Hurricane Isaac hit back at the end of August, but what people may not realize is that things aren’t quite back to normal for some people around here, but everyone is doing this best to get back to the way things were. I was reminded of this yesterday morning when Bobby and I headed down to the beach just a few miles from our house for a long run of nine miles.
So…this is the parking lot we always park at when we run at the beach, covered in deep sand, seaweed, and lots of trash buried. In the photo below I backed up so you could see the parking lot.
This is before we ran, behind me is the beach and water, and a sand filled parking lot.
We started out on our run, and the pier at the parking lot and the beach were actually still closed as the clean up crews try to get everything looking good again. Every walk down to the beach from the sidewalk we ran along looked like this:
Well, you can imagine why. This is what the piers looked like DURING the hurricane.
Yikes. This is what the “sidewalk” we ran along yesterday looked like during Isaac:
(source)
Yeah….Pretty sure it’s “somewhere” between the palm tree and the no left turn sign.
We ran in both directions, and were happy to see bulldozers moving trash, and crews getting rid of the seaweed and adding in some sand. 9 miles later, we were back at the car, drenched, and ready to head home.
We have learned to bring flip flops and beach towels when we drive somewhere to run so we can get out of our shoes and not get the seats in the car covered in sweat! Doesn’t Bobby look thrilled?
No, he doesn’t wear his hat like that when he runs. he would be running alone if he did.
Better. Now fix your goofy hat.
Keep in mind, a trashed beach is just the start. Many people had several feet (as in 8-10) feet of water in their homes, and are having to start over again. Some, for the second time (thanks to Katrina). Just a reminder that even though the sky is sunny and the media coverage of the hurricane where you live is over, it doesn’t mean it isn’t still an every day reality for some people. Be sure to keep them in your prayers, and be thankful always for the blessings in your life (like somewhere dry to sleep). It is a good reminder to us all (myself included!) that things aren’t THAT bad even when we feel like we can’t make it through today. Just felt like sharing that today, thanks for reading friends.
QOTD: What are you thankful for today? I am thankful for a dry home not flooded and ruined by water or wind.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in a place that is just badgered by Mother Nature. I imagine people don’t move because it’s just “home”.
You make a very good point about being thankful. It’s something we should strive to do every day. Thanks for sharing!
It’s so very sad to see the devastation a hurricane can bring. Unfortunately if you live on the Gulf Coast it is a reality that happens more than we’d like. I’m thankful everyday that God provides me with everything I need.
I love that you guys run together. So cute!
Wow! What photos you have there!! I’m very thAnkful for my home and my loved ones! Spa love!
It always makes me sad to see beaches right after a hurricane – or during the whole oil spill ordeal (we were in Perdido at the time). Nice job on the run. And I too learned to carry along flip flops, towels AND a cooler with extra water and gatorade.
sometimes I think people forget about how people are still picking up the pieces after one of these weather storms. I’m always looking at video of it since I work in the news business and it is crazy! It definitely makes you not take things for granted! One good way to think about the parking lot though is it just made a bigger beach?! (:
Great pictures. I think we forget how these storms affect people for so long after they have ended.
well said. good job on the run.
Those pictures are amazing. I can’t imagine!!
Great post and love the pictures!! Hope the bulldozers keep on truckin’. They are finally starting to remove the branches and leaves from all of the oak trees. Not as bad as the sand, but it gets in the way of the everyday routines for people here.
Like you, I’m super grateful for a dry, unharmed home and car.
Crazy how much damage the weather can cause! Again, I’m glad you guys were okay!
wow, i can’t imagine all that damage. Glad you are safe and you home was safe.
p.s.
love the side cap. haha
Intense. I’m glad everyone is safe.
Goofy hat? oh you mean, goofy like silly. I thought it was gonna have long flopy ears attached.
haha he IS goofy and should have a hat like that
Wow! That storm did some serious damage. Glad that your OK and that it did not hit your home. I hope the city recovers quickly and has the help it needs to get things back to some normal.
I can’t even imagine what it was like. That’s crazy. So happy the crews are able to get things back in order.