By Kate Whitaker

Water level near Pineville at Lake Marion: 74.35

Sparkleberry was just beautiful this trip. It was 60 degrees and sunny – a good day for a sunhat and sunglasses so as not to be dazzled by the display of sun and reflection on the water. And there was plenty of water. So much that the coordinator of the trip (and the one who "knew where she was going") managed to paddle off in the wrong direction right from the landing. But luckily, Ernie kept his wits and sense of direction about him and was able to lead us from my wrong path to the correct exit channel. Not a confidence builder for the lead boater nor for those following! But since Sparkleberry is famous for promoting inadvertent side trips, we were able to recover and all had a good laugh, if a slightly nervous one.

We had just four hearty paddlers this trip: myself, Ernie, Al and visitor Phil, who was down from his home in Northern VA visiting his family in Charleston. He had picked up our brochure in Coastal Expeditions and had been keeping up with our website so was able to join the fun. Think he had a great time and we gave him lots of exercise and free advice. He did enjoy the opportunity to try one of our lighter paddles and I think might be in the market for one of his own in the near future! Those old blue paddles often get heavy after the first 3-4 hours. I know I put in a lot of miles with mine before I was able to latch on to a lighter one - happy days. Anyway, we paddled onward, making Riser's Lake our goal. Al kept seeing lakes everywhere so it was a relief to him - and us - to finally be able to say "guess where we are now, Al?" And it was nice to stretch our legs, have some lunch and explore the high ground. The site was not occupied but Ernie thought it had been the night before. Guess hunting season is about upon us and dry land in Sparkleberry will be hosting its winter contingent of hunter people.

We did have one nice - on purpose - side trip on the way out. Al spotted something in the trees on the right and we paddled into a nice cove-like area with its very own floating house. No one went in the shack but its construction was examined and we marked its whereabouts so if we couldn't find our way home we would have a dry space to overnight. Ernie was even prepared with coffee and everything! Luckily, we didn't have to pursue this option on this trip. We were at the landing before dark.

As usual, the trip back was much quicker than the going out. There isn't much current in the area but even that little bit makes the return that much more pleasant and quicker. We scared up some Great Blues and cormorants this trip but disappointedly, the wild life was rather scarce. We did find some elephant ears - still green - though did not take the side trip over to the area where they are so abundant. We did spy out the turn we took last spring to McGirts and the river but decided to go on to Riser's, that pretty little crescent lake. Mr. Alligator must have been busy elsewhere, 'cause he didn't visit us while we were on the lake. Al kept track of the time - think he is interested in an overnight there sometime this spring. You put it together, Al, and I will be there!

Great weather - Great company - Great trip.