Flood Update - I'm Still Dry

Today, of all days, was sunny.  It was ironic, really.  We haven't seen the sun in weeks, and today, when the flooding is beginning to take its toll, it came out in full force.  I got Mouse to the airport before the roads were closed.  We said our good-byes, thinking that this whole "flood thing" was being blown out of porportion.  We were SOOOO wrong.  By the time I made it back to the apartment, my neighborhood was akin to a war zone.  Everyone was preparing for the impending flood.  People had moving trucks.  Helicopters were flying overhead.  Officials were making announcements on bullhorns.  Luckily, my lease was up today.  I cleared my apartment and got out just in time.  By this afternoon, the water level rose to chest-deep levels.  I've taken refuge on higher ground with a friend, so I'm safe, but can barely believe the pictures I'm seeing.  This entire city is becoming submerged.  It's astounding.  The devestation is incredible.  I hope my neighbors are OK.  The river isn't expected to peak until the wee hours of the morning, so we will be on guard until then.  For now, all we can do is sit and wait.  This certainly isn't what I expected from the final days of my Aussie adventure, but there isn't much I can do about it now.  I will continue to keep everyone as up-to-date as possible.