I made a point that I was not going to show pictures of the destruction of Hurricane Harvey since I felt it to be an invasion of individual privacy. I still believe that but there are some photos that can be shown which will give you a further idea of the damage of the Hurricane. These were taken yesterday during a rainstorm but will give you an idea. Most of these businesses are going to return.
These buildings have been taken down to the studs.
This is now a shell, ready for renovation
The little store on the left was severely damaged but the bike shop is open.
The damage to the store with the shark was almost total. The shark remained pretty much intact.
This used to be a liquor store and a sno cone stand
Workers repairing the roof of the Islander in the rain
The sea-captain stands alone. His partner is off on a trip.
Even the national chains took a hit. CVS just installed a trailer for prescriptions. Notice the arrow on the parking lot. The wind literally stripped it.
Here is what remains of a gas station and Pizza Hut. They are fixing the building. Not sure on the gas station.
Here is what is left of what we called Mount Debris. It was the holding place for all the debris in town. It was about fifty feet high and more than a football field long It is getting smaller by the day.
Fiction Favorites 
What can I say? Wow!
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That is about all one can say.
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Viewing the damage during the rainstorm evokes solemn respect. The progress and the hints of new life say a lot about the resilience of the residents. The sea-captain photo is almost Biblical – one will be taken and the other left. Thank you for sharing, John.
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You are right about the one taken. Thanks, Gwen.
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Wonderful excursion tour, dear John! I liked the shark. even on earth it looks rather pretty.
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It is a big photo draw for sure. Thanks, Maria.
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🙂
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No one can know what you experienced if they have not gone through it. The strength and resilience of the people is humbling and inspirational.
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It is Pamela. There are amazing stories of strength.
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I’m happy you shared these photos, John. The before and after is a good way to demonstrate that there’s always hope. That’s pretty incredible about the paint in the CVS parking lot. Happy Sunday!
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Thanks, Jill. Happy Sunday to you as well.
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Certainly not to make lite of a serious situation, but at least the shark didn’t decide on a starring role in Sharknado
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I know right? Don’t worry about humor. For a while that’s about all that kept everyone going. Thanks, Pamela.
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The power of Mother Nature is unbelievable. Hoping all of those affected are able to rebuild & return to their businesses.
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Me too. Thanks, Lynn.
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Oh the horror of being struck by the absence of ice cream, snow cones, and liquor. 😉 … but they will follow MacArthur for a glorious return!
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Hard to say. So far no news.
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Time is ultimately tell.
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Yup.
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Where are the parts of Mount Debris going?
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To a permanent landfill.
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Wow. A picture really says a thousand words.
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It does. Thanks, Jennie.
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🙂
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When you think of the damage you came home to not all that long ago, the city has done a lot to build back up. It was a huge job and day to day things are improving. 🙂 — Suzanne
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They are, Suzanne. Thanks.
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It wasn’t that long ago I was writing about the destruction we suffered from Hurricane Ike. Now, a decade has passed, and someone who didn’t know the history would have to look hard to find evidence of a world-class storm raging through: topped trees, raised houses, and so on. Even Bolivar Peninsula is back in business, after being left in approximately the same condition as that painted arrow in front of the mobile CVS.
Knowing that restoration is possible doesn’t make getting there any easier, but for the old timers, it’s part of the corporate wisdom that helps them go on. Once you’ve seen a few of these, your coping muscles toughen up. Or so I think.
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We have a new attitude which is captured in the phrase, “New Normal.” It covers everything. Thanks for the comment.
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So many familiar places gone or damaged! We have not been over there since the storm. Thanks for the update. Glad Mount Debris is shrinking as it seems the saddest of all. The sun is coming out here today after the needed rain yesterday.
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We had sun for an hour today. That was it
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Still a long arduous road to recovery…:(
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Yes it is. Thanks, Jan
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I think these are important pictures to share. I appreciate you doing so. Now I understand why sharks have survived for millions of years.
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They seem to be able to withstand a lot of change. 😀
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Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
More perspective on Hurricane Harvey – Port Aransas is getting back on its feet, but some places are still down and out… 😦
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Thank you, Jan. Nice of you to reblog
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Thanks for the tour, John. I’m glad that Mount Debris is gradually disappearing – a painful reminder of all that was lost.
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Thank you, John
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Holy Mother of Nature, she does not play.
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Nope, She is real serious about her duties.
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With all the hard work that goes into running a business, especially a small family owned business, seeing the destruction is heartbreaking. People are, by and large, a resilient lot. I’m looking forward to seeing the photos a year after the hurricane. I believe these businesses will be thriving.
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I hope so, Michelle. Thanks.
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I’m glad you included the photo of the debris mountain — I can only imagine how huge it looked months ago. I know it seems like progress is slow, but it’s plain that progress is taking place. The last time I was in Gulfport, I was surprised that more hadn’t progressed after Katrina. These things take time and we can only hope next hurricane season is kindler and gentler!
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I hope so too. That mountain was so depressing I didn’t even take a picture of it. Thanks, Debbie.
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Heartbreaking, John. I remember the first time after Ike when I didn’t drive onto Galveston Island and instantly remember the devastation it caused. One day it was just as it once felt, probably 7 years later. And even then it wasnt, but it was enough. Sending strength to y’all. ♡
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Thank you Audrey. It is a slow process for sure.
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So sad to see these – hoping at least most of the businesses can rebuild.
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I think everyone is making a good effort. Several were on the ragged edge before the Hurricane.
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Such a shame.
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And here in the UK, we complain if it’s too cold or too hot, John. Your pictures are proof of just how strong the human race can be when we face disasters like the one that hit your part of the world. Slow, but steady progress.
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Forsure, Hugh. Thank you.
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It’s good to see the island rebounding, and Mt. Debris disappearing.
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Yes, for sure. I never got a shot of the huge pile. It was so depressing.
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