Friday, September 14, 2012

And now for something completely ...

I would like to have said 'different' but that's not the case. The drought in our area continues unabated. As recently as last Saturday the forecast called for significant rainfall with a 100% probability of precipitation. Turns out that the 100% was right on the money - we had an intense 10 minute torrential downpour and that was that.

Come with me on a short hike and I'll show you how that has affected the watershed.

Here is a nearby stream which in the springtime is frequented by kayakers ! You can imagine how much water would be required to submerge these rocks  again.

In the spring, or after a particularly heavy rainfall, water would cover the rock flats to the right.

Purple loosestrife (a noxious weed despite its colourful appearance) has taken root on the stream bed.

Boulders like these can be moved when the stream is at its peak.

Everything is parched ...

Normally 3 - 4 feet of water flow under this bridge.

Industrious beavers dammed the stream about a half mile up from the bridge. With little or no inflow, they've made their dam almost watertight - looks like they're prepared for the long haul until the rains return. Perhaps there's a lesson in there for us - when we're in a drought, sit tight ("those who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength ...").

18 comments:

Laura~Pretty Pix said...

How horribly sad, Rick.
We haven't had measurable rain in well over a month, with none in sight. Fire danger is extreme.
I hope with the change of seasons we all get some much needed rain.

darlin said...

Rick this is unreal, this is in Ontario? I noticed the corn crops were in dire need of rain, or maybe it was already too late by then. I hope that there's a lot of snow in Ontario this winter, that might help get some much needed moisture in the ground come spring.

The entire world seems to be thrown off weather wise, I believe we've really upset Mother Nature and the balance of our planet.

Your photos are stunning, crystal clear and well shot, too bad they have to be of drought. You don't normally have droughts there do you? Just like Alberta doesn't have mild winters too often, but apparently last winter while I was in Australia it was unseasonably warm here.

And I totally agree with your comment: "those who wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength"... amen to that!

When do you spread your wings and fly south?

Have a good weekend, and sit tight! :-)

ju-north said...

Just as sad to see as land covered with flood water. Hope the drought breaks soon

Muffy's Marks said...

So sad!! We have had dry seasons, but nothing like that. Hopefully the winter and spring will have much precipitation in your area. Prayers for the land and the inhabitants.

Anonymous said...

It's sad to see dry earth where water is supposed to flow, hopefully the drought will pass with the new season.

The beavers must have been strong to carry some of those pieces of wood...

Amelia said...

Hi Rick, How are you? So sad to see the dry earth. Condition doesn't look pleasant.

But your pictures is very well taken,excellent.

Have a nice weekend, regards to you and all at home. Take care.

Cheri said...

We finally got rain here! For the last two days it has been coming down steady. Thank You God. Hopefully it will be enough to get us out of the burn ban. Praying for you to get rain soon.

Lúcia said...

The situation here is terrible too, It hasn't rained for the last 3 months, and the last month the temperatures reached daily 30°C (and it's still winter), some days the humidity was compared to Saara...
Hope Nature finds a way (here and in your city).
Have a good weekend Rick! ;-)

Fábio Martins said...

It's a sad situation!

Dagmar said...

Hi Rick, well it seems the world is up side down and nature doesn't know what to do about it.
Let's hope things turn out for the better soon.
We had our real first fall day today. It was COLD. brrr. so it seems nature is catching up here in Holland. I'll bet things go fast now.

Wonderful hugs my friend.
Dag

Scott Law said...

I know exactly what you're talking about. It is definitely a worry when you don't have the water that you and your crops and ground need. I hope it changes very soon. Too bad those marshmallow clouds in the final photo didn't bring in any water with them.

Marty said...

bonjour Rick, tu peux marcher dans le lit de la rivière, passer sous le pont et c'est very sad ! I hope rain pluie regen for you et que bientôt you show us a wonderful river !
wish you a great weekend
send you bisous full with raindrops !

Karin / Southern Meadows said...

Wow! When we were in our 3rd straight year of extreme drought (this year we are only severe level) people found all kinds of interesting treasures in the lake as the water levels had fallen so low. There are many lessons to be learned from nature one being that some plants can really endure a lot and make it through. I hope the rain finds you soon!

Pamela Gordon said...

That is incredible. It certainly was a dry summer there. The beavers are smart builders. Hopefully there will be some fall rains to fill the stream again. I've missed some of your posts so will scroll down and read them. Blessings, Pam

Lea said...

Wishing you more rain in your place. THat pink weed surely stands out. I love the last photo. After the dry land and entangled branches, there is water, green grass, blue skies, and patches of clouds :)

Cloudy said...

Diese extremen Wetter werden immer häufiger und fallen heftiger aus, es ist durch den Klimawandel deutlich sichtbar, auch wenn viele das noch nicht glauben wollen...

Servus
CL

Ruth Hiebert said...

Seems like the whole country is in need of those refreshing rains.My only consolation is that God is in control. Have a wonderful weekend.

Lisa Gordon said...

This really is sad Rick. I have never experienced weather as I have this past year. Just this morning I came upon a pear tree in full bloom, and shortly after that I realized that one of our magnolia trees is in bud again. In a week it will be fall, so not sure what is up.

I really hope you get some rain soon. There's been a lack of it here too, but nothing like what I am seeing in your photographs.

I wish you a wonderful weekend!