Cheryl B. Dale's Blog: RANDOM MUSINGS, page 9
October 22, 2016
BEACH CHANGES AFTER THE STORM
Once again, our beach has undergone a total repositioning of its sand. As we come out past the dunes, we look southward and see a tidal pool. The ocean is on the left.
When we go north, there is stretches more of sand. There used to be a long and then a short sandbar out in the water not far from shore. The shore has now effectively sucked up the sandbar, making the beach twice as wide or more. Then we get to the amazing part.
Once a wide river flowed between the sandbar and upper beach. Now, as we stand on the new part of the beach, we can see it has become more of a narrow creek, flowing down to what has turned into a tidal pool. You can still see the rip rap (big rocks) on the edge that kept the sea from washing the sands away.
And this pier once jutted out into the river. A river that was way too broad to cross except by swimming and currents made that dangerous.
The houses seen behind the pier are glad of the beach changes, I suppose. For years, they were in danger of being washed away by the ocean. Now it's way out in front of them!
When we go north, there is stretches more of sand. There used to be a long and then a short sandbar out in the water not far from shore. The shore has now effectively sucked up the sandbar, making the beach twice as wide or more. Then we get to the amazing part.
Once a wide river flowed between the sandbar and upper beach. Now, as we stand on the new part of the beach, we can see it has become more of a narrow creek, flowing down to what has turned into a tidal pool. You can still see the rip rap (big rocks) on the edge that kept the sea from washing the sands away.
And this pier once jutted out into the river. A river that was way too broad to cross except by swimming and currents made that dangerous.
The houses seen behind the pier are glad of the beach changes, I suppose. For years, they were in danger of being washed away by the ocean. Now it's way out in front of them!
October 15, 2016
HOME AGAIN
As I told last week, we had to evacuate for Hurricane Matthew. We were extremely fortunate in that he passed about fifty miles offshore from us and that his storm surge happened at low tide. We could have had a disastrous hit and all our belongings would be gone. I can't get over how lucky we were. We came home to debris all over the yard and a tree on the house (a skinny tree with the top resting on our roof so no damage we can see) but nothing worse.
I promised to tell more about our visit to Atlanta that took place just before the hurricane.
One of my guy's pix was chosen to hang in the State Capital's rotunda (along with about thirty other paintings and photographs). He was invited to bring it in person and meet the Governor but at first demurred. Then a relative offered to drive him into Atlanta, and I persuaded him to go.
Here's a shot of the people milling around in the anteroom before the presentation:
And here is my guy's painting. Jekyll Island Sunset:
So he got to shake hands with the Governor and First Lady, and the photograph will hang in the Capital until April for anyone visiting Atlanta to enjoy. I am quite proud of him!
I promised to tell more about our visit to Atlanta that took place just before the hurricane.
One of my guy's pix was chosen to hang in the State Capital's rotunda (along with about thirty other paintings and photographs). He was invited to bring it in person and meet the Governor but at first demurred. Then a relative offered to drive him into Atlanta, and I persuaded him to go.
Here's a shot of the people milling around in the anteroom before the presentation:
And here is my guy's painting. Jekyll Island Sunset:
So he got to shake hands with the Governor and First Lady, and the photograph will hang in the Capital until April for anyone visiting Atlanta to enjoy. I am quite proud of him!
October 8, 2016
HURRICANE WARNING!
Wednesday
Yes, we just received our voluntary evacuation notice today! Hurricane Matthew is heading our way!
South Carolina's coastal area were already under an evacuation order, which had concerned us. So when this one came, we were kind of prepared. As luck would have it, we were on the road, coming back from Atlanta where my guy took his photograph that had been chosen to hang in the State Capital (more on this next week), when the news came.
As we hit I-16, going from Macon to Savannah, we started running into traffic. I-16 is usually an uncrowded, easygoing road. Not today. I think most of the cars were coming from Hilton Head and Savannah. Luckily, we were going toward Savannah rather than away from it!
As we came over the causeway to our island, the tide was up in the marshes. And I mean up. Usually, the marshes look like a green field. Not today.
We're packing up tonight, putting our legal papers and a few other precious items into the car. Tomorrow morning --Thursday-- we'll be heading back to Atlanta to stay with relatives. Right now, it's projected that Matthew is due to call Thursday night or Friday.
When this blog publishes Saturday morning, we should know if our house has been blown away or not. We're keeping our fingers crossed! This is the first time we've had to go through this!
