I had my carpet steam-cleaned on Tuesday so I went for a drive. I took my camera along in case I found anything of note to take pictures of. Since I like the water I knew my travels would take me somewhere near a river or lake.
I drove to a lake not far from where I live, although I did have to cross the state line. Lake Owyhee has an interesting spillway. It is a hole cut into the rock near the edge of the lake so that when there is a lot of spring runoff the water runs out as though it is actually going down a very large drain.
When the water level is low one can see how they built it into the side of the damn.
But during spring runoff the dam gets full.
That is when the spillway comes into play, sending more water rushing downstream. I am not aware of any other spillways that have been designed so ingeniously. But you certainly would not to ride it down. I heard an anecdote where some kids sent a yellow rubber raft down, only to see it emerge in shreds when it reached the bottom.
I enjoy taking drives. It gives me a chance to think. It also gives me opportunities for future story ideas…