Everyone in Canada read recent reports of the storms in Hawaii: “Hurricane winds, power outages, seven dead, widespread disaster” — etc. And, a lot of Canadian husbands were saying, “See, Joyce? Aren't you glad we didn’t go to Hawaii like the Jones’? Har! Har! trayel- by Barbara McCreadie ee I sympathize with the Jones family! The Mc- Creadie family was right there in the midst of the mess too. During the storms, described as the “worst civil disaster since World War II", five of us were huddled in a ninth-floor con- dominium on the island of Maui. Naturally, Maui was the “hardest-hit” island of the Hawaiian chain. The first thing that oc- curred after the wind started was a total power failure. Dining by candlelight might be romantic — but not with three kids! And not for SIX DAYS! Walking up nine flights isn't funny, either. The ocean turned mean, swallowing acres of beach plus any houses, boats or peaple who happened to get in the way. Instead of the cystal-blue waters, we witnessed ugly brown breakers rising to 22 feet. In the beginning, we had no idea of the extent of the two storms that lashed the islands. The first left the roads flooded and_ ttees down everywhere. One palm tree landed on a car in our parking lot, introducing the car roof to the = steering wheel. It takes quite a “plow” to knock over palm trees and this gale uprooted hundreds. Each morning we awoke to the sound of chain saws as the management tried to clear the roads during lulls in the wind and rain. Because we had no power, cating in restaurants became a “must”. That might sound like fun but, when only a few restaurants are operating, it isn't. To make matters worse, the nearest scet- TRAVEL INFORMATION GORDON HANNA 987-9501 PACH ely : CARR TRANS: tie terra’ ‘storms ‘Storms 5 linnit holiday f fon tlement (Lahaina) was five miles down the road. Cars were warned to stay off the highway due to. floods and downed power lines. We found ourselves in a “Catch- 22” situation — either obey the “stay home” regulation and starve or venture into the storm and hope for the best. Costs, too, were a factor. When you are travelling with three kids, you~ plan your budget so that most meals are eaten in your condo. Dining out is reserved for special occasions. When you have to feed five people, even breakfast leaves you $25 poorer. Thank God for credit cards. During our six days, we managed to run-up over five hundred dollars in unplanned expenses! Our refrigerator was stocked with all sorts of perishibles — bacon, cold meats, vegetables, milk, cheese and eggs. All eventually slid down the garbage shute. Another $50! The manager of the condominium had just in- vested in a freezer-full of beef ($950 worth!). He was practically in tears by the fourth day and by the time power was restored, most of it was inedible. The heat didn't quit! Even at the height of both major the temperature never dipped below 75 degrees (F). Mildew grew on damp towels which we couldn’t wash. I scrubbed- out the apartment refrigerator and left the doors propped open but, still, little green fingers began to grow on the rubber strips around the doors. The garburator was problem. Before the power failure, some food remained _ in the “works”. Despite repeated flushing with water, the odor remained. In one way, we were lucky. Some areas were cut- off from water supplies. We weren't. However, the water we did get was the color of chocolate milk — and about the same consistency. It gave me a good case of the “trots”. Within two days, food became scarce. Milk was completely gone. Canned beverages disappeared. Fresh meat was available but only in cuts that required long cooking — impossible. One might — when | was feeling sicker than a cat with distemper, Bran and Janine HAWAI! $299 Alr only WAIKIKI $469 8 Days, 7 Nights, Al & Hote! WAIKIKI $579 16 Days, 14 Nights, At & Note LAS VEGAS $179 & Days, 4 Nights, Ak & Hotel RENO $239 8 Oays, 7 Night, Af & Hote! RENO $179 6 Daya, 4 Nights, Ar & Hote! CENTA Tours 1666 Robson Street 10607 K. Geo. Hwy. Surrey 689-7117 Reg. Travei Agent No. 157-3 another ° braved the storm to drive to Lahaina to bring back something for all of us to drink. With a good deal of luck, they managed to find three tins of lemonade and a bottle of Cranapple juice. We shared the lukewarm stuff and retired to our soggy beds. During the night, the storm increased in fury — adding thunder and lightening. I woke up to flashes of light coming from the room where our daughters were sleeping. Instant panic! Since we had | been using candles, my” immediate fear was fire. The flash of several sheets of lightening resembled the start of a blaze in our condo and I'll swear that I reached their room in four bounds — and shook like a leaf for three hours after. Next, candles ran out. Soon, a “jungle telegraph” took over and rumors began: “Hey! We just heard that the craft shop on Blank Street has some.” "We cherished our last little ends and went to bed at nine p.m. One night we met a young couple from Indianapolis and spent a nice evening sharing our last bit of vodka with their last bit of mix. They were completely out of candles so we donated our one remaining. They were to leave for home the next morning. Next day, when we got up, one of the kids opened “our front door to find a styrofoam cooler, complete with rapidly melting ice, containing their last five cans of soft drinks. We - savored a couple of cold tins of Dr. Pepper for breakfast! | C7-Wednesday, January 30, 1980 - North Shore News The next thing to disappear was gasoline. Due to tlooding, the main depot was under water. None of the service stations in our area could be refilled. Great. Catch-22 started all over again. Do we dare use our last bit of gas in the car to drive out for breakfast? Lf we do, will we have enough to drive to the rt to catch our flight to Honolulu? Will the flight to Honolulu even be available? Good grief! On Suzy’s tiny transistor radio we kept up with bulletins from the civil defence office. Although the airport was operating, the roads leading to it were closed. This meant that incoming tourists were being housed in community centers and schools. We were grateful for our beds. Datsun 210 Saves Again. WHEN YOU BUY. wig I a | ie i DELIVERY! i! i t \ Hn 1 ff is / de i Super $500 Saving Today Our $500 factory rebate means big savings on any new '79 210 Sedan, Station Wagon or Hatchback. And great features are part of the low price. The 210 shown above includes — MacPherson Strut Front Suspension — Tinted Glass — Front, side and rear window defrosters — Bi-level ventilation — Rear flip-out windows Our deluxe models add pile carpeting, fabric seats and much more | ~ Min. |[eerssaan} [parsus) —_ | } **Basedon Transpo ( anade approved satings tor Datsun 710 5 spendin tires per 1OO0Km (COonvenod 10M PG and comparedte "9001 5 ratings tor Mavenckh Monte Cano Vahant and Comet oe Actual consumption will vary — “i ii p> ‘ i ee ai s si il | ili Hit ee ae an "' ce ily t a bit different I certainly learned something! Our home is completely unprepared for a civil disaster of this nature. Sure, we have fireplaces — but nothing to burn except the odd Presto Log, newspapers and furniture. Our candle supply consists of a few colorful ones left over from the last dinner party. If our home were isolated by a similar disaster it would be a toss-up bet- ween freezing to death and Starving. 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