OCT Smokehole weekend April 14-15-16-17

[mccloud]

The water levels in the upper Potomac and Cheat basins looks
moderate but OK for this weekend, though the Lost and Moorefield are
already too low. I will drive out there on Thursday afternoon and
camp at Seneca Shadows. In previous years loop B was opened first.
On Friday morning meet at Yokum's Store at 10 (junction of 33 & 55
at Seneca Rocks - or else wait at the take-out at Harman's Pool). It
is probable we will paddle the Hopeville canyon first.
Return to Seneca Shadows to camp Friday night.
Saturday: Meet at 10 at the same place. We will decide
whether we want to drive some distance to a river or not.
Possibilities are Dry Fork, Bloomington Release, perhaps others
depending on what the gages tell us. Not so far is the upper
Smokehole canyon.
Easter Sunday we have traditionally paddled the scenic and
easy class 2 lower Smokehole canyon from Big Bend to Petersburg. This
is a 4+ hr paddle with no accesses. I expect the spring foliage to
be near peak this year. If you want to join just for the day, be at the big
parking lot in Petersburg, between the river and the fire house no
later than 10. We will leave as many empty vehicles there as
possible - load heavily and drive to the put-in.
A couple of us intend to stay Sunday night and paddle
something on Monday before heading for home, so if you have the time,
consider staying another day.
There are still many areas without cell reception.
I will attempt to post updates to the Coastals forum. The best
way to reach me is not phone, but send email that I can pick up
whenever I can get a connection. Tom McCloud