Saturday
The mandatory evacuation notice came Thursday morning as we were heading out. We got to Atlanta and watched news and Internet reports on the hurricane progress. Matthew meandered around and passed our island Friday night, This morning we got word that our neighborhood houses suffered little structural damage, probably because the eye was about 45 miles offshore.
A lot of trees and power lines are down but hopefully that will be cleared away within a few days and we can go home. We are very thankful!
Yes, we just received our voluntary evacuation notice today! Hurricane Matthew is heading our way!
South Carolina's coastal area were already under an evacuation order, which had concerned us. So when this one came, we were kind of prepared. As luck would have it, we were on the road, coming back from Atlanta where my guy took his photograph that had been chosen to hang in the State Capital (more on this next week), when the news came.
As we hit I-16, going from Macon to Savannah, we started running into traffic. I-16 is usually an uncrowded, easygoing road. Not today. I think most of the cars were coming from Hilton Head and Savannah. Luckily, we were going toward Savannah rather than away from it!
As we came over the causeway to our island, the tide was up in the marshes. And I mean up. Usually, the marshes look like a green field. Not today.
We're packing up tonight, putting our legal papers and a few other precious items into the car. Tomorrow morning --Thursday-- we'll be heading back to Atlanta to stay with relatives. Right now, it's projected that Matthew is due to call Thursday night or Friday.
When this blog publishes Saturday morning, we should know if our house has been blown away or not. We're keeping our fingers crossed! This is the first time we've had to go through this!
Saturday
The mandatory evacuation notice came Thursday morning as we were heading out. We got to Atlanta and watched news and Internet reports on the hurricane progress. Matthew meandered around and passed our island Friday night, This morning we got word that our neighborhood houses suffered little structural damage, probably because the eye was about 45 miles offshore.
A lot of trees and power lines are down but hopefully that will be cleared away within a few days and we can go home. We are very thankful!
October 1, 2016
SHRIMP BOAT WRECK
Our pier does not allow docking for any boats other than authorized ones (Coast Guard, DNR, pilot boats, etc.) So the shrimp boat that tied up last Saturday was not supposed to be there. Evidently, the owner was trying to sell some fresh caught shrimp to bystanders.
I don't know if he sold any shrimp or not, but he did have a problem with his boat. The High Tide hit the pier, knocked over a couple of lamp posts and destroyed part of the railing. The pier has been roped off to foot traffic. Here's the view as we walk out on the pier.
And here's the view when you get out to the end. There were two more lampposts between the one you can see and the end on the left; both now gone, alas! You can also see my shadow as I take a photo over the yellow tape barring us from going any farther.
The owner was taken to the detention center. I feel kind of sorry for him -- all he tried to do was sell some shrimp before hitting the pier with his boom -- but on the other hand, we'll be the ones footing the bill for repairs.
Too much excitement, I say! Hope there won't be any more unauthorized boats trying to dock there!
I don't know if he sold any shrimp or not, but he did have a problem with his boat. The High Tide hit the pier, knocked over a couple of lamp posts and destroyed part of the railing. The pier has been roped off to foot traffic. Here's the view as we walk out on the pier.
And here's the view when you get out to the end. There were two more lampposts between the one you can see and the end on the left; both now gone, alas! You can also see my shadow as I take a photo over the yellow tape barring us from going any farther.
The owner was taken to the detention center. I feel kind of sorry for him -- all he tried to do was sell some shrimp before hitting the pier with his boom -- but on the other hand, we'll be the ones footing the bill for repairs.
Too much excitement, I say! Hope there won't be any more unauthorized boats trying to dock there!
September 24, 2016
LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Our local newspaper has gone over to the dark side: it is now published in tabloid form and size. AND, it no longer skips Sunday publication. Yes, we now have a Sunday paper delivered to our door!
Unfortunately, the Monday paper has been taken away. Yep. Vanished. Whisked away. Kaput.
"They" say it was because more customers wanted a Sunday paper than a Monday paper. I say, who did they ask?
But I won't complain. At least we still get a paper six days a week. With pretty entertaining stuff in it, too. Can't beat that!
A quick rundown on our local crime scene:
Police had to use tear gas to flush out a man screaming he wasn't going back to prison. Now he's in the local jail. But not in prison! Yet.
A woman involved in a bar fight hit the investigating policeman and got arrested. I would hope so!
A dog running loose threatened neighbors so police cited the owner. Should have sicced his dog on him!
A domestic dispute ended with the man running off but police located him, surrounded the residence he was hiding in, and arrested him for outstanding warrants. So he's done it before, eh?
And finally a man hit another man in the head with a stick. Unhappy with the outcome, he then grabbed a chair and hit the man again. Good thing there wasn't a sofa handy! The victim went to the emergency room and police tracked down the perpetrator and arrested him.
