Despite over 15 inches of rain and wind gusts over 70 mph, Makemie Woods survived the storm with minimal damage.  Several buildings had trees land on them or were struck by trees or limbs, but so far no major damage has been discovered.  As one of our ministers put it, "you must get tired of having such a big back yard to clean up."

That is an understatement.  The torrential rains softened the soil so that the wind was able to uproot over 60 trees on the property in areas heavily traveled by visitors.  Huge oak trees were among the casualties, several which were easily more than a century old fell onto the main trails and within inches of several of the summer campsites. A large walnut tree was uprooted in front of the residence, and the children thought God had given them their own personal playground.  And the camp's canoe trailer, already having experienced several traumas this summer, fell victim to another.  The most substantial treefall was on the path to the campfire circle, where a series of 11 trees fell like dominos.

Makemie Woods was privileged to serve as an evacuation site during the storm, taking in 22 elderly residents of the Emily Green Shores community in Portsmouth for three nights.  When the power and water went out at the camp, we were able to use generators to operate the well and keep fresh water available, and since our kitchen uses propane, food preparation continued.  When the generator failed, we were aided by a local National Guard unit who powered the well while the residents cleaned up for their trip back to Portsmouth.  We are thankful for all who pitched in to to help during the storm, and for all of the prayers said on behalf of our region.

Members of Presbytery's Youth Council helped with cleaning up debris around the camp after the storm, and did a great job.  At this point, most of the remaining debris will need to be moved by heavy machinery.  They are still seeking volunteers in the Franklin area, however, as the clean-up there is really just beginning, now that the water has finally receded.