We Dodged the Bullet...

Hurricane Irene really did a number on the Outer Banks and surrounding areas.  Houses destroyed, homes flooded, roads washed totally away.... but the Recca house, miraculously, escaped serious damage.

With the exception of a few inches of flood water encroaching our downstairs storage rooms, and major damage to the Pirate's Cove Marina and docks, we found our little beach house in tact.  It took only a day and a half for us to clean up our mess.  Sadly, many of our neighbors will be cleaning up for some time to come. But everyone is safe, and nothing in our neighborhood is beyond repair. In fact, it was quite inspiring to see our neighbors banding together, helping eachother, sharing and giving. 

Thank you friends for all the comments, e-mails, thoughts and prayers.  They were all very much appreciated, and helped more than you know.

Off to the Outer Banks....

hopefully everything is as we left it.

Awaiting Word that We Can Return...

 ...to see what damage we sustained.  We were hoping to leave around 5 am this morning, however we were told that the roads are not opened yet.



Last week - THIS is what we were doing



Unfortunately, because Irene was destined to hit New York, coverage - even while the hurricane was pounding the Carolina Outer Banks - was focused on what the New Yorkers were doing for preparation, and NOT what was happening to our Outer Banks. 

At this point, we don't have any idea what the damage to our marina and neighborhood is.  All we've heard is that there was serious flooding in the area.  Whether that was in Pirate's Cove or not - we do not yet know.

For the moment - we are on standby - waiting to head over. 

Been Thinking of the Wild Horses...

...on Corolla and Currituck on the Outer Banks all morning.   They are so special and hold such an important key to the history of the Outer Banks.

We were just on Corolla a few weeks ago looking for them.  Click here to read a bit about them.

I pray they find a safe hiding place.

Heading to the Outer Banks to Prepare for Hurricane Irene....

We are headed over to the Outer Banks this afternoon to secure the house as best we can, and move the  boat. We are concerned they will close the bridges sometime tomorrow or Friday for one way traffic to head out, so we want to make sure we can get "in" before they do that.  Irene is expected to reach Category 3 by Saturday early morning.  Category 3 hurricanes carry winds of 133-155 mph. 

At this point, speculation is that  Irene will hit Cape Hatteras and continue up the Outer Banks taking it  right over our place (the red dot) Saturday sometime. We live right on the island surrounded by the Sound on the left, and the Atlantic Ocean on the right.

If the Outer Banks takes a direct hit of a Cat 3 hurricane I can't even begin to imagine the devastation.  Living in Florida for 25 years, I've experienced my share of hurricanes (including Andrew,) and seen quite a bit of damage. 

But while the houses in Florida are poured concrete or concrete block, the houses on the Outer Banks are wood frame, many cedar shingled, on stilts. They are oftentimes surrounded by water on both sides for the most part.  I can't even begin to imagine the devastation that will occur not only to the structures, but to the Outer Banks (barrier islands) themselves.  

Heading over to the Banks from Raleigh today, we can't dwell on the "what ifs." All we can do instead,  is prepare the property and head to safety, returning Sunday or monday morning to see if the Outer Banks as we left it - still remains. 

Be SAFE.