By Barry Mock

The Bull Island Crew: Beth and Tillman Cuttino, Bruce Cannon, Joanne and Paul McMenamin, Wayne Brazell, Barry Mock, Kate Whitaker, Tom Connor, Pam Reutebuch, Linda Gray and Sheila Snow

The Bull Island paddle, consisting of a combined group of 12 from the Palmetto Paddlers and Seayakers Kayak Clubs, began early with everyone (i.e., except for one who stayed in the area) driving some 2 - 2.5 hours to get to our launch site at Moores Landing (also called Garris Landing) off Hwy. 17 just north of Charleston in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge area.

With ominous dark clouds hanging over our destination some 5 miles away, the group set out around 10:30 a.m. Within several hundred yards of our launch site, a steady breeze picked up with a chop in the water, spray skirts began doing their jobs with one member donning his very quickly when realizing this was not the place to be without one. Some light drizzle began to fall not too long afterwards with a little stronger breeze in our faces and darker clouds rolling towards us, others hanging around. One member declared, "This is an uphill battle", probably thinking, one stroke forward, two boat-lengths back, but paddled on.

After some turns and bends, about one hour of paddling and into one unintended route, several got hung up on oyster shells and/or mud flats, none of it being good with a somewhat fast moving outgoing tide. After a number of yells of don't go that way, go this way, I'm caught, everyone backed out, came out or went around and finally regrouped (i.e., 11, then all 12 after a few minutes of we got one missing!). The paddle resumed into the ever-present headwind (i.e., the uphill battle) and what was now becoming a steady rain on our last leg to the backside of Bull Island. Nearing the end over to the island, it became apparent to one member, do not ever leave K. W. behind, she can't see! When pointing out a white structure approximately one mile away at what was later determined to be the docks where we'd be taking out, she said, "I don't see it", and then asked, "are the others ahead of us"? "Yes, don't you see the first group about 500 yards ahead and the others at about 1000 yards?" Her response, "No!!!" OK, to stay in good graces and on her good side, I'll go with the wind was in my face and raindrops were on my sunglasses. Yeah!

The landing and takeout on Bull Island was around 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. in a light rain. Everyone hurriedly grabbed lunches, etc., for the short 1/2 mile walk to the picnic site, sought refuge under the shelter, ate, and listened to the antics/impersonations of one member (could that have been the club president?) who is also heading to N.Y. in coming months to audition for "Who Wants to Become a Millionaire". I think we were all promised something if he wins (could it have been a new boat for all present, or was it supper?).

The group headed for the beach 1.5 miles across the island, then northward for a few miles for a leisurely stroll to Bone Yard Beach. K. W. decided to linger behind to just sit and enjoy the sun that was beginning to peak out at times, that ever present wind blowing straight off the ocean, and the sound of crashing waves.....or, maybe there was the thought that we'd get too far ahead and she would lose sight of us.

The group that trekked to the Bone Yard split up with half cutting inland to take in the views on the way back for our 5:30 p. m. rendezvous at the picnic site and the remainder strolling back down the beach to find K. W. The latter half rendezvoused with K. W., sat, meditated, challenged brains of who could name the Eight Dwarfs (i.e., sure) and what-have-ya.

The inland crew toured the island, enjoying flora and fauna, especially the numerous ‘gators in one lagoon. Herons, Egrets, and other birds proved elusive to the photographers, but struck beautiful poses for those lucky enough to spot them before themselves being spotted. Even a few black snakes (king snakes?) allowed a quick sighting before making a speedy exit from the path.

Eventually, all caught up with each other a little before 5:30 p.m. to head back to our boats for the return trip to Moores Landing. Before leaving Bull Island, the sun was beginning to beam down and it had gotten quite hot and humid. The pace back to the boats was a little hurried in order to avoid the "attack mosquitoes". While hot, the paddle back was much easier/calmer with some dolphin sightings and into a few raindrops with the sun behind our backs at one point and a huge rainbow just ahead. One member (i.e., Who Wants to Be a Millionaire) was most likely dreaming, at the end of that rainbow there's got to be a pot of gold........my million!

Our return landing and final take-out was a little before 7:00 p.m. With everyone safe and out of the water, boats and gear secured, some light clean-up and clothes changing, all made their way to the See Wee Restaurant on Hwy. 17 except for two who headed for home. With an hour wait, stories, lies and such were swapped before settling down to a tasty dinner anywhere from She Crab Soup, to both seafood and home cooked southern fare as the order of the evening. With clean plates and being full, no one had room for dessert and it was now 10:00 p.m. It was just as well for most had at least a two-hour drive home. Despite the late hour, the group couldn't resist the temptation and therefore made their way to cross over the new Ravenel Bridge to Charleston before turning toward home. Until the next time…happy paddling!