Monday, June 25, 2012

The Fraser River



With snow melt and bountiful rain, the Fraser River is overflowing its banks, and once again, my husband and I risk being labeled as scofflaws.

Given our shared fascination with water in all its forms, we took ourselves up to Derby Reach this weekend, one of our favourite Langley spots to visit.


 Over the years, we've seen this river at times fiercely frozen, and even seen it dwindled markedly in the heat of summer...but never have we seen it overflowing. Mindful that flooding puts people at risk, we simply could not resist a chance to see the river cresting.






 We found the parking lot full, though the camp ground host had sensibly pulled out his trailer, and large signs made clear the inadvisability of entering the camp sites.


In our defense, there were a good number of us squeezing by the warning signs for a peek.




 Still, it must be said that of the dozens of adults and children lining the riverbank, we were the only two who ploughed along the flooded road to see how deep the water got...well above my knees, as we went further along!


 Somewhere in the heavens, I'm sure my mother looked down, tsk-tsking about her flighty daughter, (who never had an ounce of sense), and bemoaning the muddy ruin of a perfectly good summer frock!


Sorry, Mum...but we enjoyed our whimsy. Of course, when the weather took a turn with wind and rain battering against my bare arms and sodden dress, I might have questioned the veracity of our decision, had I any sense indeed.



 We saw one adventuresome couple who'd carried in wood and built a fire...several fishermen who threw in their lines with optimistic enthusiasm, and when the sun put in a very brief appearance, it became just another Sunday in the park. It seems we're all so desperate for summer on the Lower Mainland that we'll celebrate the season, no matter what the weather throws at us!







With any luck, the river has done all it means to, and further damage can be averted.  Our prayers go out to those in peril and our heartfelt wish that they stay safe.




7 comments:

Penelope Postcards said...

Great pictures of Jules (previous post) and the picture of you wading knee deep in the water. It is clear you have a spirit that is forever playful and young. Nice you see you out and about with your son and with camera in hand along your journey. :))

Kay L. Davies said...

Look at you in the river, you silly girl. LOL
Nifty pictures of the Fraser in flood, however. I still love that river, in all its phases.
K

Katy Cameron said...

We're currently in the wettest June in over 100 years, there's lots of rivers like that over here right now! I have to secretly admit that I loved it when I was at school and the Severn flooded every new year, covering the hockey pitch in water ;o)

Eileen T O'Neill ..... said...

Hello Lynette,

Now I know where you have been. Stranded by the Fraser river. In fact my maiden name was Frazer,apparently the Northern Ireland spelling. Our Scottish cousins prefer Fraser.
The swollen river is unbelievable with you as well. Here in England we have had very bad weather, with lots of flooding. Totally unseasonal, with rain and little sunshine.
Nice to find you Lynette,
Best Wishes,
Eileen

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Not only are you two scofflaws but you're also . . . Looky Lou's!!!!!!

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Wow, how very cool these photos, and your expedition, is.......I LOVE the new look of your site with your Ireland backdrop. Lovely.

Tina´s PicStory said...

great shots from a dangerous situation. hope you and your family are ok! :)