Here we Go - Hold Tight!

Not sure how much longer we will have power. 3 p.m. and the rain has started.   Already experiencing wind gusts of 150 km/hr.   We are told that Cyclone Yasi will make landfall in 7 hours and that at the time of crossing we could experience winds of up to 300 km/hr!  We are holding our breath.

We completed all our pre cyclone jobs this morning.   Awnings and shade sails have been taken down and pot plants placed in a secure spot.   There is nothing more we can do.  All we can hope is that we don't get the full force of the "eye".   Oh how I am praying that this fierce cyclone  (apparently the worst in Queensland's history!) fizzles out before it reaches the coast.  Unfortunately  I don't think this is going to happen.

All the evacuation centres in Cairns are filled to capacity.   People from the beaches to the north of the city have been forced to evacuate - they are expecting a high tide and storm surge at 9 p.m.  If the predictions are right - a lot of these homes will be submerged.  It is just so unbelievable!

We are perched high on a hill here in the Valley - so we won't be affected by storm surges.  We are however completely surrounded by huge trees and palms.  I just hope they manage to keep standing!

Snapped this little kookaburra high up a tree in my garden.  He looks so wind swept and bedraggled.  I hope he manages to find a safe hidey spot before Yasi comes.

The rain is getting heavier now.  We have worked out an action plan and have set up a little bunker in the hall next to the bathroom.  A couple of mattresses over a table.  It's going to be a bit of a tight fit - 2 dogs + 2 cats + 2 pink galahs plus Alan, Kendall and me!   Somehow I think it is going to be a LONG night.

Thinking of all our friends along the FNQ coast tonight - especially thinking of everyone in my home town of Innisfail.  Please let them be spared - they have had more than their fair share of natural disasters.

Stay safe and HOLD TIGHT!