La Barra and down the beach

The people there say this is the very worst it has ever been for them there.

I believe there are some photos on my facebook that would show how wide open the lagoon is. I will try to take some photos flying out today if I can.

I believe at least part of the increased erosion to the mouth of the lagoon is related to the development "Laud" blocking the other end of the lagoon that provided additional drainage precisely during periods of high water combined with high waves, as we've seen the past two years. A similar problem also occurred at the mouth of the next lagoon, Laguna de Valentín, heading southwards along the coast, possibly for the same reason. I suspect their road really screwed up the ecological balance.

This is so sad. The picture you see is of me and my husband at a La Barra restaurant enjoying a wonderful meal after a tour with Shark Boy. I hope all the businesses will be able to rebuild and continue a wonderful tradition of friendship and hospitality.

We have been staying in Barra since Saturday, and have never seen the beach look like this. People are working late into the night with sand bags trying to save their restaurants, and they need your business. Now is not the time to avoid your favorite enmarada, which ever one it might be. I find it amazing at how hard people are working, without as single complaint. The folks here are resilient, and show a positive attitude. Please support your local enmarada!!

What would you say, Rob, 4-6 vertical feet above normal sea levels? More?

The sea level's the same, but storm surge and waves from the passing hurricanes one right after the other gives no time for the beach to recover, and I can't help but think humans have made matters worse by removing much of the vegetation that normally fronts the beach as well as by simply building too close to the high tide line. If you stand at the water's edge and let the waves lap over your feet you'll notice the erosion that takes place around your feet due to your weight. It's the same with buildings on a sandy beach.

Some of the waves along the open ocean have been reported at over 7 meters, monsters for here, and with the storm surge the tides have been running higher than normal, albeit there's usually only about a meter's difference between high and low tides at this latitude.

Here in the bay the damage has been minor, but Playa Linda's pier may be unusable and even the pier at Las Gatas suffered some damage. Our downtown pier is already shot, but the waves were crashing up and over the area where the fish gallows are.

Tim a few years ago I was able to send money to Laura Kelly's paypal acct to help out after storms. Wondering if they have internet after this one. Laura are you there?