Blown but Not Battered

Blown but Not Battered

Sorry it has been awhile since I wrote, but time has just slipped away. Hurricane Irene is old news now, but we are definitely still feeling the aftermath.

Ocracoke fared well with little damage (mainly trees down and some roofs damaged) but somehow we dodged the big bullet of flooding. The Castle held tight – just as I hoped when I built her. Of course there are always a couple of little leaks here and there – almost 60 yrs. old – what do you expect? The wind gusted at 100 mph and probably 70 – 90 mph for the rest of the 24 hour period. Gosh, this one seemed like it lasted forever. I do have to say that it was quiet as could be inside the Castle. Didn’t really hear the wind blowing until you tried opening the porch doors. I was very proud of the old homestead! Wondered if Irene was here to stay. Ready to book her a reservation! But luckily Sunday morning it quieted down – no rain, no wind, just quit! Ocracoke looked pretty good considering what she had been through.

After a week or so of sawing down broken limbs, hauling debris to the dump, repairing roofs, and a good general clean-up the electricity was restored to the Island and guests were welcomed back. It is still a little slow, as folks can only arrive from the south and the west on as we say the “big ferries”. Unfortunately Hwy 12 took a big hit with four breaks north of us, so travel from that direction is suspended for a couple of more weeks. A temporary bridge is being built so traffic should start to flow again soon, we hope!

And what does this mean for you? Of course it means that it’s a great time of year to come for a visit. The temperatures are quite pleasant, quiet days, beautiful ocean, and business folks are extra happy to see you!!! Of course there is still the music to enjoy. In fact, I went over to an art opening of Ms Kitty who is a very talented lady. With both art and music. Down Creek Gallery always has this kind of thing going! As an extra treat her daughter Katy sang and played some music and was enjoyed by all. She sings a song called “Clam Bake” that always makes me smile. Ms Kitty’s art will be displayed for a while if you want to take a gander. Deep Water Theater also is holding shows that continue to the end of the month with locals getting in free. We call that fine hospitality!

So, we were blown but not broken. Our hearts go out to our northern neighbors in the Outer Banks – some who lost everything. As usual, Ocracokers, and others have been very generous in sending some needed supplies.

The Castle is spiffed up and I’ll be waiting for your visit, while I smell those cookies coming out of the oven. Hope to see you soon!