The weather doesn't bother me, unless they are calling for constant t-storms all day long I'd say lets go for it. I may not be able to get back out for a while either, weekends for this spring are filling up fast. The mad in my experience is much less effected by heavy rains than many other Ohio streams. Much of the valley it lies in is very sandy soils, as a result most rain goes in the ground rather than running off into the stream.

That may be so, but since it's raining now (Wednesday), and supposed to rain tomorrow, the ground may be too saturated to accept any more infiltration by Saturday. Plus, infiltration will raise the baseflow of the streams, more quickly in sandy soils. It all depends on just how much rain we get between now and then.

It's too bad that there are so many demands on your time, Brian. Major bummer! Holly and I had a wonderful time on that collecting/canoeing trip to the Kokosing last year, and I know many others did as well. I don't suppose there's any chance for a repeat this year?

I have been out more than once in moderate to heavy rain, getting totally drenched, on hot summer days when the river in question was warm. (Remember that trip to the Red River, Matt?) I had a blast each time. But on an early spring day, when the river is still cold, I'm not sure how pleasant it would be to get drenched. Mind you, I do get wet collecting on winter days, and I got wet with cold Allegheny River water just last night, all with no complaints. It's inevitable to get a little wet while collecting, but not drenched. The forecast is not getting better, it's getting worse: "Showers likely in the morning...then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 60s. Chance of rain 70 percent." It's that thunderstorm thing that really gets me. I'm not anxious to spend over four hours driving there, just to spend much of the day seeking shelter from the lightning and then go home. Unless you guys opt to postpone, I will watch the forecast for a couple more days, hope the forecast improves, and make a final decision on Friday. I'll let you know on Friday whether to expect me.

If you do want to postpone, I'm good for any of the next several weekends. Even Easter weekend is good for me, since I have Good Friday off as a company holiday, I could even go out that Friday, although I do want to be home that Sunday.

It's too bad that there are so many demands on your time, Brian. Major bummer! Holly and I had a wonderful time on that collecting/canoeing trip to the Kokosing last year, and I know many others did as well. I don't suppose there's any chance for a repeat this year?

I had a fantastic time last year. I wish I could come for this trip, but so far I can't.

Ed, I can try to plan something else later in the spring or early summer but I can't make any promises at this time. If you don't want to come, don't come, but as long as at least one person is going to meet me I'll be there.

For the rest of you I think I'll check the stream gauge the evening before and as long as it's not at flood stage I'll still plan on going. There may be some other areas to check out near by that would not be effected by high water as well.

I plan on being there. Have you ever seen the stickleback population in Macochee ditch? Brian?
Not Macochee creek, but ditch? Right by the school? the numbers are pretty impressive.

Ed, it will take a hell of alot more rain than we had today to raise the Mad much. Remember the first time you were down this way? The Mad was in decent shape, even though the upper little miami was blown out. Call one of us Friday.

Yep I have seen those, they get really thick in areas of cool water and dense vegetation. I have them think in the little man made marsh I raise my pickerel in too.

Ed, I can try to plan something else later in the spring or early summer but I can't make any promises at this time.

You're a saint! The kids will love you (including me). That weekend was incredible. Even if it's just the conoeing day, that would be great!

Have you ever seen the stickleback population in Macochee ditch? Brian? Not Macochee creek, but ditch? Right by the school? the numbers are pretty impressive.

Ed... Remember the first time you were down this way?...

Is this the ditch by the school you took me to on the day we met, right down the road from the place we first met? That was impressive.

Ed, it will take a hell of alot more rain than we had today to raise the Mad much. Remember the first time you were down this way? The Mad was in decent shape, even though the upper little miami was blown out. Call one of us Friday.

Yes, you are correct, I remember it well. It was a good trip, thank you very much, and I would like to do it again. This weekend's trip sounds really good, too. I would really like to participate. I'm not trying to be a spoil-sport, just realistic. And yes, I'm trying to encourage the group to consider rescheduling rather than spend the day in a thunderstorm or ducking for cover from lightning. I would like to see the forecast improve just as much as anyone else, but it's only getting worse so far. WeatherBug right now says: "Showers in the morning...then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs around 60. East winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent." We've gone from 60, to 70, to now 80 percent. But like I wrote before, I'll be watching the forecast through Friday, hoping that it gets better, before making a final decision. You can help make that decision. I've got your number, and you've got mine. We'll chat early Friday evening, if that's cool with you. Talk to you then.

I just checked the hourly forecast and it looks like no rain till 4 or 5 pm, and the Mad is well below normal as far as water level is concerned. Also the high temp is low 60's. I would say we couldn't ask for much better than that for conditions. I will need to be on my way home by 4 or 5 anyways so when the rain starts I guess were done. I'll see you guys in the morning.