By Kate Whitaker

Bobcat Landing to Brabhams Landing
(Hwys 301/601 to County Rds 32/48 - Cannon's Bridge)
River Level (Near Bamburg) CFS 789, Gage 9.9 FT.
9 Kayaks, 1 Tandem Canoe, 2 Solo Canoes, 13 People
Distance Traveled: Approximately 6 River Miles

It was a dark and stormy night - no wait, that's another story. It was a cool, clear morning when most of our group met in Columbia, ready for adventure. The chitchat was a little nervy, as everyone wondered what lay ahead of us this day on the South Fork. After introducing two new folks (J. T. Martin and Alice Potter-former Palmetto Paddler), greeting the "old" timers: Tom, Pam, Sheila, Claire, Rock & Roy, loading up on early morning food, finding a civilized rest room (it's always the little extras you miss!!) and signing the release, we all loaded up and were on the road by 9:15 - a record, I think, for efficiency - and a sign of our eagerness to get to the water and see what we were in for. This trip (as in all the up-coming South Fork trips) was advertised as a possible adventure in mud, pull-overs, tree-dodging, wilderness sawing and lots of precision steering. A few of us have paddled the South Fork but some time ago and as the environment constantly changes on a river, it was not known just what, exactly, to expect. So, for safety's sake, we had to limit group size (apologies to the later signer-uppers) and plan for the most arduous possibilities. As it turned out, on this stretch, at this water level, the saws were never unsheathed and there were no pull-overs, just a few places where quick thinking, sharp reflexes and steering skill were required.

Dave and Diane, Joe Hartzog and Greg Vanderwerker were all waiting for us at the landing when our caravan arrived. Dave and Diane were a little flustered as they had originally headed out for the wrong landing and had to do some sharp navigating through some lovely (and lonely) SC country-side to get to where we were going, but they still managed to beat the rest of us there. Boats and gear were unloaded and Rock graciously agreed to be the shuttle car, allowing that the bed of his new pickup truck had plenty of room for everyone to return back from the take-out where we left the rest of the cars. It was certainly a chilly return to the put-in for some. Those of us in the truck bed enjoyed whining at our fate and bashing those 'wimps' riding in the cab. There were some lively exchanges between the two groups via walkie-talkies during the short drive.
Back at the put-in, while we were jacketing up, Dave and I shared some paddling advice with the group: white water float, "the tree is your friend - lean towards it", the inside of the bend is usually the best route, any directions should advise where the safe route lies-not where the obstruction is, and finally, leaving distance between boats when approaching and navigating strainers. Having relaxed (?) everyone with this cheerful outlook, we then took off into the wilds of the river on a beautiful 60 degree, sunny day. And we had a great day.

Claire might have learned the most but her nervousness when approaching tight spaces and strainers gradually decreased - with help from Tom - as the day progressed. The lead alternated between myself, Sheila, J. T. and Gregg. At one point, Pam went shooting past us. Luckily, I was savvy enough to realize she wasn't being pursued by the Swamp Creature but was managing a photo op as the rest of us floated down the river towards her. Those slide shows she provides us with do not necessarily come easily - there's work and planning involved! There were no mishaps this trip; everyone stayed on the proper (and dryer) side of the waterline. We spotted some birds and heard many more which Diane and Alice were kind enough to identify for us. Some of us spotted deer - including one over-ripe carcass we were quick to leave behind. A (semi-) dry spot was found for lunch, very pleasant for lunch but not much cover for some other activities. Rock's boat happened to be at a spot further away from the lunch crowd so it had lots of visitors during our stop-over. Lucky Rock! Greg shared some great cookies and Pam passed around the M&Ms (what a great tradition is getting started - one this reporter is happy to encourage!!). We HEARD about Roy's snickers bars though we didn't actually see them. So another lunch along the river passed with camaraderie and tall tales.

After the mandatory group picture, we got underway again, a lot more relaxed than we had been that morning - knowing the river was being 'paddle-friendly' this day. The maple trees (thanks Diane for the ID) were spectacular with their bright red pods contrasting with the grayness of the winter trees and the Resurrection Fern after Friday's rain were a verdant, green standout on the water's edge. Take a look at the photo album!

Another break at a private hunting area (NOT in use at the time) that included a covered area, picnic tables and satellite dish! All on hard-to-find dry land and before we were ready for it, the take-out appeared. It was with regret that we approached the landing. There was some talk about doing the next stretch, but although it was too early to take out here, the next landing would have been much too late. Alas.
Boats and gear were re-loaded on the cars, Rock was taken to retrieve his truck and we were ready to head for dinner. But it was only 3:00! But not to worry; we were able to talk our way to 4 or 4:30 while enjoying refreshments of choice. Tom was able to provide directions to those heading for home (this is his old stomping grounds) and 9 of us went to Orangeburg to enjoy good barbeque (although Tom rated the hash as less than his favorite) at Antley's Cafeteria one block off from the corner of St. Matthews Rd and Chestnut St. just off hwy 21. It was a good finish for a great day on the South Fork Edisto.

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