I headed back to bed to catch a little more sleep. The kids came into snuggle for a bit and then we relaxed all morning in our PJs. We had a pretty good storm blow in mid-morning... the furniture on the balcony was rattling around and the rains pelted the windows.
The emergency service alarms went off twice to warn of a flash flood along the coast. The police issued a swimming ban for all of Myrtle Beach and asked travelers to stay indoors for the remainder of the day. Across the county there are several cities under curfew. The news was clear that high tide would be at 1:30 pm and that the two hours prior and after would be the most dangerous for flooding. Mary's flight was coming in at 2:15... so we really didn't have a choice.
We were out yesterday... and although the water did cover the road in several places, I didn't think it was as bad as they were now saying.
We enjoyed some frozen pizza for lunch and headed out a little after 1:30 pm. As we headed out, the lobby clerk gave me some advice on the best route to take.
The rain was incredible! I'm glad - the trip was such an adventure! We couldn't even leave the resort without short-cutting through some parking lots. Several times we got turned around because the roads were impassible and had to find a new route to get around the flooding. As we drove down 17, the traffic moved in a single file line, at 35 mph, shifting from lane to lane to escape the growing puddles. Traffic lights were out... Cones marked some areas of high water... and police directed traffic in others. I've never seen so many public works employees working at the same time.
 |
| Turning left out of the resort, a HUGE puddle blocks the way. |
 |
| We took Business 17 on the way home until we ran into this roadblock |
 |
| The pond by the fitness center has flooded and is now running over the road |
 |
| The sand dune was washed away and is now at least half the size of normal |
 |
| Flooding by the dunes in front of the condo |
I made two stops on the way but we arrived as Mary texted she had landed. Then I realized the main entrance to the airport was closed... so Tyler helped me navigate as we wiggled our way through back roads to the other entrance. I was so relieved when I pulled up and Mary walked out with a smile on her face. She said her landing was "fun" even though some other passengers explained it less optimistically!
I needed a few groceries and wanted to get home before the rains came up much more so we headed right back.
We gave Mary a chance to unpack and then quickly got her "settled" with a few rounds of hide and seek.
We ordered pizza so we didn't have to get out again and then decided to walk on the beach. The mist in the air and the lower temps were pretty chilly! But the kids didn't seem to mind as we played in the sand. Some kids were sledding down the sand dune so we stopped their to play instead of taking our walk.
Then it was back to the condo for a relaxing night at home. Bev made it home and Mary arrived safely... it was a great day!
