5 Things I Learned From The Annual Flood

 The Connecticut River headwaters start in New Hampshire near the Canadian border. The melting snow and runoff from overflowing streams drain into the river. Every year there is a stretch of route 17a in Portland CT near the river that floods. This has probably been going on since the Wangunk tribe inhabited the area. 

 When I was around 19 I pulled up to the edge of the water in a pick-up truck. As I looked across in awe at the flooded road a curious thought came to mind. I wonder if I could make it to the other side? After all, it doesn't look that deep, I thought.

 I put the 3 speed chevy into low gear and slowly started my journey. About half way across I noticed the water was pouring up over the hood and I said "uh oh" (clean version). Water seeped through the bottom of the doors and onto the floor. It's a good thing the floor wasn't carpeted. The truck actually floated at one point until the tires finally touched down on the tar again. You could even hear the bubbling sound coming out of the exhaust pipe which was submerged under water ( Maybe it's time that I share this story with my father since it was his truck and 30 years has passed?)

I finally made it to the other side. I  learned several lessons that day: 
1) Flooded areas can be much deeper than they appear!
2)Trucks can float a little.
3)Truck engines can continue to run even when the tailpipe is submerged.
4) You know you're in a small town when one of the biggest entertainment events of the year is a flood.) 

5) Maybe I'm not as smart as I thought I was.

 Despite the flood and continuing rain, there was plenty of dry ground in town. No need to drive my Corolla through the flood to find them.  I found a White-throated Sparrow scratching the ground for food.