River Day 12/20/2010

This was the last River Day (referred to as "Monday" by non-Rivertarians) before Christmas and everyone except Pat made it down (maybe 2011 will be better for him!).

Although it wasn't snowing this week, there was a little more snow on the ground, and there was more ice in the river. The temperature was also a bit warmer this week (upper 20's) and the wind wasn't blowing nearly as bad as the week before. I guess the locals don't like the cold weather much because we sure don't see them much when it's like this.

We hung around long enough to see the full moon come up over the mountain across the river. There was supposed to be a lunar eclipse as well, but we didn't stay for that.

As usual we had the best fire on the river; maybe on ANY river. Hope the pictures do it justice.

To everyone who reads this blog, Merry Christmas from all of us!

River Day 12/13/2010

It was definitely winter time at the river again this week; we not only had snow on the ground like last week, but it poured snow most of the night. The temperature stayed just below 20 degrees while we were there, but with the way the wind was blowing, I'm sure the wind chill was much lower.

The eddy pool in front of the camp where we usually fish when the water's up was frozen up this week. Jay tested the ice with a few rocks, but it wouldn't have held a person.

We didn't have any problem finding wood for the fire (the best one on the river, by the way) but the pallets Jay picked up on the way down really kicked it up a notch (maybe three notches). The river had apparently been up again and left a few convenient pieces for burning.

Those at the river this week were Ted, Tim, Jay and I (Mark). We were all bundled up pretty good in preparation for the cold, much like last week. I've been told that in the picture of the four of us from last week that we look like escapees.

Didn't see much of the locals this week; guess the cold weather keeps them pretty much inside. I am a little disappointed that they haven't put up their Christmas lights this year. The two directly behind our usual spot have put up at least one string of lights for the past several years. Guess they're not in the Christmas spirit yet.

River Day 12/06/2010

Well, you know the old saying: "Sometimes you get what you wish for"? Last week I commented that I was looking forward to the snowy nights at the river, and that's just what we got this week. It snowed for most of the weekend and there were a couple of inches on the ground at the river (several more at the top of the mountain) and the temperature was in the lower 20's when we got there. I didn't think to check what the temperature was when we left, but it got down to about 12 in Beckley.

The river had been up due to the rains last week, so there was a good bit of firewood laying around. There were also a few pallets brought down, and that certainly helped. As you might imagine, most of the evening was spent very close to the fire, which was probably the best on the river.

I took a few random photos that really show show the difference between this time of year and the middle of the summer (check some of the earlier posts). Of course I always try to get a picture or two of the fire, and I was able to get a fuzzy shot of a Great Blue Heron that was feeding just down-river.

Jay, Ted, Tim and I made it down this week. We only have a few more Mondays this year and I hope we can all make it for all of them.

River Day 11/29/2010

Good weather again this week, but a little cooler. The river was also up a little higher this week than it was last week; no one tried any fishing. Ted, Jay, Tim and I (Mark) were all there again (two weeks in a row! may be a record for the year).

We had a little company this week: Ron came down to put anti-freeze in the water lines in his camper, and one of the neighbors (Freddie) stopped by after trying a little hunting.

Since it was cooler, the primary focus seemed to be on the fire: keeping it going and standing close to it!

Another great night of good company and conversation. Looking forward to the snowy nights.

We certainly had the best fire on the river again, BUT...it was dark as $#!* out there!

River Day 11/22/2010

We had some great weather for this late into November this week at the river: clear blue skies and the temp right around 70 degrees (early on, anyway). As the sun went down, it cooled off but was still pretty mild for this time of year. No one complained, though. You can still tell by the trees though that winter is definitely on its way.

This week Ted, Jay, Tim and I (Mark) were able to make it down. As usual, good company and good conversation. I tried to fish for a little while but only caught a hook full of weeds for every cast.

I brought the stuff to connect my XM radio to Ron's receiver; we haven't done that for a while. All of Ron's XM equipment was either lost or destroyed in the flood(s) from this spring. We all enjoy listening to the 40's channel (except for Pat) but XM has already changed the programming on that channel to traditional Christmas music until after Christmas. So, even though it's a little early, we listened to traditional Christmas music for most of the evening.

One good thing about it getting dark early this time of year, we all spend a little more time around this fire, and as usual, we definitely had the best fire on the river (maybe on any river!).

Monday Night November 8th 2010

So this afternoon Jay and I (Tim) were the only ones able to make it down to the river. It was a beautiful mid fall afternoon. Temperatures were very seasonal.... mid 50's. As you can see by the pictures (which aren't that great because they were taken from my cell phone) all the leaves are gone from the trees on the hillside across the river. You can also see that the sun was much lower on the hillside for the time of day I took the picture, due to daylight savings time change this past weekend. Jay and I both decided not to bring down any fishing gear this afternoon, although we did see quiet a few minnows in the pool of water that collects in front of the river. Didn't bother catching any of them though..... Dajuan was also in the area trying to compete with our fire, as you can see by the picture his was going pretty good but didn't last as long as ours. So needless to say, we DID have the best fire on the river... Again!! We also got some entertainment from watching Dave doing some cooking out on his grill... we still don't know exactly what he was making but he sure did seem to be enjoying it.... Oh well.... Until next Monday.....

River Day- October 11th

OK....I know, I know.... It's a late post, but... better late then never!
So this past Monday night the weather was perfect! The fall colors are really starting to peak across the river, as you can see from the pictures. Jay, Pat and I (Tim) were able to make it down this week. As far as the fishing....... well, let's put it this way..... it was a beautiful evening out on the river fishing, I guess there were some fish out there, somewhere!! Jay did manage to get one, Pat and I both came up empty! But it was fun, Just enjoyed being there. As usual, we had the best fire on the river ....Again.!
The pictures were taken from my blackberry, so the quality isn't that great.