Ah, just another day in the lives of our underpaid law enforcement people.
Unfortunately, the Monday paper has been taken away. Yep. Vanished. Whisked away. Kaput.
"They" say it was because more customers wanted a Sunday paper than a Monday paper. I say, who did they ask?
But I won't complain. At least we still get a paper six days a week. With pretty entertaining stuff in it, too. Can't beat that!
A quick rundown on our local crime scene:
Police had to use tear gas to flush out a man screaming he wasn't going back to prison. Now he's in the local jail. But not in prison! Yet.
A woman involved in a bar fight hit the investigating policeman and got arrested. I would hope so!
A dog running loose threatened neighbors so police cited the owner. Should have sicced his dog on him!
A domestic dispute ended with the man running off but police located him, surrounded the residence he was hiding in, and arrested him for outstanding warrants. So he's done it before, eh?
And finally a man hit another man in the head with a stick. Unhappy with the outcome, he then grabbed a chair and hit the man again. Good thing there wasn't a sofa handy! The victim went to the emergency room and police tracked down the perpetrator and arrested him.
Ah, just another day in the lives of our underpaid law enforcement people.
September 17, 2016
FORT KING GEORGE
Fort King George, Georgia's oldest English fort, had some of its reenactors, or living history performers, last weekend. I love going to these exhibitions! Not only do we learn about how our ancestors lived, but we can watch displays of things like musket drills and spinning.
Here's a photo of the officers quarters from the open area inside the fort:
This is a spinner, showing how they spun wool back then. Those settlers must have been miserable, wearing wool in our tropical heat!
Here are the cannon lined up waiting for the Spanish to come. They overlook what in 1721 was the main branch of the river:
Here are some soldiers showing off their musketry skills. I can't believe they wore those hot uniforms all the time! Surely they stripped down in the summer!
And here, like the soldier, we're all covering our ears as the cannon fires!
Adding to the activities, the weather was not too hot and we had a most enjoyable day!
Here's a photo of the officers quarters from the open area inside the fort:
This is a spinner, showing how they spun wool back then. Those settlers must have been miserable, wearing wool in our tropical heat!
Here are the cannon lined up waiting for the Spanish to come. They overlook what in 1721 was the main branch of the river:
Here are some soldiers showing off their musketry skills. I can't believe they wore those hot uniforms all the time! Surely they stripped down in the summer!
And here, like the soldier, we're all covering our ears as the cannon fires!
Adding to the activities, the weather was not too hot and we had a most enjoyable day!
September 10, 2016
HERMINE
Hurricane Hermine, or the remains of it, came through a week or so ago. We were lucky. First, it came ashore as only a category 1 storm. Then, by the time it got to us, it was mostly high winds and rain. Not too bad. Our power went out but only for about four hours, though some houses were out longer. And we only had small debris in our yard while others had trees down. Some pix:
The beach access at the park near the lighthouse:
Fence and telephone wires down
:
The awning on a convenience store was blown down. This is right next to our favorite Southern Soul barbecue which wasn't harmed, thank goodness! We can still eat!
So now that Hermine is gone, a lot of people are deciding to take care of trees that might fall and do some damage.
Threatening pine being taken down:
The only tree we had that might have hurt the house, partly fell a couple of years ago and we had it taken out then. So we feel pretty safe. I'm just hoping any other hurricanes are as mild!
The beach access at the park near the lighthouse:
Fence and telephone wires down
:The awning on a convenience store was blown down. This is right next to our favorite Southern Soul barbecue which wasn't harmed, thank goodness! We can still eat!
So now that Hermine is gone, a lot of people are deciding to take care of trees that might fall and do some damage.
Threatening pine being taken down:
The only tree we had that might have hurt the house, partly fell a couple of years ago and we had it taken out then. So we feel pretty safe. I'm just hoping any other hurricanes are as mild!
September 3, 2016
TREE SPIRITS
While enjoying the island, many tourists run across our Tree Spirits carved into the great oaks. No, the trees aren't harmed. He carves on places where the bark has already come off, either struck by lightning or dangerous/diseased limbs chopped off. The sculptor, Keith Jennings, is from North Carolina and has a FaceBook page:
https://www.facebook.com/St.SimonsTreeSpirits/
While walking the other morning, my guy came upon him carving a new Spirit at Mallery Park.
It took several days to finish but it looks neat!
And here is a mermaid near the visitors' center. I bet this one took several weeks to finish!
