Back on the Island

We arrived back home Tuesday night and, with the daylight of the following morning, came back in touch with the realities of hurricane recovery.

There is a lot of progress: much of the debris has been picked up though there is a huge amount to go and more is being generated all the time as houses continue to be both stripped out and torn down.  Several groups are continuing to provide meals.  This includes local chefs and restaurants as well as off island food trucks and other groups.  The Mennonite church on the mainland has been faithful and wonderful in this regard.  Most insurance adjustments are completed and people are now in the long wait for actual money.  SBA loans can now be applied for as well.

All that remains of Stella’s house.

On the other side, the mountain of debris at the beach parking lot is growing though multiple loads are hauled away almost every day. There are still dozens of dead cars to be picked up.  Multiple propane tanks (including ours) have been removed.  We hope to have some heat source restored before cold weather comes.  The road to The Hatteras ferry (NC 12) is still not open for building supply trucks to access the island,  most people are in a waiting mode with regards to repair work.

Debris is hauled to the beach access parking lot and then trucked off the island.

We have had many offers from people to come and help but we cannot accept those offers.  There is no place to stay in the island and there is no way to feed numbers of people in addition to essential workers.  The island is closed except to residents, homeowners, and pre-approved construction workers.

Rows of dead cars still waiting to be hauled away.

But...we are home!  We are very fortunate that we have a place to live...the apartment over our garage next door.  We also have our wonderful contractor...the man who built for us to begin with...Woody, and his dear worker, Armando, working on our house.  They encourage us each day by assuring us that it will all come together in the fullness of time.

Last note:  we thought our little red VW had survived the storm.  But, after starting and trying to run, all of the electronics went out and fried all the computer systems.  The brakes are also gone.  It looks fine as it is hauled away to be used for body parts.  So sad!

Bye, bye Bugbaby.