Adventure Racer Survives Storm
(This is an account of the ordeal of an adventure racer who was able to survive Katrina and its aftermath. This was reported in Kenny Dunaway's Multisport Report on Sept. 2, 2005)

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From Laurence Cohen:  Dear Multisporter, I have a most unusual report. I decided to stick out the storm and, after I sent my wife and children off to Houston, I hunkered down in East Lakeshore near Canal Boulevard and Robert E. Lee. I made it through the hurricane , although my home lost a large part of its roofing material.

The problems started when water came rushing into my neighborhood from the south -- not from the lake's direction. About 3 p.m. I kayaked down my block out to Robert E. Lee and saw 6 -8 feet of water in the road. It only got worse. By 5 pm, my house started taking on water and I abandoned ship with my pets. We sought refuge, along with three others who were a few doors down, at a huge house under construction. That house was across the park from my now sunken abode.

On Tuesday, I awoke to water higher than the previous days. I still thought it might go down. Jeff Wilson and I started paddling Canal Boulevard to find an escape route. As we glided down Canal Blvd, through the tops of 15 - 20 foot oaks and sycamores, we heard cries for help.

I will not bore you with details. We wound up rescuing 11 people and a Weimeraner dog. We never saw an official from any government agency. Weonly saw folks like me amd you in flat boats trying to help others.

It was an amazing experience. I credit Jeff and my having done so many Adventure races that We were able to help so many people. So many elements of AR transfer to rescue ops.

After I viewed the levee breach with my own eyes that Tuesday afternoon, I knew it was time to get out of Dodge. Jeff and his friends went to Metairie. I wound up kayaking from the Lakefront to Howard Avenue downtown, without seeing one public official the whole length of Canal. Why was there looting ? No police or any other government officials.

I hitchhiked with my dog, to Baton Rouge. I am now in Austin. All I have left in this world are my health, famiy and a few pieces of cloth. if you asked would I stay again, the answer is an emphatic yes. Jeff and I made a difference in the lives of almost a dozen people. What prepared me for that day was all the same training all of you do. I just happened to be in a position to use it.

My sympathies to anyone who lost a loved one. Also, good luck to all who have losses. Let others help you in this time of need. Its not charity, though. Its payback for all the hard work and good deeds we do.