Hurricane Irene

9:15 AM -  a light shower out of the east - the first noticeable trace of Hurricane Irene.

The morning remained on the dark side as the clouds continued to move into our area.  Usually storms and rain from the east are a rare occurrence here; except, that is, during hurricane/tropical storm conditions.  The early, calm air provided a mood more tranquil than one of alarm, which I was  anticipating. From time to time,  a slight wind blows  carrying  an odd odor; one that I cannot distinguish.  The air is warm.  Suddenly a hard rain, and then it stops - just as sudden. 

Hurricane Irene, heading from the Caribbean north along the entire eastern coast of the United States, is tracking a bit too far east for any major impact here on the farm - that is good and bad.  We certainly do not desire to suffer any damage which might have been possible;  but the addition of rainfall would have been a boost to our lingering drought.  Thinking it through, what is another week or so of drought compared to the possible alternative?

My eastern view is now completely obliterated under dense cloud cover.  I can see the movement of the lowest clouds moving in a southerly direction between me and my Blue Ridge Mountain view.  The clouds roll over each ridge, one after another, as they engulf yet another peak. The closest mountain, just beyond our pasture, is still visible - probably, not for long.

I continue to watch the rapid changes - the mountains fading from view.  Our surroundings remain calm.  There is a peace.

Mid-afternoon, the winds pick up.  I am starting to get nervous. Now, we wait....



Note:  During the early evening hours, we received a few more heavy wind gusts and a bit of light rain as we were located on the extreme left edge of the hurricane influence, here in Virginia.