Tripping Down Memory Lane, Part I

Traveling down to the Tailwater released a long-forgotten memory of another overly-wet spring just a few years ago (2oo2, to be exact). I wondered: had I taken my film-laden camera with me when we drove down there that day? Why, yes I had. Let us now go back in time six years. And enjoy some of the other old-fashioned photographs I also discovered.

The water roars out from the bottom of the dam. In May of 2002, Lake Monroe was at its highest ever level and was declared to be at 105% capacity. For the first time, water flowed over the overflow spillway (designed to protect the dam). I, like many others, drove down to take a look at history. Along with a very soggy landscape, I also spotted a Copperhead snake. Now, I like snakes, but I know better than to try to befriend such a creature.

It's fascinating, really. The background remains the same, but the scenery changes every second. The roar of the water was unbelievable. We had to shout to hear each other. My understanding is that they had opened the valve just about all the way in order to relieve the lake and the dam of the pressure.

I notice that no fishermen were present this day.

Hmph, now I need a coat. You may find me odd, but I don't really mind the squirrels raiding the bird feeders. After all, they provide quite a bit of entertainment in return for their meal. The raccoons however, just steal in the middle of the night, grr. Fortunately, they don't seem to start hitting the feeders until March.

Ouch, that hurts just watching him, er her? Eh, whatever.

Ah, I remember this. We were driving back to Indiana after having visited The Great Darke County Fair.

Oh, Rosie? Do you perhaps recognize this vignette? Too bad I hadn't 'met' you back in 1996 when we were here.

That's right! We had visited The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. You know, I do think that that was our last true vacation. Imagine that...