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| Clinging on in the storm |
The storm hit hard and I was in the thick of it swerving back and forth in 150k gusts. Finally reaching the warren of back roads nearest home, it dawned on me; I was crazy to be out in this weather!
Of the many possible routes, three turned out to be blocked by fallen trees, and after driving around in circles for over an hour it was all about to get worse. My fourth approach route, ended abruptly with another fallen tree and while bewildered motorists tried to turn around and find a way back another tree fell behind us. We were now stuck between the two giants. I pulled into the ditch disorientated and shaken.
A postal worker stopped and shouted to me. Encouraging me to follow him he pointed to where the others had been swallowed up by a curtain of rain. I felt like falling in a heap but had no choice but to keep going until I could go no more.
Making a frenetic dash through lanes and farms we eventually came to a familiar boreen. Jumping out of his van, he pointed to where I needed to go next and then my luck changed.
With my heart in my mouth I ran the gauntlet of more creaking trees, branches strewn on the road, debris hitting the car from every angle. The house was dark, the power was out, no water, no phone or internet.
But unlike so many of the power supply workers heading out to repair lines, I was home, dry and intact. Once you have experienced the panic and vulnerability of having your precious home flooded, you never forget it.
Still lacking internet and any connection with the outside world, the next day my youngest left Ireland for Sydney, Australia, and I found myself saying with a teary eye and a wagging finger, just make sure you come HOME! I keened for the rest of the day……
After the storm I revelled in my own home sweet home, muttered to anyone who would listen that living on this windswept island has far too many challenges and I keep wondering what the weather will be like in Sydney at this time of the year?
Terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. The wind has been high around where I live. There are floods in the fields too. But my home is in a dip and thoroughly protected so I am very, very lucky. I imagine the next few weeks will be a challenge for you. This is where a camera can take you away from pressing thoughts. Hope all settles with your weather and that your youngest travels safely.
Thanks Lucy for your kind wishes, the trouble is that gales and storms are the enemy of the photographer….everything is a blur!
I am almost sure Sydney is better at the moment. Here it also was terrifying last few days, but today it is much better, so glad. Your photo of the bird in the wind: wonderful, beautiful, gorgeous, marvelous, you are a great photographer.
Thank you Janneke! I am surrounded by small birds these days and they are beautiful!
I must admit to hating this sort of weather – it is so destructive and there is nothing you can do about it. Today is sunny and tranquil – so different – so peaceful – so quiet. Lashing rain and roaring winds set my nerves on edge – today, I feel more like myself.
How true Elaine! Funny how the weather affects our mood……. I think "nerves on edge" describes it perfectly!
I am so glad you are home safe , your journey sounded very scary indeed..the power of nature is second to none
Sunny here today so hope it is with you..Sydney may be hot, but it is also a very busy and noisey city
Keep Safe
Thea xx
Thanks Thea! I'm sure he will make the best of the bright busy city!!
Glad you got home safe. This poor little island of ours has had an awful battering this year, I've lost count of how many storms there's been. We're lucky that we have escaped relatively lightly compared to the rest of the country with just one worryingly high tide which crossed the dyke which protects the area where we live but thankfully the water stopped short of all houses.
Glad to hear it Mairéad. My heart goes out to the people who were flooded, so hard to bear watching your home go under water……
I'm glad your safe, sounds like you had a dreadful time. Well we had rain over the weekend but the temps have still been 26 C to 34c, we so needed the rain, it's been so very dry for months and months.
If only we could send more to you as we are swimming in it here…….thanks again……
Oh, that leave taking must have been particularly difficult in those stormy circumstances. I hope you`ve managed to Skype by now. Terrific picture of that blue tit, by the way.
Can't wait to have a skype…..it really makes the world a smaller place……thank you!
How terrifying! … and how wonderful it must be to be safe and warm at home again. Here we've has strong wind and heavy rain but nothing of the sort of course (though at night it was a bit impressive).
Wonderful picture in blue (I'm in love with your bird pictures).
That's lovely to hear Amelie, I'm in love with my birds:~))
Hello Catherine
That sounded like a challenging drive home. I hope you had a warm fire and were able to make some tea. How those little birds survive is beyond me. Hope your rhubarb is ready soon.
Helenxx
Good grief! So glad you got through unscathed x
Dear Catherine, I've spent a full hour this morning with my cup of tea (refilled over and over), reading your blog and looking over pages of your photographs. It was one of the most satisfying hours I've ever spent. Sometimes the sphere of blogging and its attendant challenges are trying and exhausting. When I read your blog, I feel like I've just spent time in the company of someone I wish I knew, in a place I've visited (three times), but don't really know of course. But today, my creative heart is so full. I'm kind of fluttering like your little blue bird in the wind. Thank you Catherine–your artistic home-away-from-home is really a joy. It's an honor to know you in this cyberworld. Susie
I am so in love with this photo! And so happy you are safe!
I feel a deep sigh of relief, that you did make it safely home. Trapped between 2 fallen trees is the stuff of nightmares.