How quickly the world turns from autumn to winter! The evening of November 24th, 2004,
brought approximately 2"-3" of snow and ice to the Memphis, Michigan area.
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These pictures show the Belle river in its fall outfit.
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These pictures show the Belle river dealing with a foggy sunrise!
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Reflections on the Belle river.
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I have resided only 18 months in the beautiful little city of Memphis, Michigan,
and have witnessed two major weather events. The first was the winter ice storm of
April 4, 2003. The flowers were budding and ready to accept the coming of spring,
but had to wait. Spring was delayed for a week as Memphis lay under a blanket of ice.
The second came just 13 months later...
I have planted a small garden in my back yard, and have watered it faithfully.
We have had a nice routine of sunshine and rain. The spinach, lettice and chard have
really sprouted. The beans and peas are growing like weeds!
Then came the rain. The rain began falling on May 21, 2004. By the morning of
May 22, I had taken my three boys and one of my daughters to the swollen Belle River.
We waded the waters upstream for a ways, and then the kids floated back down to our
starting point. A lot of fun. Then came more rain...it began falling, and falling,
and would not stop! I had woke up at 6:30am on the morning of May 23, and found
standing water in my neighbors yard. Here in Memphis, I don't often see standing
water, especially in my yard. On the drive to church, we were met with high waters.
Most of the flood plains were flooded around the river. Trees and debris litter the
banks. Roads were hazardous and some impassable. Driveways were totally washed out.
When we returned home, I grabbed my camera and the boys and headed to the bottom of
the hill we live on. Just around the corner, the swollen river had totally over-
taken Mill street. Mill street had just had a new bridge and road work completed
last fall. Now it was all submerged, except for the crest of the bridge!
Looking east on Mill street toward the new bridge.
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My boys and I waded through 2.5 foot of water to get to the top of the bridge.
First picture is looking east toward M-19, totally impassable. Second picture is
after the water receeded..
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This picture is looking north on the bridge, watching the powerful
Belle river rush towards us.
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It might be powerful, dangerous, angry and reaking havoc, but you
couldn't convince Bill, Josh or Caleb!
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The Belle river flows east along Mill street and passes beneath the bridge on M-19.
This picture looks north toward the bridge. Some people really enjoyed going through
the water! The Memphis grain elevator is at the right of the second photo.
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This is our park alongside the Belle river. Normally, it is a nice spot
for a picnic. Not today!
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This is a roadside park along a bend of the Belle River, a few miles from
Memphis, Michigan.
