I am sure you have heard the phrase, “The calm before the storm” a few times before. My name is Anthony and I am a travel writer, photographer and videographer for You, Me and The Dock.
When Hurricane Irma was destined to hit Florida’s SW Gulf Coast, I knew there would be a clash of wind, rain and flooding. I live in what many people call paradise. But it does have its hidden demons and a hurricane is one of them.
The day before all of nature’s fury was going to rain down on Florida’s Southwest tranquil coast, everything seemed to be pretty normal. The sky was a beautiful pastel blue with scattered clouds. It was a rather warm and very humid day. The scenery was filled with uplifting views that included emerald colored water and undisturbed landscape. Meaning it was a typical September day.
I set out on that epic day to take photos and do some videoing. The surrounding islands had an eerie feel to them. A mandatory evacuation was posted for all the coastal towns which included Ft Myers Beach. Knowing that a category 4 hurricane was bearing down on us, the normally busy communities seemed like ghost towns. Very little traffic and few people sightings.
The Big Carlos Pass connects Lovers Key State Park and Estero Island. This is the only way to enter and exit Ft Myers Beach from the south. We acquired a permit beforehand to get back onto Estero Island, which will serve a purpose later on in the third article.
The attached video will take you around our little island and along the Big Carlos Pass bridge. I also filmed up and down the beach – Lovers Key and Black island. The few brave souls that decided to stay were preparing to hunker down for the approaching hurricane.
The video’s true purpose is to offer a glimpse of what paradise looked like on a typical day before hurricane Irma unleashes her powerful wrath. Follow along with us on our first of a 3 part segment. Next week you will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the powerful wind and rain a category four hurricane brings to the island. The travel site ‘You, Me and The Dock’ was there to video some of natures most monstrous strength as it is happening. Stay tuned.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: 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
