We arrived at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh on Thursday and hooked up our rig at a site at the newest of their four RV camping areas. We chose this place because it looked to be outside Irene’s projected high impact zone and it had a Public Safety Patrol. We had 5 other rigs with us that night. The next day, 10 more arrived. Most of our neighbors were residents and tourists evacuating from the coast. A couple came in from the west and were heading east.  There were also a number of evacuees bringing their horses to the stables here for safety.  Some came for the horse show that was scheduled for this weekend, only to find out it was cancelled upon arrival, but figured it was a good idea to stay put.

Winds began early Friday evening and then the rain at about 1:30 AM.  It was gusty and we got pelted on and off, the trailer shook, but we were okay.

On Saturday, during one of several breaks in the rain, I stepped out to take these pics of Irene’s fast moving clouds rolling above us like the sky was a living, writhing beast.

By sunset, the rain had finally ceased and the last of Irene’s tailings passed.

Hard to believe that so much beauty could follow so much violence.

Everyone stayed inside their rigs during the storm like they were supposed to.

We were cool and dry and cozy…

… as we said goodbye to Irene…

… and watched her fade away into the north.