Patio behind the house - Progress

This is the patio in May, 2014.

The view from above in May, 2014.

 

The view from above in November, 2013

The trees had to be dug out and debris removed.  There was at least four feet of dirt and rocks covering the trunks of the trees along the creek.

 

The view from above in July, 2013.

November, 2013 -  most of the patio is still covered with dirt and rocks.

September, 2013 - just after the flood - the only way to enter the house.

Back entry area in September, 2013, just after the flood - mud, stones and debris everywhere.

Back entry in July, 2013.

Patio in July, 2013.

After a lot of digging, patio in May, 2014.

The Flood - September 12-13

The quiet creek beside the patio rose over the banks and Burt and Anna's entire yard was filled with water.

The water brought sand and rocks that filled the yard and most of the first story of the house.

This is the clothes dryer - nearly covered by the sand and mud.

The grass, gardens and poppies were all buried by rocks and debris.

The waters rushed through the yard and broke the fence as they headed down Main Street.

In Jamestown, huge sections of the road were simply washed away.

The creek came all of the way to the road and many houses were washed away and destroyed.

The patio and back entry were piled high with rocks, sand and debris.

The town park - after...

By Saturday, it was clear that everyone would have to evacuate.  As they left, nobody could be sure when they would be able to come back to town.

This is the main street in front of the house shortly after the rain stopped.

The force of the water scoured the foundation and the house was shifted.

The back patio was filled with tons of rock, sand and debris.  The door couldn't be opened but the ladder gave access to the second story.

Here is the inside view of the back door. the entire back hallway was filled with sand and mud going half way up the stairs.

Before the Flood

In June, there was no hint of what September would bring.  Steve and Diane came to visit during the peak of the poppy season and the house and garden looked wonderful.

The creek was well within its banks and made a pleasant sound as it went rushing by.

We all enjoyed socializing on the back patio with friends and neighbors.

The patio area was a great place to relax in the shade.

The kitchen bump out and upstairs bedroom had completed the cottage making it a comfortable home for Burt and Anna.

The patio area was clear and a regular gathering spot for barbecues and time spent with Jamestown friends.

The poppies were glorious in the sunshine.

Anna's gardening skills made the yard an oasis that was admired by the cyclists riding through Jamestown.

These photos were taken by Diane during June.  Three months later, everything changed.

Sand and Mud Filling the Back Entry

The force of the flood waters broke through the the back doors and the back entry was filled with sand and mud.

Water lines

The water filled the lower level of the house and left distinct lines after it receded.  These images show how destructive the water and mud were.  Things above the line are not damaged - books on the bottom shelves are ruined.

Flood waters filling the yard

Even after the rain stopped on Friday there was an enormous amount of water cascading through the yard.  The water was moving so fast that the creek level was even higher than the water coming through the property as you can see at the top of this photo.  Debris was everywhere.