Georgia Drought?

As most Georgians know, Lake Lanier has been the 'yardstick' for determining rain levels for the state for years.

Most of you will remember the state of emergency that was called in early 2000's due to the low water levels and Lake Lanier was the gauge - the drought was declared. The impacts were great, as there were water restrictions, Georgia school systems were being impacted (UGA talked about school closure), talks were generated regarding if we should be sending water to FLA to support the oyster beds and negotiating with surrounding states to send water down our way!

September 2009, Lake Lanier was the 'yardstick' again, with water exceeding records levels but in the other direction. Many of you will remember the floods impacting counties all over the state, Six Flags was under water and my goodness, spaghetti junction was a bigger mess than the typical 5:00 rush hour on a Friday.

Since September, I started thinking that with the receding water levels that our great State was getting back to normal?

Well over the last few weeks, there has once again been significant rain down in South Coastal Georgia. This had becoming a little bothersome to say the least.

As of yesterday, my concerns have peaked once again. As I was driving to work in the rain, yes, once again, I looked over to see a jogger running up Frederica Road. There was something different....yes, he was running in the rain, but that's not unusual. What was it?

Ahhh.....took a moment to slow down and finally realized what it was....this middle aged man had on a swimming cap....was there something that he was aware of that the rest of might have missed? Here he was running down the major road on the island, in the rain with a swimming cap. Well, that in itself was interesting but I also realized there was something else that was out of place. I looked hard....was that sunglasses perched on his head? Surely not, remember it was raining. After taking several looks, I realized it was swimming goggles!

I really wanted to stop and talk and see if he could share his insights, but thought best of it and drove on to work. I've thought about this event since and still can't help but laugh!

Have a great day and here's hoping the rain stopa for a least a week or two? We need to dry out!

KK