Wednesday, September 28 - Prep work for Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ian

 Hi All - this afternoon Steve and Barb Demusz and myself went out to Waties Island getting ready for the approaching Hurricane Ian, Tropical Storm strength by the time it reaches our coast.  We follow SCDNR guidelines which require the removal of poles. signs, metal cages - we do not want to contribute to the debris in the ocean.

The following was done 

• Removed the PVC numbered posts along with the wooden wedge which held them in place.  The larger and heavier PVC pipes which hold the numbered posts are still present in the dunes.   These are our "Marker" posts.  
• From Marker 1 to Marker 8 - we have removed off the beach and returned to the shed all 5 gallon buckets, DNR signs, and white PVC pipes used to triangulate our nests
• Removed the DNR sign that indicates the location of Nests 26 and 27 - a red painted piece of wood was used in replacement

Red painted post marks area for Nest 26 & 27

 

• Removed the white pvc pipe that marked our "suspicious area" - no replacement marker was used

 

The "Suspicious" area

 

• PN07 - Removed the DNR sign. This post was buried in about 2 1/2 feet of sand.  The LOA for this nest has been given directions to change the status from "Possible Nest" to a False Crawl
• Nest #23 - Removed the metal cage and DNR sign.  This nest has been remarked with red painted wood posts. This nest today is 59 days old, but it has been over washed a number of times through the summer.  The nest may no longer be viable.  We also used pieces of driftwood to "decorate" the area.

 

One of the posts for Nest 23 - we also placed driftwood for others to see

Looking from the nest site to the dune

 

• Nest #20 - Removed the DNR sign, the cage is still on this nest located on top of the dune.  This nest is 67 days old today.  If it does not emerge in the next day or two, it will be inventoried on Sunday.

 

Nest 20 - view from top of dune.  The white post is the "sleeve" that

 holds Marker #8

Nest #20 - still has its cage

Nest 20 - view from the bottom of the dune

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most important thing for our LOAs and Volunteers is to stay smart and safe.  The forecast calls for a lot of rain, and potential high winds and coastal flooding.  Please do not go out to the island in the predawn darkness.  Until this Tropical Storm passes, please wait for daylight so you can see what the surroundings are - this could also include downed trees.

We all know how the  causeway road floods.  It is not necessary to go out if the weather is bad to check on  Nest #20.  As earlier stated, if it does not show signs of emergence, we will be doing an inventory on Sunday, Day 70.

Narrative and pictures - Leslie