back to reality

Florida was great. Leaving Grace and the 80 degree weather was not so great. (more on the trip later!) I think we were ready to return to winter but I'm not sure we were ready to return to 'Flood 2009'.

We are safe and dry (right now). Unfortunately, many around us are not. It's insane and also very heartbreaking to see the rivers in full force. Our projected crest is not until Monday however the information is constantly changing...

So here is a glimpse into our current world. Remember - we do not have it bad AT ALL compared to other towns around us. Our town built very expensive earthen dykes, pretty flood walls and invisible flood walls to protect us from floods - we are just stuck with very high property taxes for eternity to pay for that safety!

Please note, there were a couple things going on during these photos... 1. We were in a hurry because it is illegal (during floods) to be where we were to take some of these pictures. :-) 2. it was freezing cold outside. 3. some pictures were taken on the fly while Dylan was driving.

Tonight's River Level: 47'
Projected Crest: 52'
1997 Flood Crest: 54'


downtown. north of Sorlie Bridge.




downtown. at Sorlie Bridge.

Notice the sign? It says, "Watch for ICE on bridge". I think they mean the usual ice and snow... not a ginormous ice jam raging down stream!



downtown. south of Sorlie Bridge.


For comparison, summer 2008.


down stream. Kennedy Bridge looking south.




downstream. Kennedy Bridge looking north.




For perspective of how vast the river currently is... the same tree spanning west to east. And I brought the wrong lens so this isn't even the entire picture.


downstream. at the walking bridge and boat launch.