Floating the East Branch

One of my very best gal-pals suggested we paddle over Memorial Day weekend. It was a last minute, thrown-together outting - as are most of our adventures. Lack of forethought and planning did not translate into a lackluster trip as we ventured for the first time this season down the East Branch of the Delaware River, in Downsville, NY.

There was bottleneck traffic at various locations from the historic Downsville Covered Bridge - our launch point, to the Corbett Roebling Suspension Bridge, our exit point.

We encountered too many 20-somethings to keep count, who embraced their own float as an annual rite of passage in welcoming summer in the Catskills.

Anglers did not have much success, though floaters gave them a wide berth. Schools of blue-hued Carp outnumbered the native trout that the stream is famous for.

Complaints have been heard for the past couple of weeks about the vegetation growth that has also stymied fisherman. 

My outdoor adventure partner is usually my yellow Labrador Retriever, Charlie. He is better suited to hiking and exploring on foot, rather than on water. However, we met a distant cousin, six times removed (as all labs are) - who is the kind of water dog that loves to float as well as swim. 

It was a great day to be on the water, no matter how many feet one has.

 

* Lillian Browne works as a newspaper and travel magazine editor to fund her adventure habit - which she indulges every chance she gets. She is exploring the world around her, one step at a time, with her dog - Charlie. Follow her on Instagram or on Twitter @browneinwalton