This is a beautiful day trip on Lake Marion from Stump Hole landing, only about an hour and a half from Columbia. We'll have some open water to cross, but unless the wind is very bad it should not be a difficult 20 minute crossing to the trees. Once we're in the trees, the wind and current are not generally a problem. So all types of boats are appropriate for this trip (though canoes will have a difficult time if it is very windy) The area is very scenic and there are many occupied osprey nests and lots of anhinga, cormorants, herons and egrets. When we're really lucky, we can sometimes spot an alligator before it sinks down out of sight in the blue water. The trip is very free-form, just exploring wherever the water leads us. Usually the trip lasts about 4 or 5 hours. Once we leave the landing, there is nowhere to land again until we return to the landing. Bring lunch and lots of hydrating drinks; binoculars, walkie-talkies and GPSs would be helpful if you have them. Have sun and rain protection, as always. As of today (Monday) the National Weather Service has it 80 degrees and sunny this Saturday. Should be a great trip.

Directions: From Columbia, where Bluff Road (hwy 48) crosses I-77, travel Bluff Road towards Congaree National Park, passing it and continuing on to hwy 601. Turn right, cross the Congaree River and take the first left, hwy 267 (McCords Ferry Road) and go southeast 11.2 miles. Turn left onto Stumphole Road (#203) and go southeast 1.8 miles. Turn left onto Landing Lane (#204) and look for the signs. We'll meet at the landing at 11. There is a great BBQ place nearby for after the trip, for those that are interested.

Let me know if you would like to join us, by email at kwhitaker@agfirst.com or call me. Please include your phone number. Happy Trails, Kate