Texas is in the grip of weather fever. Hurricane Patricia, the worst storm ever experienced, is heading towards landfall in Mexico but its effects are being felt now across Texas as moisture is drawn in from the Gulf of Mexico. This is just the beginning we are told.
It's ironic really because we left Amarillo this morning under the bluest of skies and on the back of a forecast that predicted glorious sunshine all weekend in the Texan Panhandle. Why did we leave? Because we have to be back in Austin for the American Grand Prix which takes place on Sunday or at this moment on Friday night, might take place??
The omens weren't good when we were able to tune into First Practice today to find that it had been cancelled due to storms and torrential rain. It didn't help either when one of the commentators suggested that the track might not be fit for Sunday's race. Aaaaaaghhhhhhh.........! We have spent a fortune on tickets, shuttle buses and not least a hotel for two nights in Austin which despite its exorbitant pricing (every hotel in Austin is the same for race weekend) we have to get checked into tomorrow night. But there is the rub because every time we view the local news or the Weather Channel, both are predicting the end of the world as we know it! Flash flooding for the next 24 hours and violent thunderstorms, one of which we experienced as we ate early evening in Abilene. My baby back ribs were eaten to the accompaniment of a heaven sent version of the 1812 Overture! In less than 15 minutes the roads were awash and I longed for the comfort, security and not least of all, the road clearance, of my Land Rover Freelander. But we have to make do with our lovely Chevrolet which to date has been a gem and I have no doubts will continue to be so.
The forecasters are changing their minds on an hourly basis and at this stage, the optimist in me is predicting a race that will take place in 70 degrees+ of sunshine and Lewis Hamilton securing his third World Championship. Furthermore, our 215 mile run down to Austin tomorrow will be completed without sight of standing water or flash floods and with the air conditioning on full blast. Yes, I've always been a glass half full man.
Don't worry kids, we aren't stupid and will take no chances on our journey. Your inheritance isn't coming quite so soon as we still have plans in place to spend so much more of it!
It's ironic really because we left Amarillo this morning under the bluest of skies and on the back of a forecast that predicted glorious sunshine all weekend in the Texan Panhandle. Why did we leave? Because we have to be back in Austin for the American Grand Prix which takes place on Sunday or at this moment on Friday night, might take place??
The omens weren't good when we were able to tune into First Practice today to find that it had been cancelled due to storms and torrential rain. It didn't help either when one of the commentators suggested that the track might not be fit for Sunday's race. Aaaaaaghhhhhhh.........! We have spent a fortune on tickets, shuttle buses and not least a hotel for two nights in Austin which despite its exorbitant pricing (every hotel in Austin is the same for race weekend) we have to get checked into tomorrow night. But there is the rub because every time we view the local news or the Weather Channel, both are predicting the end of the world as we know it! Flash flooding for the next 24 hours and violent thunderstorms, one of which we experienced as we ate early evening in Abilene. My baby back ribs were eaten to the accompaniment of a heaven sent version of the 1812 Overture! In less than 15 minutes the roads were awash and I longed for the comfort, security and not least of all, the road clearance, of my Land Rover Freelander. But we have to make do with our lovely Chevrolet which to date has been a gem and I have no doubts will continue to be so.
The forecasters are changing their minds on an hourly basis and at this stage, the optimist in me is predicting a race that will take place in 70 degrees+ of sunshine and Lewis Hamilton securing his third World Championship. Furthermore, our 215 mile run down to Austin tomorrow will be completed without sight of standing water or flash floods and with the air conditioning on full blast. Yes, I've always been a glass half full man.
Don't worry kids, we aren't stupid and will take no chances on our journey. Your inheritance isn't coming quite so soon as we still have plans in place to spend so much more of it!
Watch out for tomorrow's update from the SS Chevy Mailbu.
By the way, no photos tonight as I don't have a camera that works under water.
Hi Al & Linda, good time to learn to water ski! Always looking for an opportunity out of adversity! Really enjoying my bed time reading! Take care. Baz and Niesha xx
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