Early summer 2018 brought heavy rains to the Shenandoah area. For weeks, rivers spilled over their banks, waters were sediment-brown, and fishing was rough. Despite tough conditions, I found time for two day-trips to the Conway River. The Conway, which drains the east slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has for years been my favorite brook trout stream. Brookies run 6-10 inches in these small waters.
Even before we hit the river, signs of flooding were clear.
Access to my favorite stretch of the Conway has extremely limited parking, which keeps traffic light. Once on public land (you quickly cross into the Shenandoah National Park), a narrow fishing path runs upriver, though the rain had begun washing out the trail as well.
Contemplating: trail or stream?
Once gentle river-crossings were swift and...exciting
When I moved to DC, I didn't fully appreciate how wet and lush the Shenandoah was. With rainfall averaging 40-50 inches per year, the ecosystem at times resembles a rainforest, complete with giant plants.
During each Conway trip (once with A, and once with friends), the rain relented long enough for some activities, namely fishing and hammock-reading!
A brief reminder that rivers are also pretty in the sun!
Wading through high-water and trudging muddy trails takes it outa ya, so post-river refreshment was in order on both occasions. Driving home, we decided to check out Bald Top Brewery, which turned out to have delicious beer and an even better view of Shenandoah farmland. Not to be forgotten, me turning my ankle while running shoeless in the parking lot (trip 1), a torrential downpour upon arrival to the brewery (trip 2), and a cow that "mooed" to the tempo of a car alarm!
Parking lot refreshments
Bald Top Brewery
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