Day 863: What shall we do?

The weather forecast is ominous.  NOAA predicts approximately 3 inches of rain and thunderstorms between Wed. and Friday morning.  Should we proceed as planned or go with one of our contingency plans?   We met with Kathy and Andy early this afternoon to discuss the options.  Andy called the bus garage and reserved busses in case we need to evacuate the kids part way through the expedition. Another possibility is to

cancel Wednesday and Thursday and depart on Friday morning after the worst of the front has passed.  We could hike Wednesday, go out Thursday morning and then return on Friday morning.  That's a very complicated and expensive option.  I would prefer that one.

And what about all the food we're to pick up in the morning?  Do we buy food we ultimately won't consume?

We made a dozen calls to the adults in the group to get their perspectives.  Kevin reflected their positions when he said, "Better safe  than sorry."  I know that's what Steve thinks too.  I am more daring.  Also, I don't like the thought of ten months of preparation going down the drain.  I don't mind rain, but I am afraid of lightening.

 We agreed that we need more information before the final decision is made.  Tomorrow morning we'll get another report from NOAA, consult with Julius, listen to Don Paul's forecast, meet with Andy and then decide.  So often, forecasts are hit and miss.  We could entirely escape the storm or it could hit us hard.

We discovered what appears to be a Celtic cross during our walk through the cemetery this morning.  The name on it was Barker, which was surprising.  We'll have to find out more about the design and the family it represents.

A large group met tonight for our class dinner.  Several of the snowbirds have returned from Florida after overwintering there.  We were joined by four members of the class of 1966 and Steve from '64.  Liberty had prepared for eight to ten, but we wound up with fifteen!