After a category 4 hurricane swept over our little island, things just don’t seem to be the same. And Irma was no exception to the rule.
Anthony here again with You, Me and The Dock. The day after Irma brandished her presence upon us, we ventured out to witness all the damage done. It really wasn’t a big surprise in what we saw and shuffle through.
We first walked around Black Island – which is where we live, then ventured out from there. Our grounds were covered with down branches, frons and fallen trees. Most all of the parking lot light poles were blown over, as well as the bicycle racks and the various signs.
The beach didn’t fare so well either. Fortunately we only lost one palapa – a.k.a. Tiki hut, and the other 4 suffered only minor roof damage.
With any storm that lashes out with heavy winds, there will always be debris everywhere you look. There were bits and pieces of fencing and furniture laying around from who knows where.
Freestanding structures like the kayak racks withstood Irma’s powerful winds. But as for the kayaks themselves, they didn’t fair so well. It’s amazing how some things manage to survive and others don’t.
We made our way outside the complex and started to investigate the damage around the island. Trees were blown down, awnings were ripped off, and fencing in some places was completely gone.
Pictures only explain one emotion out of many that can be truly felt. The quietness and eerie feel of all the devastation surrounding us gave me shivers that ran up and down my back. I hate to say it, but you really have to be here to fully understand the sensation of it all.
The attached video provides a TTL – true to life, uncut and un-doctored view of the carnage left behind by Irma. It starts with a walk around our property and ends with a brief segment showing the south end of Ft Myers Beach – Estero Island, Florida.
We are very thankful as I understand it currently that there was no loss of life in any of the surrounding communities. Hurricanes are a serious situation and should never be underestimated. We stayed behind because others had nowhere to go and needed to be attended to. Always consider the elements of an approaching climatic storm. Being brave or thinking your tougher than nails isn’t the smartest train of thought. Evacuate when at all possible and/or find a government provided shelter if unsure about your present surroundings.
I hope you enjoyed the three articles and video series that You, me and The Dock has brought you. We try to bring a wide variety of travel related adventures that includes local and international destinations, exciting events and yes, even radical weather conditions brought on by Mother Nature herself. Its all in day’s life!
Love, Laugh & Travel Lots!
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Videography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creation: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
‘This article is dedicated to the 18 people who toughed it out with us’
