1. Mother Nature

Hurricane Ike

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.
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    The sign was a must shot. No surfers, or sunbathers here today. The small hut was barely standing. It was a reality check on how delicate the balance between utopia and hell. The stay in Surfside beach was limited. Shortly after taking these photos the place became overwhelmingly flooded and cut off from the mainland.  I got away just in time.
Olympus E3, 50-200mm SWD - F5, 1/1000s
    This sign was also a sterotypical must shot. No surfers, or sunbathers here today. The small hut was barely standing. It was a reality check on how delicate the balance between utopia and hell. The stay in Surfside beach was limited. Shortly after taking these photos the place became overwhelmingly flooded and cut off from the mainland.  I got away just in time.
Olympus E3, 50-200mm SWD - F4.5, 1/640s
    Galvaston, the eye of hurricane Ike made landfall here. There was still some 12+ hours left and the advancing surge was already battering the sea defence wall. Many local people took advantage of a snapshot opportunity, albeit in a dangerous environment. Police were pretty quick to move in and warn them off, for their own safety. 
Olympus E3, 50-200mm SWD - F4.5, 1/400s