OCT small streams east of the Blue Ridge 6/4

[bambam]

The target of this semi-traditional trip is small streams like the Thornton, Hazel, Hughes, and Conway. These, unfortunately, don't seem to have much water in them at the moment. We are expecting some rain but not tons of it over the next couple of days so stay tuned if interested.

If we get some water I'll likely target a stream in the class II / III range. Part of that depends on who is interested so please let me know if that's you!

Ken Dubel

[RickLucas]

Definitely interested.

[Kayak Cowboy]

I'm also interested

[bambam]

Interests noted.

Watching the clouds ....

Ken

[LZM]

I could be interested as well.

[bambam]

We had storms today west of the Blue Ridge and some streams are reacting. East of the Blue Ridge? Not so sure at this point. I'm having some Internet connection issues.

I note the Tye seems to have skyrocketed but can't justify that against the rain gauges. I was looking further north than that but, hey, it's an exceptional stream and if the others don't end up running ...

Point being, it's a guessing game at this point. Looks like we might have some fun choices.

Ken

[rob_parker]

I'm tracking this thread too. Sounds like fun if we get water.

[Silent Bob]

You can tentatively count me in, depending on what the final plan is.

[Daryl]

I note the Tye seems to have skyrocketed but can't justify that against the rain gauges. I was looking further north than that but, hey, it's an exceptional stream and if the others don't end up running ...


Ken

About 3-4" of rain fell in the Massies Mill area but not on the mountain top. The Lovingston gauge is falling almost as fast as it went up last night.

[Bill Capp]

Jill and I are interested in a Hughes/Hazel run on Saturday if the water comes up after the rains tonight.

[bambam]

I'm sitting down to gaze at gauges. Things are not looking promising so far. Please stay tuned.

Ken

[bambam]

Unless we get some unexpected rain tonight then the target streams will not be running.

Sooo, on to plans B and C. Caveat, ... , I'm quite fine with not paddling on Saturday as I have plenty to do at home plus I'm doing volunteer stuff for Wintergreen Adaptive Sports paddling program (shameless plug) on Sunday. That said, Saturday will likely be a nice day if one doesn't mind the stray shower.

Plan B would be something on the Maury. It has plenty of water. Depending on interest we could run from the post office to Copper Road (class II, maybe II+'ish at this level) or Indian Pool to the post office (class II+ / III 'ish at this level). Goshen Pass is in the mix too but is more difficult than then above, maybe a lap afterward.

Plan C would be the South River. It has water. There are numerous South Rivers. This one runs from around Waynesboro to Port Republic where it joins the North River to form the South Fork Shenandoah. (Got that?) I haven't run it in about fifteen years. I used to go from Harriston to Port Republic. I'll describe it as a solid class II? It's a small stream generally with a riparian buffer so it feels more remote than it is. It can be free and clear or loaded with strainers and hence portages. Relatively local for me, it would be like visiting an old friend.

Let me know your thoughts. I'll check back in the morning.

Ken Dubel

[davidp]

Not a player here, but after reading your post Ken, how can you not go for the South River. Maury will run again. Plan C!

[rob_parker]

I'm OK if you pass for your other activities, Ken. We're looking at Goshen down to post office but have a trip if this one doesn't run.

[Silent Bob]

I think I'm going to head for Goshen. Seems like the best option for the day.


Interestingly, I have a South River story from long ago that involves a canoe, several inner tubes, a lawn chair and an undercut...