Let me say first that I have nothing but empathy for the denizens of Colorado--what they're enduring is terrible. My up-close brush with a natural disaster was with a wildfire, but I know what a terrible and surreal experience it is. I hope this is the end of the flooding and I wish them godspeed in getting their lives and communities back to normal.
That said, I experienced the flooding from a much safer distance and this is the experience I had.
For our 26th wedding anniversary (August 1), Mr. Fix-it and I gave each other a trip to Fort Collins to see MVP and Mandy's new digs. And also just because we think they are very cool people and we want to spend time with them. I booked the trip (on points! praise be to Southwestern's Rapid Rewards program) for Mr. Fix-it's birthday weekend.
Thursday night's plan was for me to get home at 5, pack quickly and head to the airport for a 7:20 flight. The amended plan (praise be to getting a text message your flight is delayed before you've left for the airport) included renting a car, leisurely packing, a moderate amount of housework and a home pedicure before heading to the airport for an 10:50 flight.
Budget was out of the compact rental car I'd reserved, so we got a Ford Expedition (which is a vehicle I pretty much hate due to its terrible gas mileage and the need to hoist oneself in and out of it). Sidenote: I tweeted about this and got a $20 credit from Budget.
Around 4 a.m. we were trying every route we could think of to get to Mr. Fix-it's place, but all were closed due to the flooding. Sidenote: I learned lots about the way the Poudre river runs. Eventually we stopped to ask a police officer for directions (I was fairly insistent at this point) who directed us to the very route that was next on Mr. Fix-it's list to try. If only I knew.
At this point, we decided to go to breakfast so we could legit say we pulled an all-nighter for MFI's 51st birthday (also, you know if you wake someone up at 4 a.m. they won't go back to sleep). We had the best food I've ever had at an iHop. The cook was great and we got to know a lot about the waiter working the night shift and was pretty hungry for intelligent conversation. It was a fitting segue into life in Fort Collins.
When we did get to MVP's place, and after a few hours shut-eye, we were pretty impressed with the view.
It strikes me that as this is now at 453 . . . 454 . . . words, I'm going to save the rest of the story. I think you'll like the rest, so do come back.
Isn't it something how nature can just DOMINATE the scene? Glad you made it in and back out safely, Jenn.
Posted by: Green Girl in Wisconsin | September 19, 2013 at 01:50 PM
What Green Girl said!
Posted by: lanes | September 19, 2013 at 08:47 PM
Can't wait yo read more Jenn! Such adventure and glad you had fun the entire time!
Posted by: Jenny | September 20, 2013 at 04:17 AM
Whew what a trip so far and I want to know the rest!!!
Posted by: The Girl Next Door | September 20, 2013 at 04:27 PM
It is heartbreaking to see the devastation and loss of life in CO. I'm glad you were able to get to MVP's safely!
Posted by: Busy Bee Suz | September 21, 2013 at 10:14 PM
I'm anxious to hear the rest of the story!
Posted by: Jen | September 26, 2013 at 12:02 PM