Our Water is HERE!
Our water, for irrigation, comes about because of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Project. The project has one storage dam, several diversion dams, 128 miles of canals, 438 miles of laterals and 216 miles of drains.
The project canal runs right by our road and is the source of all water for our crops and my yard and garden.
Usually the water isn’t turned on until closer to the 30th of March, but when a grower calls
for early water (because of raising onions or lettuce) the water is turned on early.
I love the canal, I love hearing the music of the water as is trips along on its way to the states of Arizona and Nevada and California. I think of it as a friend, one who goes away for the winter and then comes back bringing life to our farms.
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Wow, I would so enjoy hearing the sound of the water rushing by and yes, I can see why you think of it as your friend.
Mountain Woman - April 2, 2009 at 12:39 pm
You got water! very interesting Linda..thanks for the great photos!
Far Side of Fifty Photos - March 30, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I remember the water canals behind my granfathers house in Fruita, I also have great memories of a Soda shop in downtown Fruita, a bar and stools all down the wall on the right side and a magazine and toy racks on the left when you walked, and I think it was the drug store, neat place, good memory, its sad we still dont have those old soda shops.
Reddunappy - March 27, 2009 at 4:59 am
So glad your friend is back! I remember the canals that we had behind our house in Grand Junction. Love the canals all over that area.
hi-d - March 26, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I’m trying to comment again. I’m so happy your water is there! I can feel the ground saying “Ahhhhhh.”
Robynn's Ravings - March 26, 2009 at 6:17 am
How much rain do you get during panting/growing season?
Jody Blue - March 26, 2009 at 3:37 am
Well I learned something new today.This was very interesting. And I haven’t planted the roses yet,we had a light frost last week.I hope I can keep them alive until about 2 more weeks.
Theresa - March 26, 2009 at 2:33 am
I love your water stories. And the fact you think of it as a friend. I was mowing around our fruit trees yesterday for the first time of the year and said hello to each one
.
thecrazysheeplady - March 26, 2009 at 1:56 am
Our water is still in it’s ridged form here yet but the every farmer I talk to is getting antsy about spring. I loved you apricot pictures
Linda - March 26, 2009 at 12:28 am
That’s poetry! You are carrying on such an important part of life, growing things. It’s hard to be part of it when there is no gain, but we are drawn to be husbandmen (and women!) of the soil over all the generations….something we almost HAVE to do! It’s part of us.
The Tile Lady-Marie - March 25, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I would never have known about this. Thank you for sharing. Love the picture.
Michele - March 25, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I learn a little more each time I read your blog. Very interesting about the canal. I am sure the sound of the running water in the canal IS music to your ears, it would be mine.
T - March 25, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I am fascinated with all the variety of the farming methods you comment about! Water canals that are the life for your crops and many other states….that is truly amazing!
Where I live in PA, (NO Water Canals here) our farm soil has a lot of clay, and so the water sometimes is a menace to our crops, in that it does not sink into the ground. Plus the fact that we pretty much always have More than enough rainfall in the Spring……and throughout the rest of the growing seasons. Many times planting goes 24/7 just to get the crops in before a big rain is predicted.
People must learn to appreciate what the American Farmer contributes to the well being of Life!
……because when all foodstuffs are Imported……
the price will be beyond the reach of most.
Liz in PA
Liz - March 25, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Water the life blood of growing along with sunshine!
When will you be planting?
Kath - March 25, 2009 at 9:12 pm
We had wells, so no flowing water. In fact, my dad and his brother built the first hydraulic center pivot irrigation systems in the region. I always thought we were famous because we were in Ruralite magazine.
I know better now.
Meadowlark - March 25, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Just yesterday, the hubby and I went for a walk (I had to twist his arm). We were walking along a ditch that is still dry as a bone. I actually had the thought that I could walk along the sandy bottom of it…for no reason other than to say I did it.
Pam - March 25, 2009 at 8:49 pm
That is so interesting! I learn something every time I visit.
threecollie - March 25, 2009 at 8:39 pm