We were on the roof top of the Mansion House Hotel for the beginning of Earl. Not much was happening other than some wind (25 - 35 MPH) and spots of rain. We had a great view of town, Vineyard Haven.
This is the same view of town around 1:00 PM before anything really started happening.
We were able to secure the second to last room in the hotel. A very nice room but not big enough for the price we paid. Also, we were facing the wrong direction, inland rather than out to the bay. But it was much better than staying at the shelter.
All over town folks were boarding up their windows preparing for the worst. A few even had a few comments to leave for Earl.
This building was right on the bay shore expecting the worst.
Some folks were even having a bit of fun getting ready!
We found it very interesting that this marine shop boarded up their windows but left their boats chained outside.
We were informed this morning that MEMA had declared a state of emergency and that all businesses and road on the island were to be closed by 2:00 PM. That included the camp ground. We could leave the Airstream there or take it to the High School where there were no trees and the chance of flying objects was the least. From there we had to go the shelter at the elementary school. We opted for a hotel.
At the time of the announcement, we were under Hurricane Warnings and the National Hurricane Center had Earl heading directly towards the islands and expected to be a category 2 or 3. Of course we all know weathermen have the privilege of being correct 50% of the time.
The restaurant of the hotel was able to stay open past the 2:00 PM deadline because they had to offer food to their guests. We stopped in for lunch after dropping off the Airstream and that's how we were able to find a room for the night. The three young ladies and the full kitchen staff were to stay till they had to close.
