Local newspapers yesterday carried this slightly alarming headline. It seems strange... Reading blogs from various parts of the world, it seems that a lot of people are having the opposite problem, experiencing more rain than usual. But we in England have had an unusually dry start to the year. All that snow last winter didn't add up to much in terms of rainfall and the spring and summer have been markedly dry. The drought is especially affecting the north and west of the country, precisely where the reservoirs that top up the Leed-Liverpool Canal are situated. It's usually the wettest part of the country, but already the area has a hosepipe ban - and now this! The report says that a long stretch of the canal from Wigan in Lancashire to Gargrave (just beyond Skipton) could be closed by the beginning of August, unless there is significant rainfall between now and then.They say that 'every cloud has a silver lining' (perhaps not a very apt saying in this case!). It could mean more holiday boating traffic comes this way along the canal, to explore the Gargrave to Leeds stretch that includes Saltaire, instead of the more rural mid-Pennine areas. I'm sure they won't be disappointed - it may be a bit more urban but it's a very fascinating journey through history.
PS: As I write this, it's raining heavily - so it could all turn out to be 'a storm in a teacup'. ;-)
Hopefully so!
ReplyDeleteYesterday (july,14) there were heavy rains in north of France. As it was our national day, a lot of fireworks were cancelled, places were destroyed (the castel of Sedan lost its roof!!) and one man died..Meanwhile, here in south, there are around 30° and more high temperatures
ReplyDeleteMad weather!
Here's hoping the rain arrives in time. Nice photograph, by the way.
ReplyDeleteI blame those buggers in Lancashire. It is their water shortage, their problem. Just because they use so much water maker their beer and hotpot they are restricting water flowing into our canal. Not right.
ReplyDeleteWe had close to 1.8 M of snow in Dec. and Jan. here in Iowa and now have been in flood warnings for 2 months. Would love to send some but fear feast and famine, next month could go dry.
ReplyDeleteThe weather is topsy turvy. We had headlines like that about our dams last year but this year they are full.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty reflection!
ReplyDeleteLove the reflection in that photo and I hope the rain keeps coming until you get all you need and just a little more. After all isn't that normal over there?
ReplyDeleteSo scary when there's not enough rain. Especially in England, for goodness sakes!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to take a walk down that path! The circle reflection is great! Here's wishing you more rain!
ReplyDeleteLove the canal picture more than you might think - after 7 years living in a 52' Market Harborough, but never so far north.
ReplyDeleteThis afternoon I discovered both you Jennyfreckles, and the (probably)charming Alan Burnett, so how am I supposed to get on with the work? A Devon man imprisoned on Corfu, sends you all fond wishes.
I must say I have really enjoyed all the sunny, dry weather this year although the gardens have suffered. We have had heavy rain for the past couple of days so all is back to 'normal'
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