I heard the river had burst its banks so I thought I would go and have a look. As I reached the river next to the mill, there seemed to be a lot of activity including Inland Waterways men scratching their heads and peering into the lock. Then I saw why.
A boat was stuck fast under the foot bridge on its way out of the lock. The river was the highest I had ever seen it and I have certainly never seen a boat stuck under a bridge on the river. The boat owner had never seen it that high either. The waterways man said there was a warning in place not to travel as it was dangerous. Later when I reached the next lock there were more Waterways men there too. The trouble is the water was high there and already lapping over the garden of the old lock-keeper's cottage.
The lane from the lock does flood but I've never seen it merging with the fields. I couldn't resist a little paddle but didn't intend going any further. The men were shouting at me not to risk walking down the lane as it was too deep! I'm not that stupid.
The water is over the tow path and covering the field and footpath behind the mill which I usually walk on the way back.
I don't know if and when the boat was released but we had some snow first thing this morning and then it poured for a while so a lot more water adding to the river. I went in the opposite direction today but huge puddles and lots of mud.
Wow, that is a lot of water. I do hope the boat was released without too much damage.
ReplyDeleteI saw the boat yesterday and it looked fine.
DeleteWe are so lucky to live in an area which has not flooded, we are close to the Solent, but all rains drain in, often our local creek is very high at this time of year, but happily the water stays in the creek. We do see small boats washed up along the shore line as their moorings break.
ReplyDeleteMostly the flood meadows absorb the water so its not generally a problem.
DeleteOh goodness, how awful. I used to work in a building next to a flyover road. The bridge was low and over the years I saw several lorries stuck under it. We do t see many floods in my area but my daughter is in Bedfordshire and they've had some bad flooding there. I think you must be very fit from all your walking!
ReplyDeleteI saw the flooding in Bedfordshire was bad and hope your daughter is ok. I'm not as fit as I used to be but trying to keep up with the walking as its the only exercise I enjoy really.
DeleteHaving experienced a major flood I find it really hard looking at pictures of flooded houses and fields. The climate changes are definitely becomming a big problem now and very soon more and more people are going to be affected.
ReplyDeleteIt must be so dreadful to have your home flooded. Fortunately I live up hill from the river.
DeleteWow, what a lot of water!! I do hope the boat was freed.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yes I saw the boat yesterday and it looked ok.
ReplyDeleteBlimey! Our river does flood occasionally, but thankfully the levels drop really quickly and we live uphill from it. Arilx
ReplyDeleteYes I live uphill from the river too thankfully
ReplyDelete