We’ve heard it over and over, but we’re in strange times. We should avoid going out and stay away from crowds as much as possible. Our kids are on an extended spring break and our work schedule has absolutely been impacted. The annual Orvis Guide Rendezvous to be held in Roanoke, Virginia this weekend was cancelled. Even Dollywood has closed it doors to visitors, so we’re trying to make sense of it all just as everyone else is.
Our son landing one of several trout at Tremont a few days ago
We’re fortunate to have wide open spaces to fish and hike just a short distance from our home. It’s not an exaggeration that we live about half as far from wild trout streams in the national park as we do a pharmacy. We have carried on with our normal everyday fun without placing ourselves or anyone else in danger from catching the virus. However, we are beginning to wonder how to maintain our guide operation.
We have continued to guide anglers as this is not a large group activity. To be completely honest about it, we’re trying to maintain a bit more space out of caution. A new protocol we may enact is not to share a car with our anglers to the stream to minimize close contact. We started that yesterday and may continue with that policy.
At the moment the national park has shuttered museums in the park to mitigate the spread of contagion among people in close quarters, but all trails are open. The outdoors have always been a source of peace for us so we hope this can continue, but are also aware that the park may be directed to shut down concession operations like tours, photo workshops, and guided fly fishing.
Stay safe and healthy and we’ll keep feeding you information about the Smokies and East Tennessee fly fishing as we can. This is new to all of us and together we’ll get through.
