TRIP COORDINATORS: Ed Wrightson, Kate Whitaker

A favorite paddle and a good one for all and most types of boats. Very little current and nice access to sunshine for most of the trip. We'll probably paddle 4-5 hours. No shuttle necessary. Be sure to leave your car empty at the landing for safety's sake.

Bring hydrating beverages, lunch or a snack, warm, non-cotton clothes, layers and wind and rain protection and a hat. This is a watery wonderland at the top of Lake Marion, near the confluence of the Wateree and Congaree Rivers where they come together to make the Santee River. Lots of creeks, flats, lakes and trees to paddle through and around. Very little dry land so we'll probably eat in our boats so you will want to keep food/drinks accessible. If we don't find land there will be limited (or no) potty stops!! Lots of vegetation and sometimes lots of birds etc. Probably less wildlife to see this time of year but you might want your binoculars and you definitely want your GPS and walkie-talkie if you have them. There will be some available, in any case. If the group is very large we will probably split up into "paddling pods" to keep things easier. There is a great barbecue place for an early dinner when we get off the water for those that are interested.

To get to the landing: Take hyw 378/76 (the old Sumter hwy) towards Sumter out of Columbia. After crossing the Wateree River, turn right at the first traffic light just past the Park-N-Ride also on the right. Travel hwy 261. In about 4 miles you will come to the community of Wedgefield. Drive the speed limit. Continue on 3.8 miles you will come to a slight fork in the road. Take the left fork. Continue on Hwy 261 for 8.7 miles past Poinsette State Park and you will come to a right turn. This is State Road S-14-26. Go right onto this road, it is marked with Lake Marion Access sign. Continue on this road for 4.3 more miles and you will come to a brown Lake Access sign on the left. Turn right here on Sparkleberry Road and travel all the way to the end. It is a very long dirt road. The Landing is at the end. (thanks for the directions, Tom)

Please give me a call or email me at kwhitaker@agfirst.com if you can join us or if you have any questions. Include your telephone number in case there are any last minute changes. Should be a great trip. Hope to see you all there.

Happy Trails, Kate