Sep 19, 2017 3 min read

We were supposed to be packing today. The list included scuba gear, sunglasses and flip-flops. When my friend suggested this trip back in March, we were all eager even though that nagging question kept popping up in the back of my mind. “Why would you want to travel that week? You realize it’s the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.” Yes, the dates worked well for all of us and, yes, the price was remarkably affordable. That’s because it is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

We were so excited as our trip approached. The rental home my friend found for us was beautiful: four bedrooms with a pool, hot tub and grill perched alongside a canal on peaceful Marathon Key. The week would be full of scuba diving plus fun, laughter and time with beloved friends. Then came Hurricane Irma.

I watched the forecasts and television coverage of Irma for hours, then days, praying that not only would those in her path remain safe, but somehow she would fizzle or take a turn to the west and spare the Florida Keys.

I first dove in the Keys three years ago, shortly after earning my scuba certification. The beauty and splendor of the coral reef and John Pennekamp State Park were unbelievable. Another trip the next year brought my first wreck dive, exploring the remains of the sunken military ship Thunderbolt. Last spring brought a trip to Key Largo for a friend’s wedding and a chance to dive in what was quickly becoming one of my favorite spots. From the beaches of tranquil Bahia Honda State Park to the gingerbread houses, playful atmosphere and revelry of Key West … I love the Florida Keys.

A friend who lives in Key West left for a long-planned trip days before Irma hit. Fortunately, he is safe and his home escaped destruction. The poor owner of our beautiful rental home on Marathon Key was unable to even reach his property days after Irma hit, let alone have a damage assessment for us. Our hopes of making the trip quickly faded, and my heart sank each time I saw fresh video of boats strewn across lawns, tiki bars tossed in the torrential wind and yards of sand washed into residents’ homes.

My heart goes out to the dive shop owners and employees who were ready to host us and are now desperately piecing their lives and livelihoods back together. Our friend in the Keys is safe, but his helicopter tour business is on hold until tourists once again are able to make that drive down U.S. 1 filled with stunning scenery. We hope to be some of those tourists making the trip soon to not only visit one of the jewels of the United States, but also to gladly pump dollars back into the dive shops, restaurants, tiki bars, hotels and rental properties owned by those Irma hit hard.

Kristin Emery can be reached at kristinemery1@yahoo.com.