A BOD* tonight. The power was off at the time of taking this snap of this old photo. It's of yours truly competing in the Orkney Triathlon, way back in 1995. I generally don't like photos of myself, but this one is different. The event was the best triathlon I've ever been to, and this brings back happy memories of that day. The Orcadians spoilt us rotten with their generous welcome. All sorts of fun stories from that day, but other things have happened today...

A wild, wild day. Storm force winds combined with heavy showers, and slightly warmer temperatures, to cause all sorts of mayhem. A rapid thaw to the snow made things worse. I left work slightly early, for a change, mainly to cross the Kessock Bridge in case it was totally closed... there was a flood blocking the alternative route.

The only time I listen to the local radio these days, is when the weather is dire. Whilst having a coffee, they mentioned there was some flooding in the village. I suspected the cause was a nearby culvert, so took a look. There was a huge pool... where there shouldn't be one. Back to the house and try to find something long enough to try and clear the grill that was obviously blocked at the bottom of that pool. Instead of flowing down the pipe under the grille, the water was flowing out from the pool, into the playpark, and down the road, and hill beyond.

Some houses at the bottom of the hill are below the level of the road, and at high risk of being flooded out. I didn't bother having a look, just got to work on trying to fix the cause of the problem. Back and fore to the house a few times to find other things to try - garden fork; long ladder; rope; head-torch; and draining rods. Some other locals came along and tried to give a hand. Managed to stop the water flowing down the street quite quickly, but it took the best part of two hours to finally drain the pool and find/clear the grill. The Fire Brigade were busy down the hill, pumping out the area around the houses at risk. Hopefully no harm was done.

- - - - -

Unlike yesterday, this lens isn't causing the vignette effect, the light source is an LED head-torch...


* Blip of desperation