A visit from Aunt Irene

New Yorkers were of two mindsets before Irene's arrival.

Calm Concern:

and Are You Freaking Kidding Me?

I woke up this morning, after a good night's sleep, with not a moment's disruption due to wind or rain.

I will admit I was a wee bit disappointed.  Peering out of the window, I could see only leaves scattered across the sidewalk.  Once the rain subsided, I ventured out towards the East River.  Things immediately got more interesting:

For the first time in two years, I walked across the FDR, the usually-packed main highway on the East side:

The East River was swollen, and had risen over the walkway:

I walked a bit further, and could then see why the highway was so quiet-- it required boats, not cars:

The tip of Roosevelt Island was also under water:

I walked further north, to Carl Schurz Park, a beautiful gem that is mostly known to the locals- no tourists.  The tennis courts had become a playground for kids and dogs:

It hurt to see some of the old grand trees snapped in two:

Pan, normally surrounded by people sitting on benches, had become an eerily beautiful island:

Leaving the park, I walked south on East End Avenue, and found more damage.  I was more sad for the trees than for the cars.  I assume a Jag driver can afford insurance:

This tree was uprooted, and ripped through the park's iron fence:

And finally, I couldn't help but smile at this one: Tree Attacks Construction Vehicle.

We are, of course, incredibly fortunate that we escaped fairly easily.  Our neighbors in Zone A were forced to evacuate, but so far there have been no reports of casualties in the New York area.  People may complain about overreaction by the authorities, but I for one am grateful for modern weather predictions and the public officials that listen to them.

On the water

A twilight trip around Manhattan via ferry ...  enthralling, and even long-term New Yorkers on the boat were moved by the sight of this great city in the evening light.