River Day 10/12/2015

While not necessarily a traditional River Day celebration, several Rivertarians did get together last week at Wayne's World to do a little camper maintenance, in preparation for the upcoming fall camping trip.

I have no idea who was there, since I wasn't, but I did get a couple of photos from Ted. 

Anyway I'm posting those pics today (just in time for this week's River Day), and they appear to be of Tim getting a little steamed up.

Sorry I wasn't able to get out, but I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this week (today!).

River Day 10/05/2015

 

 

After the weather we had this past weekend, River Day was about as close to perfect as you can get.  Clear blue skies and temps in the low 70's.  The water level was about the only evidence that there had even been bad weather - high and muddy.

This week Pat, Ted, Jay and I were the only ones to make it down.  And Freddy. Twice.  I think he was trying to talk himself into going hunting, but it was getting pretty late in the afternoon for that.

River Day this week was also Ted's birthday.  We (Rivertarians everywhere) would like to wish him a Happy Birthday, and we hope to celebrate many more with him.  Ted took a few pics on his phone this week; those will be added as soon as possible.

As predicted, there was lots of talk about the camping trip coming up in a few weeks.  The closed it gets, the more we all look forward to it.  The way we're making plans, you'd think we'd never done this before.  Better safe than sorry though.

Apparently Ron got a jump on the river and moved the camper earlier in the week or over the weekend.  Looked a little funny not seeing it in its regular parking spot.

The pictures below show another visitor we had fairly early on in the day.  These birds always remind me of pterodactyls, especially when flying.

No fishing this week, just hanging around by the fire.  And yes, yes it was.

Happy River Day!

 

 

Adding a few more pictures that Ted took with his phone:



 

 

 

 





River Day 09/28/2015

We got to see a rapidly rising river this week in the few hours we were at the camp.  The water level must have risen 2-3 feet in about as many hours.  I wish I'd taken a few pictures before hand for a comparison, but we had no idea it was happening, or had happened, until it was already up.  The strange part was, there was no rain.  Overcast, yes, but no precipitation.  So either the gates at the dam were opened, or there was weather upstream on the Greenbrier.

Tim, Ted, Jay and I were able to come out this week, with a short visit from Freddy.  A good bit of this week's discussion was on the annual camping trip (go figure), and I'm sure that will pick up as we get closer to the end of October.  We'll be heading to Sherwood this year.

Jay, Tim and I tried to do a little fishing, but with the current increasing, and places to stand decreasing, we didn't try for long.  And we had no luck during the time we did try.

We did have a nice, if small, fire going this week, and have started to do a little foraging to build the wood pile up for colder weather.  There wasn't a lot to gather, but with all the leaves still on, I'm sure there are some pieces we couldn't see.  Don't want to start the fall/winter season with none.

It's always great to start the week out with our on-going celebration, and I for one always appreciate my fellow Rivertarians.

River Day 08/10/2015

Unlike last week, we had a full compliment of Rivertarians celebrating the weekly holiday this go 'round:  Scott, Pat, Jay, Ted, and I.  Tim was not able to make it due to work (dang it!).  Freddy also dropped in for his weekly visit.

We had great temps for the day (low-mid 80's), but we went from bright, sunny skies to a torrential downpour.  How many Rivertarians can you cram into an 8x12 building?  At least 5. 

Pat and Scott tried a little fishing and ventured out through the rocks and grass to get to the current.  I don't think either had much luck, and they got back to safety just before the hard rain started.  Not a good place to get caught in bad weather.

We did get to enjoy a nice dinner, thanks to Pat and Ted: hotdogs with peppers, onions, and mustard.  Yummy.

Early on, we saw some folks floating by on a raft, which is fairly common.  What was a little unusual was the umbrella they were carrying.  Just really not sure what that was all about.  They almost lost the umbrella in the rapids as they approached Army Camp, but seemed to make a recovery.

Despite the rain, it was a great River Day!

River Day 08/03/2015

Everyone made it down to the river again this week...everyone except for Jay, Tim, Ted, and Pat. But hey, I made it down for a relatively short, quiet, River Day celebration. And let's not forget Freddy. 

The weather was just too good to pass up an opportunity to go to the river for a while - sunny skies and mid 80's.

 Other than our regular local, there wasn't too much going on; a new tenant at Toby's place, some folks swimming at the beach, and some people camping across the river.

New fishing buddy.

 
 I tried a little fishing (unsuccessfully), and I did have a "visitor" while I was out on the rocks. He didn't bother me, and I tried very hard not to bother him any. The picture says it all.

 No fire this week as I didn't stay any longer than a couple of hours. As always, a great way to start the week.

River Day 07/27/2015

Tim, Jay, and Pat (happy faces)

 

Not so happy face

It was pretty evident that everyone was in full agreement on having a River Day celebration this week, despite mourning for David...or maybe because of our mourning for David.  Either way, it was a good time to be at the river.  I certainly didn't see any hesitation when I asked everyone if they were up for the river.

Ted, Pat, Jay, Tim and I all made it down this week to enjoy a Monday on the New.  And let's not forget Freddy.  Weather was partly cloudy, with temps in the low 80's.  There were a few sprinkles just before we left, but we weren't bothered by it.

I was the only one to try a little fishing this week, and caught two: a decent smallmouth and a red-eye.  Any catch is a good catch.  The water level was down this week, almost to the normal level for this time of year, so I was able to make the hike through the grass and rocks to get to the main current.  Took a little spill on the walk back, but no injuries.

We built a pretty good fire with the intention of doing a little pitchfork cooking (hotdogs of course), but we decided to use the gas grill for convenience.  We even had some barbeque sauce for old time's sake.  The only thing that would have completed the dinner would have been some macaroni salad.  In the early days of National River Day, the mac salad was David's usual contribution. 

We have a few pics this week, including one of a brick that I found unusual.  Not sure if you can tell from the photo, but moss had grown on the brick only in the indention where the manufacturer's name is imprinted in it.  Just looked kind of neat.

Okay folks, as we're reminded this week, life is short.  Get out and enjoy your River Days with your loved ones, wherever you are.

David Edward Morgan 01/15/1963 - 07/26/2015

 

 

The world is a little dimmer today as we mourn the loss of a brother, a friend, a fellow Rivertarian - David Morgan.

Words cannot express how he has touched each of us, his family, acquaintances, his community, and countless others.

He will be remembered for his constant smile, his quick wit, his loyal friendship, the courage he put forth, and the love that each of us shared with, and for him.

We pray that he is at peace and that his suffering is over.

Whether or not this is the appropriate place for this post, I can't say, but here it is.

He will be remembered far beyond his years spent with us.