I haven’t been canoeing in many years. In late July 2020, my cousin, David Brown, asked me to his cabin in Romney WV for a few days. Sure! What better way to enjoy the outdoors and still be socially distanced. Of course, age plays a role. Can my 70-year-old shoulders hold up? Can I lift a canoe over my head and onto a car rack?

Photo credit above: Common Merganser Ducks photographed by Dave

Romney, West Virginia’s Oldest Town, is located at the intersection of US 50 and the South Branch of the Potomac River one hour west of Winchester Virginia. Up the river is an interesting geological formation, The Trough, home to American Bald Eagles. This six-mile stretch of river with Class I and II rapids is bounded on both sides by steep tree-covered mountains. The only access to The Trough is by boat or a ride on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad from Romney. There are no hiking paths or roads.

A trip down The Trough provides beautiful scenery and a chance to see bald eagles, herons, egrets, and many other birds. It is heavily traveled by all manner of boats and floats during summer weekends. We canoed on the South Branch for five straight days, twice on The Trough, once on a quiet weekday and once on a more crowded weekend.

Overall, a great five day trip. Hope we can repeat it again in the Fall.