Boom, Pow, Kaboom

Front Street

We had our first thunderstorm for the season (Thursday), so that was fun. After one particularly bright lightning bolt and its accompanying deafening thunder boom, the power went out. The difference between here and St. Kitts is that here, the power came back on within 5 minutes. Most of the rain came in one particular deluge (supposedly 1.27 inches) that left streets flooded. Those north of us had tornado warnings all day, and a tornado or water spout touched down in nearby Big Pine Cay (in the middle of the night, of course). According to the National Weather Service, the tornado visited the Long Beach Estates community with estimated peak winds at 75 to 80 mph, a tornado path width of 80 yards, and a tornado path length of 2 miles. There were no fatalities and no injuries (photos).

London - © WENN / Chris Saxon

I have to say that I was surprised that none of the bars here celebrated National Pillow Fight Day yesterday (April 6th). They do the weirdest things here and that would have been fun! London and New York did it. Toronto also participated, as did several other major cities around the world. I did too when Michael started snoring. I only hit him once...but it was a good one.



We got word that the Coast Guard won't be able to participate in the upcoming Conch Republic Independence Day festivities thanks to the sequester. I don't really get that since the boat is just sitting at the dock anyway. We throw bread and water balloons at them, they respond accordingly. How much can that possibly cost? But one of the Conch Republic Navy officers said in a long(ish) letter:

...For the first time in thirty years, the United States Coast Guard will not be participating in the Great Battle for the Conch Republic this April 26th... 

...We thank the United States Coast Guard for their dedication and their willingness to participate with us in commemorating the day "We Seceded Where Others Failed," and we mourn the loss of their participation in 2013. They have been and remain great friends of the Conch Republic, and with much respect and gratitude, we remain as their staunchest fans... 

...How shall we react? Our High Command and our Officials are meeting as we speak to determine an appropriate response. We will work to make it funny, because we try to be funny when we are being serious...

I guess we'll see what ends up happening.