Man is it wet this morning, a real soaker, solid grey with a foggy haze obscuring the hilltops. The lake is up a good four inches overnight. I know because I had planted some stakes to mark my water line and last evening they were still showing that much above the surface…this morning they are underwater. The rain must be widespread and in the high mountains as well, washing the deep snowpack down…enough to lift my ancient, heavy dock out of the mud.
There is still lots of headroom in lake Okanagan due to a controlled run-off that’s been going on since February…the fear of a repeat of last years immense flood damage prompted the drastic drain. Still, it’ll be close for the people just above the normal waterline; last year the lake kept rising until mid June and I hear the snowpack in the mountains is even deeper this year.
We are not on flatland…this house stands a good ten feet above a full pond so we’re safe…for now. But who knows? I mean it seems ridiculous that lake levels could rise three or four meters above full but can it still be thought impossible?
???
Just sayin’…what used to be 100 year weather events seem to be cycling now in a decade. And the climate folks say we’re in for another hot, dry summer. There was a time not so long ago when I would have cheered such a forecast but having lived through last summers smoke-in I now dread it. Ah well…whatchagonnado?
The Okanagan is still one of the worlds beauty spots and since getting home from the tour it’s been absolutely gorgeous with daily highs in the mid twenties and mucho sunshine. I’ve been working outdoors a lot and so have lost winters pallor to a vitamin D rich ruddy glow. For all the hassles that come with lakeside living, it’s still worth it. I do love it.
Tomorrow I spray for bugs.
On another note, this will be my last written blog for a couple of weeks. I’m heading for Ontario for some Stamps gigs and a visit with some old friends and my kids and grandkids. I’ll be working for a few days with Gary Mac at his studio; we’ll be putting the final touches on a couple of tunes I plan to reveal soon.
Anyway, I thought I’d do video blogs while I’m away instead of writing. It’s easier to ramble verbally into my phone than to lug my laptop around. So I will still be keeping in touch with all you lovelies who enjoy my blather.
Till then…then