As Summer memories fade and Fall begins in fits and starts, Fletcher’s Cove continues to beckon those who want a convenient yet unique outdoor experience close to the center of workaholic D.C. Day after day of sunny, arid weather like we have seldom seen before, is drying the Potomac up to near record low water flows. In all its guises though, the Potomac, its palisades and the neighboring C&O Canal will surely flow beauty into your soul if just given the chance. The canopy of leaves arching over the canal is particularly stunning as the colors emerge through October. Plein-air painters such as Dot Proctor and Fred Pelzman do their mortal best to capture the dynamic light that nature shines on our favored acres. We love to see them at work over their easels, as it is human nature to want to capture and hold beauty. Seek out their expressions, it is worth the effort. Speaking of colorful expressions, Ray Fletcher’s magic zinnia patch has amazed and attracted admirers all summer long and continues to provide delight for onlookers and a feast for all manner of butterflies and bees. Witness above, a few of the thousands of blooms. As you move away from our humble abode into the surrounding park, fall wildflowers abound along the river shore and bottom land. A photographer’s delight as the angle of the sun drops toward the southern sky. Now that the water temperature has cooled into the low seventies, bass and catfish along with the occasional striper are a little more eager to feed. I’m expecting to hear of some big blue catfish as October moves on. Smallmouth bass will school up when the water chills another ten degrees and if one is lucky (or skilled) enough to find a holding zone, the reward could be impressive. Joe Fletcher, his father and father’s father all have some amazing fall fish tales involving the prized bronze back. I have witnessed (notice: not participated in) a couple of those events! Fletcher’s will continue to rent kayaks and canoes until the water is deemed too cold. After that, the rowboats and bikes will still be available, along with fishing bait and tackle and some refreshments. Chats, fish stories and river lore are free. If you have been to Fletcher’s, come on back soon! If not, then we look forward to meeting and greeting you. Call for our fall hours as it can get pretty quiet around here and we might be off working on a boat (or staring at the leaves!). Dan  operated
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