Kate and Ed met Geoffrey, Bruce and I in the Lowe's parking lot at 8:30 Saturday morning. We were all then off to meet Janet and her daughter in law to be, Tanya at the rest area near Camden. They were both visitors to the club. After a quick pit stop we drove to Fair Bluff, NC. Ellen was waiting for us at the put in and after unloading our boats we shuttled to the take out near Nichols, SC. The shuttle took about twice as long since several cars decide to exchange insurance cards on the bridge near the take out. The local law enforcement must have spotted us Kayaker and Canoe types and held the traffic longer in our lane going and returning. After finally making our way back to the put in we were soon under way. Several members of our group debated about the probability of my kayak sinking as soon as I set sail. Despite the "It's sitting pretty low in the water" comments we had an uneventful departure. We took several breaks and the water was cooler than you would expect for this time of the year. Everyone took turns entertaining each other as we paddled along and it was clear that we were all having a great time. The Lumber River is a lot like the Edisto; only it's a little wider. There were very few houses and we saw just one other boater the entire trip. After passing several potential camping spots we found one to our liking and set about setting up camp "Palmetto Paddlers". It didn't take long for us to put up our tents and begin comparing fans. Bruce would have won if we had given a prize for the largest and heaviest fan. This was his description of his new fan in an email to Kate. "Last night I went out and bought a camp fan! It is a nice one...it is powered by ultra-lite miniature solar rechargeable lithium batteries. The fan blades are computer designed & made from lightweight carbon fiber, and they are adjustable to compensate for variable atmospheric conditions. It doesn't need to be attached to the tent; it simply re-directs a portion of the circulating air, so that it hovers near your head. Tiny proximity sensors determine which way your face is turned, so that it always directs a cool breeze in the proper direction. Infrared heat sensors maintain the proper amount of cubic feet of air per minute, to achieve your desired body temperature. And it comes in a handsome designer case, in a selection of rugged, but environmentally friendly outdoor shades of colors. It is a nice one..." But I still can't figure how he was able to get it in his sea kayak. Everyone came to the kitchen with a different stove and we were soon enjoying a meal along the river. Kate set up a full service Taco Bell restaurant that was cranking out Taco's faster than you can say "Gringo's pay double". Instead of a fire we enjoyed the oncoming darkness by citronella light and compared gear. Ellen had the neatest gadget, a personal locator beacon. Our camp was the appointed meeting spot for what had to be several hundred dragonflies. It was a quit remarkable site and added to a wonderful evening. Bruce found a suitable location the hang the trash and food for the night and we all turned in around 9:00. Those of us with fans hit the on button and were soon asleep. The sounds of the night were very soothing. Later on the animal sounds were interrupted by the sounds of tent zippers. It seems like everyone had an urge to wander along the wonderful beachfront in the dark, out in the wilderness, where bugs and snakes and other creatures lurk. At least that's what I was thinking. Everyone was up by 6:30 or so and cooking breakfast. Janet noted that Tanya won the snoring contest. Beating out Ed who was Kate's pick. Did you ever wonder how soon to be mother in laws ever got a bad reputation? This was Tanya's first canoe trip and first wilderness camping trip. Janet and her did a great job paddling and were wonderful paddling companions. Hopefully we'll see them again. After breaking camp we were soon under way, the overcast sky helped keep the heat down a little and we enjoyed more great paddling. As no flat-water trip is complete without at least one obstacle we soon came across the only tree blocking the entire river. Kate and Ed trim enough of the branches so that everyone was able to cross over and not go swimming. We soon came to the rotating railroad-bridge and then the take out. Everyone was a little disappointed that the trip was over. It was sixteen and a half river miles by my GPS and the river flowed around 300 cfs for most of the trip. Our cars were fine and we were soon loaded up. Ellen headed back to Camden and Geoff and I headed back to Columbia. Ed, Kate, Janet, Bruce and Tanya went in search of a restaurant. They found one in Mullins called the Century House Inn. Ed asked them if they would let some disreputable-looking folks in. The reply was a friendly "Darlin, if you want to eat, come on in". Kate reported that the folks were nice and the food was great. That sure beats the service I received at the hamburger join along the Interstate. The trip was fantastic and the fellowship was even better. I can't wait until we have another overnighter.

Mike Hollis

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