Monday, August 29, 2011

Storm Damage

A friend and I took a little trip yesterday afternoon to check out how our part of the world was faring with all the rain we got as a result of Hurricane Irene. We were amazed to find that all of the small brooks and rivulets in the area had become raging torrents of chocolate-brown rapids, spilling over into the road, tearing up culverts and shoving boulders downstream. When we drove down the Brook Road, I could see that the bridges and a few properties were in danger of washing away completely.. We stopped and took photos of the local swimming hole, now a boiling cauldron, and then the little bridge in the village where it and two houses were perilously close to being overwhelmed. We continued our trek into Manchester to see that many properties were completely flooded before heading back up north to Danby. In the hour or so that we were gone, Danby village was impassable; one of the houses had completely collapsed to create a dam that blocked the passage of the stream, flooding streets, basements and backyards. Our second attempt to head back up into the hills to the store was stymied when we found that Route 7 north was completely under water, so we headed back south and through Dorset to Danby Mountain Road. We managed to get halfway through before the road had crumbled away where a giant culvert had been upended. Our fourth and final option was to try heading into Pawlet to approach Danby Four Corners from the west. As luck would have it, that road was closed too, but we were able to take Herrick Brook Road over to where we needed to go.



People this morning who stop in the store are reporting similar odysseys as they try to get where they need to go. The old Vermont cliche, "You can't get there from here" has never been more apropos. Humor aside, it is going to be weeks, perhaps months, before all the damage is repaired. And parts of our landscape will have been irrevocably changed.

12 comments:

  1. Hi Sis - The Blog looks great so far! I'll be happy to help you with any questions you may have. May I suggest you go back into your settings and create a Followers List, which will show up on your sidebar. That way people can 'subscribe' to your posts by becoming a follower. It's a great way to be found and also see who is viewing your blog!

    Hugs & Blessings

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  2. Good Morning Liz Sweetie...
    Wendy sent me over, and I am so thrilled that she did. Thank you Wendy. Liz is going to be a blessing.

    What a wonderful share this morning. I have wondered how folks were faring in your part of the country. (I live in the Phoenix desert, so we don't see much rain out here, just lots of dust storms.) Those were some pretty fast rapids swishing through the areas you have shared this morning. It is scary to wonder what will be left once everything dies down some what. Hopefully not all will be washed away.

    I am your newest follower, and can't wait to see what you share next. Please stop over and let me share with you as well. I would be tickled to have you follow me as well.

    Country hugs from Phoenix, Sherry

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  3. Hello Liz,
    Welcome to blogland!
    Glad to hear you are alright from the raging flood waters. Life sure does change in a fast hurry!
    Be safe my friend!
    Prim Blessings
    Robin

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  4. Hello! Welcome to blogland!

    WHat a scary scene you've photographed. I'm glad your ok though. Prayers for those who aren't.

    Carmen and the Primcats

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  5. Good Morning Liz, Sounds like Wendy is proud of her sister, and has a good reason. Oh I so love the store. Sounds like such a neat place to visit. Love to find places with history to stop in when traveling. Can't wait to hear of all your adventures there.So glad you are safe. Pictures of the floods are so pretty, but so sad as the damage is so sad for all affected. Please stay safe. Would love for you to visit my blog and follow me back. Have a great day
    Angela
    Thru Nanas Window

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  6. Hello Liz, I am a new follower. Your sister sent me over. I live in Maine, we were spared alot of the hurricaine. looking at your pictures, It devistates me to see the damage that was done to the state of VT. I am glad you are safe and will keep the people of VT in my prayers.
    Take care
    Sabrina

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  7. Welcome to Blog land Liz! I think you will have fun here. Sorry to hear about all the devistation in your state. I am still waiting to hear from my SIL that lives near Burlington.
    Stay safe and enjoy your day,
    Barb

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  8. Hello and Welcome to Blogland!
    I am a new follower, your sister sent me over.
    Sorry to hear about the flooding. Glad you are all okay!

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  9. Wow, Aunt Liz! Great pictures. Glad you were spared from the flooding.

    ~Drew

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  10. Hi and welcome to blogland! Those are scary pics ,sure glad that you are okay.Will be saying a prayer for your community.By the way I found you through Wendy.Have a great evening and stay safe,Jen

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  11. Hi Aunt Liz! Nice blog coming up here! Crazyyy pics I agree with Drew--glad your store wasn't flooded and such! I'm followin' your blog!
    ~Maria @The Frenzied Fox

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  12. Golly Sis - You have abandoned your blog before you even started! :-) Hope you make another post soon! Hugs

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