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Fairfielders Enjoy the Calm Before Irene

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Sean Carney couldn’t figure out why he and his son Brandon were the only fishermen on Jennings Beach’s pier Saturday afternoon. Sure, Hurricane Irene was less than 24 hours away from Fairfield’s coast. But just after noon Saturday, the tide was high but not choppy, and blue snappers had just come in to town.

“We thought we’d get some good fishing,” Carney said when asked why he and Brandon came out in the drizzle. “And we’ve got a screw loose.”

Forecasts predict Hurricane Irene to hit Bridgeport at about 2 p.m. Sunday. While the Carneys were out fishing, homeowners just blocks away were boarding up their windows and preparing for the mandatory evacuation set to begin at noon Saturday. But along Fairfield’s beaches, small groups of people decided to enjoy the beach once more before the storm shuttered them inside.

Dan Loh wouldn’t have been a curious sight on most Saturdays in August. He was sitting on Jennings Beach, just a few feet from the water, battling with the wind to finish a crossword puzzle. But this particular Saturday, Loh proved to be a strange sight — a lone man with no one within 100 yards.

“It’s a great day,” Loh said. “The water’s nice, the air is nice, the breeze is pleasant. I’ve been in the office all week, so it’s nice to get out and get some fresh air.”

In between the Carneys and Loh, just a few dozen people were scattered about Fairfield’s beaches. Most simply strolled along the water as the waves broke normally on the shore. John Guadagno and his daughter Marnie took advantage of the wind and the open space to fly a kite. A group of 10 dads and sons played a pickup soccer game in the sand.

But Fairfield’s beaches were mostly a peaceful sight. And that’s exactly why Loh stopped by instead of hunkering down for the hurricane early. “It’s great,” he said. “It’s peaceful.”

What are you doing before Hurricane Irene comes? Send your own photos from before, during and after the storm to gcanuel@thedailyfairfield.com.

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