As The Tortas approach three years of retirement on Laguna Bacalar in Southern Mexico, our first hurricane was predicted to arrive Wednesday evening with up to 75 mph winds and twelve inches of rain. We live about thirty miles as the crow flies from the Caribbean, separated by water and mangroves and not much else. As with all hurricanes, much depends on their direction and intensity. We watched the sky and prepared for the worst.
A Beautiful Day For A Hurricane
We hired workers to help us prepare. They cut dead branches, put away outdoor plants and furniture, tied up the kayaks and set sand bags in place. Our concern was for water barreling down the hill toward the house, if we got the foot of rain that was predicted.
Machetes Were Flying Trimming Trees
Plants Off The Roof and Kayaks Secure
Reinforcing the Dock
As predicted the rain started late Wednesday afternoon. And then it stopped. We waited. Everything we could do was done, so it was time for the TORTAS first ever hurricane party!
Dinner, Dominos and Drinks with Neighbors
During the night Earl turned south and took the brunt of its damage to Belize. Lisa slept through the wind which was hardly more than any tropical storm that blows through Bacalar. We had several heavy showers over the next few days, and that was all. Almost disappointing.
The Islands Of Belize Were Not So Lucky
Thursday morning with intense skies and waves.
While we are grateful for the lack of damage we received, we are much more aware of the amount of work it takes to be prepared. In the future, a generator, hurricane shutters and improved drainage could cut the time in half. Lesson learned.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
How fortunate you had this trial preparation. As you said, Belize was hit much harder, and yes, that drainage idea sound good!
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It’s amazing how much water can fall and how much power it has. We have really good drainage but must be prepared for the big one.
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Great to hear it was much ado with very little wind! Look at it this way, those branches probably needed to be trimmed anyway!
Laird
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You are so right. I’ve been through typhoons in Japan and wind can do a lot of damage.
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SO happy you are ok…and the damage wasn’t that bad. We are learning…soon to be on board with all of you. Thanks for your post…sending you three:) love, L
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Drainage is so important on this hillside. Also options on shutters are limited. If we get the ones commonly used here, there is no air circulation when they are closed nor light. Something to consider if the electricity goes out. Ugh.
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Glad it missed you and you got to enjoy your hurricane party!
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Thanks Sweetie, glad you stopped by. Others weren’t so lucky. We are better prepared for the next one.
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