Before you say it, I know. I know I should not have done it.
It was 2pm Monday as Hurricane Sandy was heading for the East Coast. We had 25knot winds, light rain and not much going on until much later on.
So, I decided to run to the store for some essentials, cake, milk and juice! On the way I thought I would run over to Freeport and see the fishing station located on the bay. Yesterday the owner was tying down the bait and ice house.Located on one of the lowest lying streets on the south shore I wanted to see if the high tides had moved this and to see the flooded streets.
I was not disappointed. Many streets were knee deep in water and quite a spectacle seeing so much even hours after high tide.
I had taken my 96" Blazer "tank" feeling that this would be indestructible in face of the elements.
Splash I went as waves careened from the sides of the car as I plowed through shallow water. Other cars were doing the same and there was a bit of camaraderie among us I'm sure as we braved the elements. Splish, splash, another and another puddle was successfully navigated. I could see to the end of the street and was about to run another flooded area when all of a sudden there was an engine sputter. Pressing the gas, no motion. Another sputter, steering locks up and the car stops. I tried to start it. Whrr, whrr. Nothing.
I look and see the canal looming 90 feet away. The same canal which pushed feet of water all over the Nautical Mile. The same canal that would eat up my car if it was there in another 5 hours.
So, needless to say I was in a pickle. More like a big dill pickle. My mood soured as I contemplated calling my wife but decided against it. Why bring her into this.
.
I tried the engine again. Then again. Nothing.
Time to call USAA roadside assistance.
The agents were nice but I was impatient with them as they went through every type of proof of identity. All I wanted was a tow.
My mind started to wander and think of the loss I might have. Or the car sitting there as the waters curled around the tires, then door then envelope the entire car.
So, I waited for the agent to get back and decided to try one more time.
Turned the key, varoom! It started. I could not believe my bad luck then good luck.
I was so excited that the car started.
But I still had lots of reverse ground to cover and lots of water to push out of the way.
Holding my breath and stepping on the gas I sped through the flooded streets and just hoped the car would not quit right in the middle of a big one.
Thank Neptune my vehicle succeeded in getting through the watery impasse.
I made it to dry ground and sighed.
I had heard about flooded streets hazards a hundred times but figured as long as the car could go through I would be safe.
Wrong. Apparently lots can go wrong and something did.
However I was spared a miserable rescue wait and possible loss of car due to the oncoming tidal surge
What can I say but thanks, and I know you told me so!
Youtube link: http://youtu.be/gaEK02bK8FU
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