Big doings happening here in Okemos. The Red Cedar River, about a quarter mile from us, hit its highest level in about 40 years. It peaked about 9.5 feet, a half foot above full flood and 2.5 feet above starting flood. Unfortunately our basement is at about 7.5 feet. Apparently the Red Cedar River decided to drain itself through our basement. So we have been manning the shop vacs almost non-stop since Tuesday evening.
Red Cedar water level gauge, compliments of the USGS.
The first 48 hours were tough. I haven’t felt like this since aircraft carrier duty. Kind of like a long General Quarters or Flight Quarters. You do what has to be done. You’re on deck until the operation is done and everyone is back. My longest carrier shift was 36 straight hours. No sleep, just some breaks for a quick meal. I also did a 30 hour shift, and more 24 hour ones than I can count. Nothing quite like the jitters that come from being wired with no sleep, too much coffee, and just enough stress to make life interesting. It was kind of fun in my 20s. That just ain’t where I’m at right now. But I think we beat the bastard and things are under control. We’re going to a water polo tournament tomorrow. We may come back to a wet basement, but something manageable.
The Red Cedar, about a quarter mile from our house. The normal channel is between the two trees under the arrows. All that water headed for our basement.
Ed's and Lise's Biggish Years 