After Hurricane Irma

Sept. 11, 2017

Not too much devastation to show, just typical storm damage....trees down, streets flooded, signs down, etc. We were certainly spared the worst of Irma when she turned inland at Marco Island. Had she continued on the projected path it would have been devastating.

It sure was a good feeling as I approached the Marina and found all boats still in tact.

The Caloosahatchie River is high from the storm surge but nothing like predicted.

Notice the concrete piling by the walkway.....only about five feet left before all hell would break loose.
Today, instead of walking down the ramp to the boats you walk up it.

Mystic lady looks like she did when I left...no damage that I can see so far.

Even the canvas held together..About 50% of the boats had the canvas removed. I elected to leave it on to protect the upper helm furnishings and electronics from water damage.
It worked.......
Am I lucky or just that good.
I"ll take luck any day.



Next I will try to get out to my Buddy Mikeeee"s place and check for damage. Word is Lots in the LaBelle area. But on my way I am going by the Edison/Ford Estate, heard it was a heart breaking experience.

What a mess.....A beautiful Botanical Garden from the early 1900's destroyed by Irma. Thomas Edison's wife was a bit of a Naturalist and planted many exotic trees and plants at their winter home. We have visited this Historic Site and being right down the street from us we are in awe everytime we pass by.
For any of you who don't know what a Banyan tree is or how it got here click the link below
edisonfordwinterestate.org

Dave Sylver and I drove over to Owl Creek Boatyard today to check on "Gordy's" boat.

We couldn't get to the boat because the water was over the walkways along the docks.

Lots of damage to the structure but the boats appeared to be ok.

The Owl Creek facility is one of the few covered slip boatyard is SW Florida. It is old and I assume it is "grandfathered in" somehow.

Really don't know why new covered slip facilities aren't being built but it may have something to do with storms or maybe just to expensive to build due to laws, regulations, and complicated permits.





Tuesday,  Sept. 12, 2017

It certainly didn't take these Irma survivors to throw a party to celebrate our good fortune.

A little BYOB get together in the Captain's Lounge with some finger food. Everybody had to explain what they learned about Hurricane Irma during a round table type discussion.

A Great Big Thank You goes out to the Marina Staff and the great job all the Captain's and Crews did to properly secure their boats. We had almost no damage to the boats.

The couple checking their phones are looking up pictures they took from the High-Rise condos next to the Marina.