I haven't heard of much damage yet on Ocracoke; there will be a lot of clean-up and I'm sure there will be costly effects of the salt water getting into things it shouldn't have. But Highway 12 took major hits north of us. The Hatteras Ferry is running hourly now for emergencies, but the highway is closed near Oregon Inlet. Hatteras residents are coming to Ocracoke to reach the mainland via extra Swan Quarter Ferries for the next few days. We've had no mail since Thursday.
But folks are getting out. I spent a half hour chatting with Rob and Daphne yesterday at the intersection of Highway 12 and British Cemetery Road. I mention this because, as I remember it, we were standing in ankle deep water the whole time (shod in our rubber boots).
I loved seeing scores of ibises near the Pony Island Motel.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a transcript of a letter written in 1949 by a visitor to the island. You can read the letter (which provides a glimpse into Ocracoke life sixty years ago) here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102509.htm.
Sunday morning I spotted a huge flock -- 40 or 50 birds -- just strolling through the water on Back Road in the vicinity of the Health Center.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing.
what phenomenon is this , perhaps bird watches know that floods result in a flock of birds feasting upon the waterlogged edibles or do they think it is the shore rather than Bill's flooded back yard???
ReplyDeleteFinally on Ocracoke, sitting outside Coffee house checking emails etc. Got phone call from Dave F. early Saturday morning as we were driving to Cedar Island, that Island was flooded and house had 1-2 feet of water around it. Road closed to Cedar Island, but we came on anyway, high water in several spots, small cars had to turn around. Got to Cedar Island and stayed Saturday & Sunday night in house we rent in January for Duck Hunting. Came over this morning on 7:30 ferry, very few on ferry. Got a surprise when they told us it was NO charge for boat ride, seems they are in evacuation(sp) mode, how are they going to pay for new ferry doing this. Spoke to several crew members as we crossed they were laughing about it also. I can see NO charge if we were coming off during crisis, but to come over!
ReplyDeleteStill have water around the old historical house we rent, can't get to porches without wading in 3-6 inches of water, but at least we are here, looking forward to good week. I'll wait and come by shop, when wife get's here later in week, maybe I'll see you around the Island before then. If David S. is here, if you see him tell him his Mtn friends are here.
See you soon,
Take Care, Nollie