For many years, a camping retreat to Penns was an annual event for the family. As I got into fly fishing, I would go every year and try to hit the Green Drake hatch. I went with my girlfriend, who eventually became my wife, along with our first born (our Lab Cooper :) I got my Dad into fly fishing late in his journey and we took many trips to Penns, even when he was battling through the end stages of cancer. The periodic cicada hatch of 2008 (Brood XIV) on Penns Creek will go down in history for me as one of the best outdoor events of my life with my wife, Father, and many friends.
Penns Creek is a special place and I hold it close to my heart. It’s crazy then its been a couple years since I have been out here, but with a few munchkins all in diapers, it is explainable. I was glad to make this trip happen again and spend a night out here. Penns is 3.5 hours from me, so its not really a day trip and anyone that knows me, knows I don’t like to be rushed.
There were a few noticeable differences with the new trestle and tunnel renovations. The improvements are nice to see, but I liked it the old way. I liked the raw, wet, cool dark feel of the old tunnel, the dripping water and knowing there were probably thousands of bats above, watching me. Of course there was the chance of a rock tumbling from the cavernous ceiling, but I figured if that happened, I probably deserved it for some reason of another. Every time I walked through the heart of that stone mountain I felt I was leaving all worries behind and renewing my soul. I didn't quite get the same feeling walking through the new steel tunnel, but I am sure I am in the minority camp on this one.
The one thing that didn't change was the wild brown trout were still the prettiest fish in the state. Something special about these trout. They never disappoint.
