As many of you know, Northern California, particularly Sonoma and Napa Counties, suffered severe flooding this winter. Rain came down hard, it came down fast, and the river rose rapidly, spilling out violently, taking its own course over vineyards and though towns.
Walking around the farm these past days has me encountering the drained aftermath. Muck of every sort is compacted on every standing surface it could catch on. Dry grasses lay down in the direction the water forced it. The dogs delight in rustling small creatures from their new hiding places and nests, eating more than their fare share of unlucky animals. The dirt is saturated and slippery, and many acres of vines lay on the ground, iron pylons cracked at the base. The river is murky and its naked edges have gouges voraciously ripped ripped out, slimming the path alongside this moody river.
There is no doubt that weather is violent. Looking down at the river it's easy to see the way it ricochets back and forth evening out sharp elbow turns and every year the swimming hole has been remodeled. My friend's little house sits right on top of the levee. And it's a good thing. At one point water rushed by on either side of him.
Although I can post from his house I cannot get to my own photographs. But he has generously offered me access to his. To see more of Patrick's extraordinary photography and gorgeous prose documenting the minute and the grand life cycle on this land, visit his new blog endeavor, Root Cap. When I get home I will try and post comparative photos so that you can see just how terrifyingly high this water rose.
Thanks you for sharing the photos, Shuna. I was in that area this past summer and I can't believe the flooding that the area experienced. I hope the damages aren't too severe!
Posted by: Ivonne | 27 January 2006 at 08:13 PM
I live in the area, and I remember driving home from Sacramento airport a few days afterwards... It seemed like the highway was in the middle of a great lake... with the tops of trees surreally sticking out here and there. Unbelievable.
Posted by: Nina | 30 January 2006 at 06:10 PM