Oh That's Why We're Called Rapids

How high's the water, mama?
Five feet high and rising
How high's the water, papa?
Five feet high and rising
                    – Johnny Cash

If we wanted to, we could rewrite Johnny Cash's song and say 14 feet and rising. Though the Wisconsin River was allegedly going to "crest" at that depth today. One drive along the river this afternoon and I was quickly reminded why they call it Wisconsin Rapids.

It was like everyone who had free time in the late afternoon was taking a field trip down to the river's edge just to see how much flooding there was and see how impressively (and scarily) fast the water was flowing.

This park was formerly the location of the East Side Pool – back when Carter was a baby.

No pool, but plenty of water these days.

Kayaking, anyone?

See that railing? There is a sidewalk and walking path on this side of it. Somewhere.

Pretty sure no one's walking there dog that far out. Normally, of course, that's situated right by the sidewalk.

 Got some media coverage today.

 Smartly wearing boots and on the correct/safe side of the fence.

Yes, this is what we mean by rapids! 

Inching its way up to bridge level.

Down on Second Street. Now I've heard of water flooding and crossing the road but hadn't see it until today.

Homes on the left had water up to their front porches. The park on the right was nowhere in sight.

How scary see actual waves coming toward your house when you're not on a beach.

Water reaching some of the side streets there, too. Since it goes up hill from there, though, it didn't get too far down the street.

This duck is not going to find food in the street.

 See the painted stripes under the water? These ducks are hanging out in a parking spot.

See the duck on the left? Pretty far off the river path.

River may have crested but it could rise again because... snow. See it in the foreground? There's still some more melting to come this weekend.

View from the side street looking down the hill to the river.

 Canceling all playdates at Lyon park on the south side of the Expressway Bridge.

What bench?

Not a nice day for a picnic, either!

Inching toward the road here, but was over the road further south. I was smart and did not drive there.

You may notice water to the south toward Port Edwards. There were also sandbags, too. That same area was hit a few years ago and lots of basements flooded and some walls even caved in. Messy stuff.

More media checking things out. Does my blog count as media?

"Where the sidewalk ends." Gonna have to walk on water to get to that bench out there!

Pretty crazy stuff! Hopefully no major damage to homes in the area or injuries. There's definitely power behind those rapids! Be careful out there and smart!