captain tells us that he had 3 minutes to get the plane off or we would have been grounded. They were shutting everthing down. That's why he was rushing - none of the crew wanted to get stuck in BR for an indefinite period. So, someone up there must have been looking out for me. I got in one of the two last rental cars at the airport, and got the last seat on the last AA plane out of BR. Thank you to the wonderful God who watches over me. Having just been there so many times over the past few months, I feel especially sensitive to those still down there. Especially the thousands of tourists and families who couldn't find a way out. Cajun Bills Backer is in Houma which is west of New Orleans, so he may be a little safer than those on the east side of the city. Now we just hope and pray..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Glad you are ok. New Orleans and Biloxi are in my prayers. Stay safe everyone in Katrinas path Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckincincy Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Wow! Glad you're safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckeyemike Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Thank God you're OK. CBB posted yesterday; said he was leaving. It's in the "Almost Silent Thread for New Orleans", second page. I don't think he said where he was headed. Good to hear from you, though. Thanks so much. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckeyemike Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Sorry, top of third page. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubes Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Wow, cool story. Glad to hear it all worked out. What an ordeal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drnykterstein Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramius Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 wow is right. good to hear you got back safe and sound... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cugalabanza Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 That's insane! Glad you're ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fashionformillenium Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Glad you made it out - may everyone be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill in Livonia Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Glad you made it home OK. Story sounds like a nightmare. See you Sept 10 th. at Dannys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30dive Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 So very glad to hear that you are safe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reuben Gant Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Glad to hear you're oK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayg Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Glad you are OK! Sounds like an adventure. Hopefully everyone else will be OK too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Glad you made it home OK. Story sounds like a nightmare.See you Sept 10 th. at Dannys. 421714[/snapback] Likewise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crap Throwing Monkey Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 As LAMPs go, that was a good one. Thanks for sharing that story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockpile Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Thanks for the detailed story. Gives us a better feel of what is going on down there when it is personal. I like stories with happy endings! see you soon.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in San Diego Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Wow ! That was an adventure. You sounded so graceful under pressure as well. ! Glad your safe Aussie ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Fischer Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Glad you're OK. But just wondering, if you thank God for getting you out, then who sent the storm? (just kidding , sort of) Reminds of another story of the guy who said he would not evacuate during a hurricane because he said "God will provide. Prayer will get me by." As the water quickly rose in his house a fire truck drove by and offered to take him out of the area but he replied, "God will provide." A few hours later the water had reached the second floor then a motorboat pulled up and again he was offered a ride. "No," he said, "God will provide." Later as the water rose he reached the roof when a helicopter arrived, but again he refused saying "God will provide." A few minutes later the water swept him away and he drown. When he got to Heaven he asked God: "I prayed for hours yet you did not save me." God answered: "Jeez Louise, I send the fire department, a boat and a helicopter." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 geez, that's a freaking made for TV movie right there. glad everything worked out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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