High Water at the Boonedocks and in the County, April 10, 2003

When dawn broke on Thurdsay, we were surprised to discover the creek about three feet higher than normal.

At times, we could see a little daylight between dock and creek, but eventually even that little gap was closed. We're told this is as high as the water ever gets, absent a hurricane.

Eventually, the water came up over the wall and flooded into the grounds, drenching new and old plantings alike.

Perhaps in jest, the dockmaster says he saw fish jumping in the pole beans!

Usually, it's a short walk from the shower house to the dockmaster's quarters - on this day, it would have been a short swim.

The dockmaster was out and about early this morning, checking dinghies, boats, and lines, as well as tripping breakers and shutting down water pumps.

Our daffodils seemed unconcerned about the brackish water rising all around them. The hollyhocks and pansies also in this bed are still, a few days later, attempting a comeback.

With the premises secured, we ventured out to see what the rest of the county looked like. We found the water equally high in Oriental - even the breakwater was covered.

Where once there was a street, we find convenient waterfront seating!

Rising water ignores a stop sign.

Harbor waters encroach on Oriental streets..

Arriving back home, the dockmaster was enlisted in an effort to secure an absent neighbor's boat.

Three volunteers attempt to loosen too-tight lines.

Mission accomplished, everyone smiles for the weather gal.

The wind quieted for a while, but picked up again in early afternoon, giving us our second round of rising water.

Finally, of course, the winds shifted direction and the water started draining out of the creek, out of the grounds, out of the power plugs on the docks! We'll be draining water for a while, that's for sure. Two days later, though, a pink and blue morning sky greets us and promises to bring four or five days of warm sunshine.