Building Sand Dunes by PhrankPower
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Description
In September 2004 Pensacola Florida had its most severe hurricane strike in over 50 years with the 2am arrival of Hurricane Ivan. It was the strongest hurricane of the season, but since arriving late in the year our so called "media" gave it little coverage having way overdone it earlier that summer with far lesser storms.
But Pensacola was devastated, and it still has a long way to recover.
Santa Rosa Island, the Gulf Of Mexico Barrier Island where Pensacola Beach is located, received the full fury of Ivan since it was located just to the east of the eye of the storm. It was completely slammed and submerged by the rushing gulf waters, and combined with the sustained 120 mph winds, little recognizable remained after the winds and waters receded.
Back when I was a teenager this portion of the Island had absolutely massive sand dunes, some so steep you couldn't even climb them. Today it is as flat as a skating rink. But recovery has begun. Small fences like this one start to gather the blowing sands. Once the sand starts to build, it continues to grow.
Soon the fence will be completely covered, but the sand dune will continue growing. This combined with serious planting of the indigenous Island "Sea Oats" will one day result in those massive sand dunes I used to climb.
It's hard to believe it was 3 and a half years ago Ivan spread its wrath on this area. Let's hope the Island gets a few years for nature to fix things before another "Ivan" blows out of the gulf. This was taken last weekend. It was still pretty cool for Pensacola in March.
In spite of Ivan, Pensacola and the entire Gulf Coast is still a great place to visit. Always will be. Thanks for stopping by.
marshall
Comments (14)
wadej
Great image. I have always wondered what exactly people were trying to fence in when they put up fencin on a beach, and now I know. Hurricanes are very destructive, and few people (outside of the ones who live through one) realize just how devistating they are, not only on the land but to the emotional state of those people and their families who live in the path of its destruction.
auntietk
I love this just as a photograph, but the accompanying information adds a fascinating context. Thanks!
dhanco
Mother Nature at her worst and best. Your photo simply proves that some things beautiful can evolve from tragic events. Wonderful capture and history to go along with it.
Mariisol
Very nice! ^^,
MrsRatbag
Beautiful capture; I love the shadows
beachzz
Beautiful foto, and the narrative gives me an even better understanding of what you show here --very nice capture!!
G_Mansco
Beautiful and artistic composition ;O)
durleybeachbum
A super shot, and very interesting information! Thankyou!
nikolais
a great learning moment and a stunning capture, Marshall.
DCLEW2
I was there before and after Ivan as well. It has been two years since my last visit and that is too long. I love this area. Very nice photo and thanks for the reminder.
jocko500
like this design it makes. A line in the sand lol had to say that hahaha. very good shot this is
timtripp
brilliant composition and image
mbz2662
Wonderful composition, and the narrative completes it.
GiMi53
Beautifully composed + thank you for the excellent explanation about the dunes !