Don't Give Up The Island

October 7, 2015 - Potter Bridge and Curve, Lowland N.C. Photo courtesy Shirley Mayo Ireland.

When you live out on the edge of the world, the weather becomes a part of the everyday fabric on Goose Creek Island.  Water, wind, salt, rain, sun define everyday plans.  Goose Creek Island is located in a place that stands as a mainland sentry.  Surrounded by the Pamlico Sound, Pamlico River, Goose Creek and Jones Bay, we stand guard to an ever-changing foe in the weather. When mother nature unleashes havoc on our coasts and breaks through the first line of defense on the Outer Banks, its the inland banks that are next to stand against an angry and destructive Sound.

Earlier this month, our coast was faced with unrelenting rains, wind and tides that caused serious flooding on our Island.  Year in and year out, since the early beginnings of settlement on Goose Creek Island, no one better understands what weather means to a community except those who are Islanders.  The constant threat of rising water is always of concern and this past two weeks have been no exception.

Once the October northeaster' began it's onslaught of wind and water, Goose Creek Island was slowly covered by water.  Cars and trucks found their way to higher ground at the bridge.  Lawn mowers and four wheelers found their way to porches and other high places.  Tools and equipment in barns were picked up for protection and placed out of harms way. 

For three days water covered the Island.  Occasionally a small patch of green grass could be seen, only to soon to be covered again with water.  After a good saturation, the wind began to shift.  The water soon receded and our Island was whole again. From what I have heard, no homes were harmed by water even though it became alarmingly high for a usual northeaster'.  A few garages and barns had some damage as well as some vehicles, but the consensus among everyone was that we were thankful it wasn't worse.

As an Islander, we've adapted to the weather and to our Island environment.  Yes, most folks stay put when a northeaster' begins to blow.  The Island and Islanders readily adapt to what is to become - a  restless community who refuses to give up.  Our ancestors adapted just as we have this month.  They braved many northeasters with courage, fearlessness and stubbornness and those traits are etched in the Island soul.  It seeps in the creeks, ditches and canals. It also seeps in the heart of all who call this Island home. Just as the tide brings destruction, the wind will bring renewal. The weather will always bind us...just don't ever give up the Island.