This cold front is really driving a nasty weather system, it's been getting more and more intense all week (has recently changed to add good chance for lightning). Therefore we are cancelling the trip. If you have interest in doing this trip at a later date, please contact Bruce Monson.

Willtown Bluff to Dawho Creek to Edisto Island - South Edisto River
Saturday, April 5
Ed Wrightson and Bruce Monson

This is a beautiful low country trip on tidal rivers to the inland waterway and the take-out on Edisto Island. It is about 10 river miles and we will be traveling with the tide (the reason for the early morning departure time). The wind can be a factor in this trip as the river is wide at the put-in, so bring your longest boat; kayaks are recommended. Also, this is a good trip for beginners. There might be a substitute trip made if the wind is really bad so be sure to let Bruce know you are coming and include your cell phone number in case of any last-minute changes. Bring sun/rain protection and lots of water and some lunch. There is one place to take out and have lunch on dry land which we will take advantage of. The flora and fauna (hope to see the migrating birds as well as the 'locals') are lovely on this trip; and we pass some old plantation homes along the way. Plan on sighting some alligators on the mud banks of the creek! Binoculars and walkie-talkies might be helpful. See schedule below for details:

• 6:15 am - MEETING at McDonalds, hwy 321, where I-77 and I-26 cross in Cayce.
• 6:30 am – LEAVING (not MEETING) at the Cayce McDonald's – I know it's Early!!! But the group will leave on time so plase make a special effort. We are leaving Columbia so early, because if we do not reach the ICW take-out close to scheduled time frame, the we will be paddling against the entire Atlantic Ocean coming back up the mouth of the Edisto River!
• 8:30 am – Arriving at Willtown Bluff Landing (2 hr. drive time)
• 8:36 am – High Tide at Willtown Bluff
• 9:00 am – Depart Landing by Kayak (after 30 min. shuttle)
• 2:33 pm – Low Tide at ICW (InterCoastal Waterway) Bridge
• 3:00 pm – Arrive at ICW Bridge by Kayak (6 hr. paddle time)
• 4:00 pm – Dinner at Fire Station Restaurant in Hollywood (optional but a terrific dinner!)
• 7:30 pm – Back in Columbia

A great schedule; a great time to be had. Come join us. Let Bruce know by email (brucemonson@msn.com) if you plan to join us. Please notify him before 5 on Friday and include your cell phone number and where you plan to meet the group. Also contact him if you have any questions. There is a write up of this trip dated July 9, 2005, South Edisto River, that you might find interesting.

Happy Trails