When Catherine Taylor-Rosenbaum and her husband David first saw Rondout Creek, they thought it would be the perfect neighbor. A floating dock would make for an awesome summer swimming launch. Neighbors told stories of ice skating in the winter. They bought a home next to the creek and settled in. Then everything went to hell. Since 2005, the creek has risen over its banks numerous times, most recently during Hurricane Irene.
“Everybody seemed to agree, like, this is the future. This is what we’re all afraid of,” Catherine says. “I just wanted to close the door and walk away from the house. I can’t believe that it’s not going to happen again.”
In this episode of Slow Ride Stories, Erik and Albert get the whole dramatic tale, help the Rosenbaums replace their lost dock, and then get to know Rondout Creek in true summer fashion — by jumping in.
Erik Fyfe and Albert Thrower are traveling across the Northeast by motorcycle, talking with a wide range of people about their perceptions of climate change and experiences with extreme weather. Their aim is to spark conversations about the changing climate and collect local stories about how it may impact everyday Americans. Find all of the Slow Ride Stories here.
