Bracing for the Storm: Our Florida Trip Takes a Turn for the Worse

Well, folks, it seems like we've traded the crisp autumn air of Oregon for the slightly-less-crisp, humidity-infused air of Florida. And by "slightly-less-crisp," I mean we're pretty sure we've lost 10 pounds in sweat since stepping off the plane. The air hangs heavy, thick with the scent of salt and something vaguely floral, and it clings to you like a damp towel. Every breath feels like inhaling a warm, wet sponge.

But hey, we're not complaining (much). After all, we're at the beach! Sun, sand, and... oh wait, a car that looks like it's been used as a science experiment for growing mold?

Looks like we've got waterfront property! Thanks to the torrential rain ahead of Hurricane Milton, our backyard has turned into a lake. Send boats! 🛶 #FloridaFlooding #HurricaneMilton #PreppingForTheWorst

Yep, that's right. Our first week in Cape Canaveral has been a whirlwind of adventure, but not the kind you brag about on Instagram. More like the kind you hesitantly tell your therapist about, hoping they don't add "delusional" to your diagnosis.

It all started with Ty’s trusty WRX deciding to take an unexpected vacation. Not only did it refuse to start (twice!), but the interior had somehow transformed into a fuzzy wonderland of mildew. Seriously, it was like the car had spent the summer in a swamp (or a Florida garage, but really, what’s the difference?) After two jump-starts from the saints at AAA and enough scrubbing to qualify Ty for a Mr. Clean endorsement, we finally limped our mold-mobile to a local repair shop.

Remember that fresh car smell? Yeah, not so much anymore. Thanks, Florida humidity! At least we have a story to tell. (And a new appreciation for vinegar!) #FloridaAdventures #CarTroubles #MildewMadness"

As we trudged home, rolling our eyes at the sheer absurdity of it all (because what else can you do?), a neighbor in a golf cart took pity on us and offered a ride. "Our luck is finally turning!" we thought, just as the sky above us turned ominously dark. The wind picked up, whipping the palm trees into a frenzy, and the smell of rain on hot pavement filled the air. Did I mention we had no food in the house? Oh, and that the weather report was calling for a hurricane named Milton to possibly crash our beach party?

Cue the Benny Hill music as we hopped on our slightly moldy beach cruisers – because of course the bike seats had also succumbed to the Florida funk – and pedaled like mad to the nearest market, dodging raindrops and praying we wouldn't get struck by lightning. We grabbed anything we could carry on bikes and managed to arrive home just as the real storm hit. The rain came down in sheets, a deafening roar against the roof, and lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the churning ocean in the distance.

Apparently, the universe wasn't quite done with us yet. Drenched, exhausted, and slightly mold-flavored, we collapsed on the couch, only to discover a new and exciting challenge: a leak in the shower that, of course, would not be a cheap fix. And to add insult to injury, a throbbing headache and a cough that sounded like a dying walrus soon became my new companions. Ugh. Could things possibly get any worse?

This is what a hurricane's bad mood looks like. Milton is on its way, and the ocean is giving us a preview of its power. We're battening down the hatches and hoping for the best! #HurricaneMilton #FloridaLife #AdventuresInWeatheringTheStorm"

Oh yes they could. And they would.

The next morning dawned bright and beautiful, a deceptive calm before the real storm. Peacocks strutting, birds chirping, car miraculously fixed. We stocked the fridge, breathed a sigh of relief, and dared to think the worst was over. Famous last words.

Enter Hurricane Milton, en route to potentially ruining everything.

Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing Florida saga. Will our place survive the hurricane? Will our car ever be the same? Find out tomorrow on... "Adventures in the Sunshine State (the state that apparently wants to kill us)."