This is the first time in more than 10 years that a hurricane has made landfall in Florida. We are now into Day 3 of Hermine and we are fortunate that we are nowhere near the worst of this storm. In fact, we’ve been on the eastern edge and have only been deluged with rain and occasional periods of strong winds. But nothing of true hurricane strength. That said, I’d gladly be elsewhere if we were going to be in the area of a direct hit.
Rain total for our county for all of August was 13.30 inches; Hermine alone dumped 7.76 inches as of yesterday and it’s still raining this morning. And the wind, which was supposed to die down overnight, picked up again this morning after 6:30 am. It was preceded by a wicked lightning and thunderstorm that went on for about a half hour. No time to be outside.
I suggested the Chief Penguin wait to go out for the newspapers. Initially, they weren’t there, but after the let-up he ventured out and despite having been blown around a bit, they had arrived. I guess the newspaper delivery guys subscribe to the mailman’s creed—“neither rain, nor snow… appointed rounds.” Thank goodness for plastic bags too—not green, but the papers were only slightly damp!
Yesterday I watched as high tide washed up mounds of dirt and debris through the mangroves that protect us from the waters of the bay. Like ring around the collar, the water is gone today, but the line of debris punctuated with plastic cups and other non-natural detritus remains. Mid-morning, I noted the resident raccoon scampering about. It usually isn’t out and about until late afternoon or dusk.
Later, I was fascinated by a lone egret (where were his compatriots?) who strode tentatively along the mound trying to decide what to do and hesitating when it approached puddled water and not debris. Ultimately, it scooched under the vines and mangroves.
Then, a wood stork happened along. Much more confident than the egret, it picked and poked in the low water assumedly grubbing for food. We don’t see these storks as often and they are usually alone. Wild weather brings strange bird and animal behavior.
Lastly, here is a sample of the sound of Hermine out our front window this morning. Not exactly howling, but you get the idea.
All photos and media by JWFarrington (some rights reserved)
