A favorite paddle and a good one for most types of boats and skill levels. There is very little current and nice access to both sunshine and shade during 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 and sun/rain protection. 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. There are lots of creeks, flats, lakes and trees to paddle through and around. Very little dry land so there may be no stops until we get back to the landing. Lots of vegetation and sometimes lots of birds etc. so you might want your binoculars and you definitely want your GPS and walkie-talkie, if you have them. 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. The club does this trip on a very regular basis as it is so beautiful. Read the trip write-ups and view the slide shows on the website for more information.

To get to the landing: (takes about an hour from the intersection of I-77 and 378 in Columbia.) Take highway 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. We advise that you drive the speed limit. Continue on for about 3.8 miles and 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