Friday, February 11, 2011

Anticipation

Ice clearing operations about to start from Maple Island
The first intimation of Spring in our neighbourhood is the arrival of the ice monitoring teams on the banks of the Rideau, in preparation for the commencement of ice blasting operations.  This is a precautionary measure to prevent flooding when the ice melts naturally and it's an unnatural, noisy way to get the water flowing; all the same, it's encouraging to think that when that equipment arrives winter must be on its way out.

The first trucks arrived yesterday and parked on Maple Island from which they can drive onto the river. Snow has been swept away in a strategic line right down the centre of the river revealing its solid surface. This is where they will start cutting into the ice. Towards the end of the month, the dynamiting will follow and then the amphibious ice-breaker. (More about this later.)
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2 comments:

  1. CWCFebruary 13, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    You have near infinite access to an airplane. In spite of the fact that *tuning*(1) in that airplane seems to be forbidden (ahem) it strikes me that all/most/many of your flatlander photos could be backed up with an aerial shot. Your public awaits.

    Written only partly in jest.

    CWC

    1. I realized watching the snow landing video that turn onto final is usually nicely steep. Maybe I'll try that psychology next time :-)

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  2. CWCFebruary 13, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    AND, lest you think I'm ignoring your rite of spring, for a gearhead spring has already started. The Daytona 24 hour car race was couple of weeks ago...etc.

    CWC

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