We are okay. There is such widespread damage though. We are counting out blessings for building where we are. The dam is about 1/2 mile from our house. They normally keep the "lake" at about 30 feet. It was at 124 feet when we checked it out a couple of hours ago. It can still hold a lot more water and it is expected that the rivers will crest within the next day or so so we'll be fine. Our town seems to be fine too. The town that we work in was not so lucky. We lost the Quechee covered bridge, Simon Pearce has substancial damage and the realty/dentist office is practically gone. There are you tube videos for anyone interested (Quechee Covered Bridge). The new bridge that was built less than 2 years ago that we cross to get to camp is severely damaged and the road is too. We can't get to camp to assess damage, but it is on a steep hill and was okay yesterday afternoon so we're not too worried. The bridge that we cross between our house and my parents (about 5 miles from us) has a crack in it and is closed too. This morning all bridges in town were closed, but as the water levels dropped a bit and the conditions of the bridges were checked they were able to open some. Across the river in NH the shopping plazas were under water. I've seen pictures of the JcPenney store with water over 3 feet up the door. Kohl's had at least 5 feet of water and mud running through it. We drove through tonight and Sears had Stanley Steamer working on their store as did Kmart.
Walmart had a sign "Closed until further notice". Chris thanked me for having the kids ready for school ahead of time as who knows where we would shop now.
We were planning to do a white water rafting trip in Lake George NY this weekend, but route 4 is closed which is the only road between here and there. No idea when it will reopen so we'll need to investigate tomorrow. The campground we are booked at is underwater so they are trying to move us to another campground at the same rate. The white water rafting company has no phone, but left a message on my cellphone that the river isn't really swollen there
The campground just up the road is underwater, but the river's aren't swollen? Not sure if I feel safe at this point. I need to actually talk to them tomorrow.
The kids are starting school tomorrow as scheduled. Hopefully everyone can get there as I know many people are stranded in their homes as roads are washed out in both directions. Lots of coworkers couldn't make it in the morning.
One of the women that work for my mother lost their house and car. I've heard of many other people that have lost their homes as well and many don't have flood insurance.
