Sandy Comes to TC

Having lived in Miami when a tropical storm stalled, dumping about twenty inches of rain in less than six hours, I truly sympathize with those who are dealing with Sandy’s aftermath on the east coast. Thankfully, our ground-floor apartment happened to be in a high spot (a true rarity in Miami), and we did not flood, but we did lose a car to the widespread disaster, and we did witness its impact on the city. However, we did not have to deal with any cold temperatures, and so my heart is with those of you who are putting your lives back in order.

The thing about life, though, is that even when devastation is occurring in one place, elation occurs elsewhere. When you’re on the side that’s falling apart, it surely doesn’t seem fair, but we all know that cliché about life and its unfairness. And probably also the one about changing the things we can control and letting go the ones we can’t.

When Hurricane Sandy began to impact northern Michigan, I wager that most folks did what most folks would consider to be sensible: they cozied up in warm places while the continuous 30-40mph (~50-65kph) winds tore through, slinging 40 degree (4 C) rain. Tony and I went to Morsels for hot chocolate and coffee (because of laptop adapter death, there were two days of Traverse City visits, and so both hot chocolate and coffee were warranted).

Arriving in town about an hour before sunset, we spotted a couple of giant kites flying over West Bay. Deciding that we had to see who they belonged to, we stopped by the marina to marvel at a couple of kiteboarders (also one surfer who seemed to be observing). Propelled by the wind, they zipped back and forth across the water, literally flying into the air with each turn before swooping back into the water. I’m not sure I could withstand the cold, but I’m thinking pretty hard about lessons.

Not actually windsurfers as my photo names would have you believe

Beautiful, and fun, and COLD

Big air (though by far not the biggest!)

Returning to water

Skimming the surface

No hood??

Small air

Jump, splash, turn

Smiling before high-fiving the surfer

The guys stayed in the water until sunset, which held much more color than the day had led me to expect. The southwest was awash in glowing oranges, the north was clear with sedate pinks, and the east was painted in vibrant purples. Rain held off long enough for us to take a couple of in-the-dark laps at the park, but those contentious winds brought the rain and clouds back before morning.

Sunset, on the same night as the kiteboarding craziness

All that glitters isn’t gold

Lamp post silhouette

Front Street, Traverse City

Lands on windshield

Wave crashes into breakwall

From the car, looking north

Facing east

Civic Center path at night

The weather certainly makes for atmospheric photos, but I wouldn’t mind having a nice clear ray of sun. I don’t mind holing up for a day or two, but I succumb quickly to cabin fever, and I could use a hike!

Driving rain and mist the following day

Fiercely waving flag

Sand surrounds tree

Waves splash into ship

Old Mission Peninsula, about 1.5 miles distant

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