It's been a couple of days since Hurricane Dorian struck us here in Rose Blanche. We've had a chance to check with neighbours to see they're OK and share stories. There was only minimal damage and some folks were scared but survived as always to talk about it.
The winds started from the east, and by dusk, they were 50 km/hr with gusts to 80. By dark, the rain was pelting hard on our windows and the gusts shook Katie-Lew. We could see the large window that faces north-east flexing with every gust.
We headed to bed about 10:30, and laid awake for an hour or so. When we would almost dose off, another gust would hit and rattle Katie-Lew again. The winds eventually started to shift around a little to the southeast, then hitting the narrower side of Katie-Lew. In the dark, we could hear the heavy rain was then pelting on the kitchen window. Overall, Katie-Lew was happier not having to take the gusts on her broadside.
The wind continued to pick up to 100 km/hr with gusts to 130, but the direction shifted to the southwest moving us into the lee of Parsons Point. With a gentler ride, we fell into a fitful sleep, waking only on the louder howls and the odd shake.
By dawn, the rain had stopped except for periodic showers driven by the high winds. In short order the town was buzzing. Now, that's a relative term; people were out and about checking on neighbours, their boats, wharfs, and outbuildings. Some, just headed out of the quietness of the harbour area to see Dorian churning up the sea, Take a look …
Our travel trailer, Penny hadn't moved an inch. In the dark of night during the worst of the storm, I had laid awake regretting not getting her into winter storage early. Late afternoon, I had dropped by the Liar's Club, a blue shed where the local guys hang out. Hedley, with a straight face, told me that the wind was going to funnel down Gulsh Road dumping Penny into the harbour. I wouldn't have believed any of the other guys as they pull my leg all the time, but this was coming from Hedley. He got me good to everyone's delight. As it turned out, the refuge of the harbour was as a good call. Maybe I do have the makings of a Newfoundlander.
On the other hand, our friend Wayne was telling us, at this time of year, the hurricanes coming up the coast have names and take on a life of their own in the media. Whereas all winter, nor'easters come up the coast hitting Rose Blanche regularly with similar or higher winds, and the folks do the necessary preparation and just take them in stride.
Everyone in Rose Blanche and our sister communities had a different Dorian experience. It all depended on the location of their house as the wind shifted from easterly, through southerly and finally westerly. At any one time, you could be getting the full force of Dorian, and your neighbour was in the lee of a rock outcropping feeling safe and secure until the wind shifted around for their turn.
The Dorian strike on Katie-Lew is now in the history books, and we've had an experience of a lifetime. Thank you to our friends and neighbours for good advice, calming words of wisdom, and a little leg pulling to get us through safely.