Big Walk After the Storm

Amid Hurricane Sandy's destruction
Wednesday, October 31st

Things seemed to calm down a bit outside and we were very curious to see what was going on outside in the neighborhood. There were lines of cars coming onto our street, so it was obvious that the county road West End Avenue, one block over,  was blocked by fallen trees. Our little neighborhood off of West end is just dead end streets with no outlet. We have a brook on either side and West End Avenue is the only through street unless go south or cross West End and weave through the side streets. We were pretty much blocked in by fallen trees, power poles, and lines. Bob, Manami, and I set out for a short walk that turned into two hours. It felt good to be out, but I did need to hold onto Bob and Manami's arms and by the end of the walk I was quite exhausted. Although I was tired, it seemed to be a big step for me and I thought I was doing very well. We came home and decided it was time to throw out everything in our refrigerator. It didn't look like we were getting power anytime soon. Then of course it was time for a big rest for me.

This is about what all the streets look like

West End Avenue

West End Avenue

Our elderly neighbor cutting his tree - power lines ripped off the house

Another tree on West End

Those are some big roots!

Bob & Manami

tree broke through a newly remodeled roof, porch & portico

This tree went through the owner's roof

Rockview Ave

There were so many huge trees down on this road

This tree hit their neighbor's house

The power of the winds that brought these gigantic trees down is amazing. The pictures only give a small taste of what has happened here. The devastation in New York and down the Jersey shore is unbelievable. The weather began to get cold and we were so grateful to have our woodburning stove that keeps our entire house at about 75 degrees.