Tales of the Riverbank

A first, springtime visit this year to the Vistula's banks as the river winds its way out of the city centre (to which it has its back rather rudely turned); once south of the Most Siekierkowski bridge, the top of the flood defence wall offers an interesting cycle route that runs down to Góra Kalwaria and beyond, via Konstancin's fringes.

Above: tree pruning in evidence. At the height of last year's floods, the riven had risen above the level of the land protected by the wall. Today, the river, though swift, was at a usual level. The last week has seen the Great Miracle of Spring happen - almost all trees are showing new leaf, grass has changed from greyish-brown to green. Below: results of last summer's floods are visible along the riverbank.

Take a look back to last summer to see how the river looked in full flood, and later in the summer when the water level had subsided.

Above and below: Jolly boating weather. Along with hundreds of cyclists, motorcycle scramblers and a few aviators overhead, some speedboat enthusiasts appeared to make the most of the warm (+16C) afternoon. The outboard engines were noisy, annoyingly audible long after the boat had sped off into the distance, drowning out the ambient sounds of birdsong.

This time last year:
Okęcie before the funerals

This time two years ago:
At General Bałuk's house

This time four years ago:
Apple blossom time