Just got word that Cedar Creek in the Congaree National Park is up! About 3 feet as of today; and with the rain expected this week, it should get even better. So, we (Ed Wrightson and Kate Whitaker) are changing our destination from Congaree Creek to Cedar Creek (a Congaree Creek trip will be run on Sunday), Congaree National Park, Bannister's Bridge at 10 AM.

Talked to one of the Park employees who reports that they have recently completed cleaning the creek and there should be no-to-few pullovers for this stretch. This is a beautiful wilderness area for us to explore. The first part of the paddle will be challenging and requires lots of steering and maneuvering to get through the twists and turns. The last part of the trip is pretty and easy. All types of kayaks and canoes are suitable and it is a good place to work on steering skills. Bring snacks and plenty to drink, wheels to get your boat to the landing if you have them and sun/rain protection though as of now we are supposed to have a pretty weekend to adventure in.

Call or email me (kwhitaker@agfirst.com) if you have any questions or would like to join us. Bannister's Bridge is on Old Bluff Road. Take hwy 48 from I-77 towards the Park. Take the right fork when Old Bluff Road veers away from Bluff Road. The landing is on the right just before you cross the creek.

Check out the website for directions, trip reports and slide shows; we do this area frequently so there is plenty out there to look at.

Happy Trails, Kate