The Tree Spirits are pleasant surprises for walkers and bicyclists. We haven't seen all of them but there are more to be found!
https://www.facebook.com/St.SimonsTreeSpirits/
While walking the other morning, my guy came upon him carving a new Spirit at Mallery Park.
It took several days to finish but it looks neat!
And here is a mermaid near the visitors' center. I bet this one took several weeks to finish!
The Tree Spirits are pleasant surprises for walkers and bicyclists. We haven't seen all of them but there are more to be found!
August 27, 2016
CANADA SENDS 1500 AMERICANS HOME
So I was reading the news last week and saw the headline: 1500 Americans Wash Up In Canada!
Hmmm, I think. Have the (fill in the blank with Trump or Hillary) ______ supporters decided their candidate is losing this far in advance of November? After all, what other reason could Americans have to brave the waters to get to Canada?
Reading on, the truth emerged. The people were engaging in an annual floating event in Michigan when high winds caught them and pushed them--yes, forced them--to the Canadian side of the St. Clair river.
Likely story. I'll bet they took advantage of the annual flotilla to hightail it out of the country.
In any event, they didn't get to claim asylum in Canada. These Canadians were on the ball, and the raft people were quickly met and deported.
Guess the (fill in the blank with Trump or Hillary) ______ supporters will have to think of a better excuse next time they try sneaking out of the country!
Having to spend all that money rescuing fleeing Americans did not endear us to Canada, I'm sure!
Hmmm, I think. Have the (fill in the blank with Trump or Hillary) ______ supporters decided their candidate is losing this far in advance of November? After all, what other reason could Americans have to brave the waters to get to Canada?
Reading on, the truth emerged. The people were engaging in an annual floating event in Michigan when high winds caught them and pushed them--yes, forced them--to the Canadian side of the St. Clair river.
Likely story. I'll bet they took advantage of the annual flotilla to hightail it out of the country.
In any event, they didn't get to claim asylum in Canada. These Canadians were on the ball, and the raft people were quickly met and deported.
Guess the (fill in the blank with Trump or Hillary) ______ supporters will have to think of a better excuse next time they try sneaking out of the country!
Having to spend all that money rescuing fleeing Americans did not endear us to Canada, I'm sure!
August 20, 2016
VETERAN'S RUN
This week, we had a ninety-two-year-old veteran finish his cross country run here on the island. He started October 7, 2013, in San Diego by touching the Pacific Ocean. He finishes today, August 20, 2016, on our island's East Beach when he touches the Atlantic Ocean. Oh, and yesterday was his birthday, so he's actually ninety-three!
Ernie Andrus is running to raise money to benefit the last operational landing ship used in World War II to land on the Normandy beaches. He and fellow veterans brought the ship back from Crete in 2000 (the History Channel had a documentary on their effort: The Return of LSD 325). Ernie was part of the crew on that voyage. They were going to take LSD 325 back across the sea in 2014 to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the landing but couldn't raise enough funds. Ernie originally intended the money he raises on this ocean-to-ocean run to be used to take it back in 2019 for the seventy-fifth anniversary. Unfortunately, the funds have not come in as he'd hoped.
But he's happy just to break even, he says. He looks on this trip as his last hurrah. And what an amazing hurrah it is!
And on a somber note, the restaurant who volunteered to cater a free lunch for Ernie and his supporters Saturday is based in Lousiana. Because of the flooding, they had to cancel. So our local restaurants, Halyards and Southern Soul, stepped up to help. Great people and great food! Almost makes me want to brave the crowds and go out Saturday for the party. Almost.
You go, Ernie Andrus!!!
Ernie Andrus is running to raise money to benefit the last operational landing ship used in World War II to land on the Normandy beaches. He and fellow veterans brought the ship back from Crete in 2000 (the History Channel had a documentary on their effort: The Return of LSD 325). Ernie was part of the crew on that voyage. They were going to take LSD 325 back across the sea in 2014 to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the landing but couldn't raise enough funds. Ernie originally intended the money he raises on this ocean-to-ocean run to be used to take it back in 2019 for the seventy-fifth anniversary. Unfortunately, the funds have not come in as he'd hoped.
But he's happy just to break even, he says. He looks on this trip as his last hurrah. And what an amazing hurrah it is!
And on a somber note, the restaurant who volunteered to cater a free lunch for Ernie and his supporters Saturday is based in Lousiana. Because of the flooding, they had to cancel. So our local restaurants, Halyards and Southern Soul, stepped up to help. Great people and great food! Almost makes me want to brave the crowds and go out Saturday for the party. Almost.
You go, Ernie Andrus!!!
