The next town over, Amesbury, is something of a poor cousin to Port City, at least if property values are any indicator. I’m not sure why, because its architectural and natural beauty rivals that of the Port.

One of the spectacular things about Amesbury is its market square. The Powow River courses right through it, with dramatic waterfalls that provide a great view to anyone crossing the bridge from the municipal parking lot to the amphitheatre-like space in the center.  Our favorite restaurant in town, the Powow River Grill, was planning to build a deck cantilevered over the falls.  We were really looking forward to having dinner outside there some future summer day.

Not any more. Amesbury is effectively the epicenter of the storm system, and the river’s position has left the town vulnerable.

This morning, as I was shooting these clips, the restaurant and other buildings that border the falls were being evacuated. Groups of kibbitzers, many with kids in tow and ice cream in hand, were standing just outside the police tape, surveying the damage. Since schools were closed and the rain had kept us all inside for over a week, parents were grateful to have something to do, I suppose.

At the moment, the dam is holding, and we’re all holding our collective breath. It would be a shame to lose this great town space.