The Great October Flood 2015

It has been an interesting couple of days here. The city and state have been all over the national news because of the flooding from days of constant heavy rain. If you’ve seen any news report or watched The Weather Channel, you’ve seen our devastation.

We were very fortunate on the island. The road to our house is severely damaged. But our house and property remained un-flooded. Other parts of the area were not so lucky. The damage in some areas is tremendous.

Our major concern was getting to the horses at the barn to make sure that they were okay. I walked ahead of the truck to check for sink holes and gullies. The road has been eroded by sheet flow coming off the farm fields. In some places, the holes were several feet deep. 

After we got to the barn, we found some of the fields were flooded.  I moved horses around to put them in un-flooded pastures. Water in a couple of pastures was up to the horse's knees. 

Once the horses were moved, we went about feeding them their hay. They were glad to get it and a bit frantic because horses are creatures of routine.  I have attached a few photos so you can see their happiness at being fed. 

I feel as if my story is so minimal compared to those people who have been displaced, losing their homes and everything they own, aside from what may have been thrown into a bag or two and what they had on their backs.  I saw people with babies being raced into boats to escape the flood waters that took over their homes yesterday.

So it has been a surreal few days. I hear that the sun is supposed to peak through the steel gray sky tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing it. 

One of many road wash outs

A small lake in the big ring

Driving along the flooded road

Pond overflowing into the barn

Overflow of pond

Horses waiting on hay

My boy eating his hay

Hallowed ground

I am out on the boat for a few days. Today has been hot, but the sea breeze and a thunderstorm are now cooling things down.  I didn't row to the beach this afternoon because of the heat. This evening I took one of the dogs in the dinghy to shore for a walk, and we watched the skies darken. Eventually, we rowed back to the boat to close the hatches and ports.

I feel renewed once again by being out here on this boat and in this place that provides so much peace. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the fierce Civil War battle that took place on the island. So many slaughtered and left to rot on the beach. Most of those killed were the Massachusetts 54th, a regiment of African American soldiers. But the Battery on the island held, and the Harbor remained under control of the Confederates as did the city. Sherman decided to ravage the capital city instead of coming to the old port city so strongly defended. 

So much violence and death to defend a way of life abhorrant to many. I treat this island with much respect. It is hallowed ground. Now there is nothing but the sound of the wind, waves and birds. I feel fortunate to be here. 

Saturday living

The old clipper sailboat that was built in Shanghai sold yesterday. She was bought by a nice fellow who was thrilled to get her. He is going to do a year-long restoration on her.

I know how thrilled he is because I am still so glad to have bought my boat a little over a year and a half ago. It was a happy day but also a bit daunting too. But any hesitation I had is gone. Since then I have gotten so much pleasure out of her, even though I spent money on her too. I don't begrudge any of that. I want to live a life that gives me and those I love pleasure.

The man who owned the old boat was a fellow who spent no money on her. He ran her aground four years ago and did nothing to check for damage. When she was pulled from the water yesterday, about 3 feet of her rudder was gone. He had told me there were a few "chips". In the final deal, he let the boat go at a much reduced price because of the rudder damage. He did not gain anything from his inaction or from not being forthcoming. Frankly, I was embarrassed to have told the buyer that the boat was in good shape when there was such a flaw.

I take care of the things that I have. My father taught me to treat things well and to not expect replacements. I am mindful of the value of what I have. Plus, I like fixing things myself--a DIY mentality. And if I can't fix something, I pay someone who will.

There are all kinds of people in this world. I don't have much respect for ones who hide and conceal things from others. Eventually, we all are found out for the wrongs that we do. What goes around does eventually come around.