Thanks to a freak ice storm atop the Blue Ridge Mountains on Wednesday
night, my plans for a wonderful weekend in Shenandoah NP were cut short on
the front end as the Drive was closed due to fallen trees. Of course, I
didn't know that until I drove the 4 hours down to the Thornton Gap entrance
to find the sign at the gate and the cones across the road. Bummer. So,
Friday night was spent at a charming old hotel in Luray instead of a cozy
lodge on the mountaintop.

Friday, the nice lady on the phone said the drive was open as far south as
Big Meadows, Skyland Lodge had their power back on, and they were open for
business, so we drove up after breakfast, whereupon we were informed that
check in time was 3 p.m. and we'd have to wait until then. Okay, *now* this
sucks. We decided to cancel altogether. F 'em. Before heading home,
though we settled on a short hike.

Given the above average level of the Shenandoah River & most of the smaller
creeks, one of the waterfall hikes seemed like a good option, and we headed
over to the Rose River trail. I'd hiked the Rose River loop with a fly rod
a couple years ago, but the river was little more than a trickle and very
disappointing. The only decent pool was populated with a group of swimmers.
With the recent rainfall, though, the river was absolutely gorgeous this
time.

The little river was flowing generously though the woods, cascading down the
mountain. Beautiful runs, white water, little plunge pools, and smaller
holding spots were everywhere down the length as the trail followed
alongside, and I mentally tossed dries at every likely spot down to the
falls. It was a stunningly beautiful stream, and I was sorry to leave it
behind.

Joe F.