Utter devastation and shocking footage from this huge hurricane. Over the years I have watched, learned and listened. This was the time to act. In fact, I have been waiting two years for this experience. The last two hurricane seasons had been very quiet indeed with nothing to bite at. 2008 was a lot more active. In fact, hurricane frequency (and climate change) is something I have been delving into as part of the http://www.elementalproject.com Atlantic Tropical Cyclone reports from the last 20 years show an average of 14 named storms, 7 of these becoming hurricanes and 3 of these becoming major (Cat 3 or above). During this period there have been a few fluctuations in number and intensity but nothing to verify current media hype that we are getting more (and bigger) hurricanes. Further data is needed to quantify that.

What an adventure it turned out to be. Action filled, technically, physically and mentally very challenging as well as a poignant reminder of what Mother Nature can dish up. This was the 9th named Atlantic storm of the season, the 4th hurricane and 3rd Major. This was Category 4 Hurricane IKE which made landfall at Galveston, Texas on Saturday 13th September 2008.