This is the wet season in northern Europe. 

Here in France there has been a lot of snow and rain. This has brought flooding in some areas – especially in the north of France where there has been serious flooding. In Paris, the Seine river has risen and the expressways on the side of the river are closed – under water. This happens almost every year for at least a few days. Occasionally, the flooding can be quite serious. The Great Flood of 1910 flooded good parts of Paris. Since then, an elaborate flood control system has been constructed.

But, on a much lighter note …

I went to the golf course and found a lake in the middle of the driving range. In addition to sea gulls, a family of swans had taken up residence.

Our golf course here in Maisons-Laffitte is in the middle of a large race track that is located in the floodplain on the edge of the Seine River as the river winds its way from Paris to Le Havre. The area is protected by earthen dikes and, normally, things are dry. However, in this case, it is the ground water table that is rising. Our lake in the driving range has risen to the level of the river.

This is causing some “technical” problems. The golf course is running out of balls. People have been targeting the lake and much of the club’s stock of balls is resting at the bottom of the lake. The course itself is still playable but some new water hazards have formed. If things get worse, they will have to close the course. (The club house is constructed to float.)

Things are starting to improve. The water level is slowly going down and the driving range may be back to its usual dry condition in a few weeks. Meanwhile, the lake and its temporary residents are still there.

And, on the subject of the swans in the driving range lake, I wonder if one gets extra points if ...

You may not agree with me but, That is how I see things.

Mark Louis Uhrich

Maisons-Laffitte, France, 21 January 2011

©Copyright Mark Uhrich