Excella 1 Ivan 0

[DJbyRequest]

After escaping the Alabama Gulf Coast in advance of Ivan our 32 ft excella had to ride the storm out in Gulf Shores Alabama 2 miles from the beach at Ground Zero. Upon our return I went to take pictures of the carcass I was sure I would find for the insurance company. The RV park looked like a bomb had hit (Southport RV park). Trees everwhere, the dock swept away, trailers ruined. But my excella sat there with NO damage, not a dent, window out, even the vinyl covers over the wheels were intact. I did have one of my flamingoes lose a leg but I stuck him back in the ground and he is still on guard. I guess streamilined design and 8400 lbs helped.

[Barbara Peerenboom]

You must have felt like you had won the lottery!

Just goes to show the integrety of Airstream vs SOB! Wonder what went through the minds of all the ruined SOB owners when they saw you Airstream standing tall and proud!

Just heard on the news, though, that another one is headed your way this weekend. Will this never end?

Barb

[kposey]

Yep, it's Ivan that's headed back! Buckle down and hang on tight, AGAIN!!!

[maxandgeorgia]

Gary & Lurleen, we can't even imagine the pride and relief you must have felt to find your Excella surviving so well! Since you are in the area, can you tell us anything about Dauphin Island or Bayou La Batre, on the west side near the mouth of Mobile Bay? We dread hearing about the ravages that must have happened to some of our favorite places. Thanks for any information.

[DJbyRequest]

Dauphin Island was hit pretty hard, the west end is now a series of small islands as the storm blew holes through the long unihabited portion. The road is still sand covered and most of the homes were damaged, these barrier island are so low the storm surge just went over them. I have not heard on Bayou La Batre, the storm jogged 34-40 miles east at the last minute so west of Mobile Bay is not bad.

[59toaster]

http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ivan/IVAN00.HTM

Hi Rez arial Pictures of the coastline.

Where is that island and there should be pictures above.

[59toaster]

Your going to hate me but here is the closest picture and its BIG!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ivan/PHOTOS/26320683.jpg if it doesn't link.

The pictures are turned sideways. North is the left side. The hwy in the middle I think is 59 where it crosses the canal. Your coach should be sitting just ourside the picture on the left.

[maxandgeorgia]

59Toaster, Gary and Lurleen--thanks so much. I've been sitting here spellbound for who knows how long pulling up shot after shot, looking at parts of the island. It's amazing to see the main road just disappear in sand, to see the great sand drifts, to see no vegetation where there was before, and to see places bare where I am sure I remember cottages. I had no idea that such views were available. It surely does put better understanding into the picture for us who live so far away from where this took place. Again, thanks. So sobering, so sad. This is the reality of barrier islands. Really, after all I has read, I think I am surprised to see so much standing. This view, though amazing, doesn't show the general damage though, I am sure.

[DJbyRequest]

I could not get a picture up to show the RV park. From the picture you posted if you go north on 59 and cross the intercoastal waterway the RV park is on the northwest side of the bridge the big silver thing would be "Lulabelle" tested to 130 mph winds. On the northeast side of the intercoastal bridge on 59 is Lulu's, its Jimmy Buffett's sisters resturant, it took a hit from a barge but was able to serve free burgers to releif workers. Will post my pics after I get them back.