Helene Has Arrived!

The hurricane that hit Florida has progressed across the country and created more havoc.  The power went off at the farm at 2:08pm on Friday.  Although it was still out, we went out to check on things on Saturday afternoon and this was the rain gauge - overflowing at 5"+.  All since Thursday.

The pond had finally regained normal levels. I took the timer off the fountain for when the power restored.  As you can see, the rain was continuing.

Here was the pond before the storm.

There was evidence of high winds but not terrible.  A few trees down.

Lots of branches and leaves down.

And a bounty of acorns.

Even the turkeys looked like drowned rats.

Since the power didn't restore, we headed home to Mason before dark.  I called the outage line at Southcentral Power and they predicted a Sunday 2:30pm restore.  When I got up at 5:00 on Sunday, this was the status on their website - 46% of Pike County meters were still without power.

Finally, at 6:24am, I got an automated call to inform me of the restore.  40 hours out - what should I think about stuff in the fridge or freezer?

While I was there, I took a walk in the rain to check cameras and see what the damage may be.  

The rain was welcome for the food plots (that I had planted and then suffered 6 weeks of drought).  This was a no plow plot planted in brassica with just broadcast seed (no drill).  It's spotty but growing.

This was a tilled plot planted in brassica.  A little better coverage.  Both of them have lots of weeds starting.

This field had been sunflowers.  It was overgrazed by deer and then taken over by grass.  I mowed the grass and now there is some evidence of clover and chicory.  Volunteer seeds I guess.

The main field clover had been scorched by the drought but is greening back up.

Same with the driveway field.

Mystery fliers time - is this a flicker?

And how about this - a bat?  Update - several folks advised that this is a flying squirrel. Flying Squirrel

These two?

The pear tree by the driveway has been a major draw this year (since the apples are pretty sad).

Young bucks.

And crowds of does.

A fox.

Bobcat.

Turkeys.

Thirsty turkeys.

Nursing.

Steve's visit two weeks ago.

Archery season is officially open in Ohio but I didn't get a chance to hunt.

When we left, there was another 1/4" in the gauge and it was still raining.