The Conestoga River is on the upper range of low at 3.3 feet. This despite a few rain events in the last couple of weeks. Maybe that’s what it takes to keep the river from the 2.7-2.9 range we experienced last summer, but it would be awesome to hit 3.9.

It’s not as if low water has a negative effect on one’s overall experience, and while the river has never been so low that I couldn’t go out, it’s nice to have the push. That and the fact that rock exposure in the “rapids” becomes less of a factor make higher numbers welcome.

We have seen levels as high as 21 feet at the house and at that point trees, benches, and all sorts are carried by what becomes a chocolate milk-like stew. Twenty-one feet will allow for paddles over the lawns where we live, but things are a bit too swirly at that point. There is just too much in the water to really want to go out. 

When things do calm down a bit, it’s go time! Not only is the water extremely fast, but when the water is super high, one is afforded a totally different view from the water. It’s like the difference between driving a car and being in the cab of a semi for the difference in perspective. From there you can see over the bank, spy the path, and see things you normally can’t.

But until a major rain arrives, I’ll just keep it steady at 3.3. There, higher or lower - no matter. Paddle again. Paddle better. 

See you on the river!