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.

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.