From sunny Florida to rain-soaked Skowhegan I was vacationing in Florida during that week in 1987, and the only way I knew about the bad weather was when I arrived at Orlando International Airport to fly back to Maine. My flight was delayed about an hour, with no explanation other than it was raining in New England. The flight finally took off, approximately 2 hours. after the original departure time, amid bits of conversation that the northeast was having a horrible rainstorm.

Upon arriving in Boston, my plan was to phone ahead to alert the person who was to pick me up in Bangor. But I was given a choice of next moves - either make the call or get on the plane for Maine. This was the last plane to fly from Boston to Bangor that evening, so I opted to get on the plane.

Walking onto that plane presented an unexpected turn of events, as it had been sitting on the tarmac for close to one and one-half hours, waiting for the flight from Florida. Those of us who boarded were greeted with comments from a few irate people. I, personally, was chastised for 'keeping the plane from getting to it's destination during this storm.' It certainly was a surprise, as we still had no idea of the dangerous storm that was covering the area.

That ride from Boston to Bangor was the very worst plane trip of my life. Heavy rain, constant turbulence, and frightened passengers made for a very unsettling time. We were all very thankful to finally land in Bangor. I then had to call for my ride back to Skowhegan, and wait in the empty airport, alone, as the storm battered the area.

The drive back to Skowhegan was strange, as there were very few vehicles on the roads. Once in town, we were the last vehicle that the police let through Water Street so we could get home. We lived on the edge of the Kennebec River, and the following day watched as many items floated by - everything from furniture to tires to pieces of wood were being carried by the force of the water.

Many of us walked downtown and were watching as the foot bridge cracked, fell into the river, and remnants were carried away. The loud cracking sound was quite eerie, and caused many to stare at the event with unbelieving eyes. Many of us had gone to our jobs that day, and a co-worker bunked at my place, as she lived across the river and couldn't get home, since the roads crossing the river were by that time of day also washed out. We stood on the downtown side of the raging river as she waved to her husband on the other side.

Thankfully, we did not suffer any personal injury or loss. It was sad to learn of those who did, and to see the aftermath of the storm.

It was an unforgettable time for the Skowhegan area; a time that I personally will remember, for many reasons.

Verna Layman

Melbourne, Fla.