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Re:PI is shredded =-(


From: Lead Slinger
Date: 9/11/2019
Time: 3:02:29 PM

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I'm reminded of Sawshank Redemption, where Red (Morgan Freeman's character) was saying the study of geology is about time and pressure.

Now we all understand why Cape Lookout has been described as the most dynamic geology on the planet. Over the course of a few hours, Dorian applied enough pressure to alter the landscape.

Now it is going to take time to heal. 10 years is nothing in geological terms. Unfortunate for us, and even more unfortunate for Kari and Rick.

Also unfortunate for the NPS. They are going to have to make some hard decisions. Portsmouth Village apparently suffered a lot of damage, and historic structures probably have a higher priority than repairing the cabins.

The cabins are highly vulnerable. After Florence last year, I feared for the cabins (from photos, there were no dunes). The cabins fared better than I expected from Dorian, but it doesn't matter with all the overwashes and inlets. That one inlet through the camp - I'd think even mild storms would widen and deepen it.

Is the NPS going to commit more money to repair cabins that are vulnerable to future storms? Would the NPS consider projects to artificially protect the cabins? (I doubt it).

Would the NPS rebuild cabins elsewhere? I also doubt that, for several reasons. One, the NPS is backlogged on projects and low on construction funds. Two, where else would you put cabins on N. Core? The whole island is skinny, and you can't just stick a ferry landing anywhere you'd like. The only "fat" part of N. Core is around Portsmouth Village, and they would want to keep that area "historical", and it is often cut off from the rest of the island.

Third, on S. Core last year, when two cabins were damaged beyond repair, they decided to demolish them and not rebuild.

Kari and Rick can weather a storm. But can anyone "afford" a one year vacation?

It makes me nauseous to think about this, but we're going to have to deal with it.