Paddling the Congaree–Saturday–April 21, 2012 2

Nancy and I had a great day with our son, Brian and his wife, Chris!! 

We drove the 3 miles to their house Saturday about 12:30pm.

After Brian got all his kayaking equipment together,

the four of us drove just outside of Columbia to
 Adventure Carolina in Cayce, SC.   

The kids gave us a kayak trip for Christmas and today we were cashing it in. We were not using the Sea Eagle as the tour included all the equipment… just needed to choose our weapon;o)))

There was a total of 7 people plus the guide for this 3.6 mile trip down the Congaree River, in Columbia.

Arriving at the launch point

Final instructions from our guide, Justin

It seemed strange to be so close to the city.  However, it's no accident that Columbia has three beautiful rivers running through it. The state legislature decided to move the state capital from Charleston to near the geographic center of the state. In the late 1700's river travel was a primary transportation mode, so the new capital city was laid out just up from where the Broad and Saluda Rivers confluence form the Congaree River.

Looking up river from the launch point.

Looking down river from the launch point.

Everyone got onto the river!!

This was Brian and Chris’ first time kayaking and they chose single kayaks.  Nancy and I got a double as usual.  Of course, Nancy does more picture taking taking than paddling;o))

We had not gone far,

when we came to the first set of rapids. 

We watch Justin go through first!!

What made this trip fantastic—it was all downstream!! So little paddling was involved.  The majority of trip was just floating and steering while enjoying the beautiful weather and great company!! We had three other folks with us: Lisa, a young high school biology teacher in Columbia and her parents from Michigan. 

They were the first to brave the rapids and

the rest of us follow suit ;o))

Way to go, Lisa!!

Lisa’s parents and our guide, Justin

As always, Nancy clicked away capturing all

the fun, scenery and wildlife.

Justin took a detour under some down trees.

Of course we knew Brian was going to follow.

He made it without too much problem!!

The rest of us just paddled around that area. 
Before long, we were approaching the old river locks.

When you enter the locks,

you hit some small rapids!!

They were flowing pretty good today.

Justin, Lisa and her parents are first through.

Brian and Chris are ready to brave the rapids;o))

Everyone made it through safely. 

However,
it was a bit of a struggle to get the kayaks beached
 just below the locks.
 
The current was strong and made for a fun time!!

We climbed to the top of the locks for a look around.

It was a beautiful view back up river. 
A train was passing right over the railroad bridge
we had just went under.

Yes, we really were on this trip;o))

We took a little break and just enjoy the beautiful view. 
That break was abruptly interrupted when
we saw our kayak floating away from the beach;o(( 

Justin was our hero and recovered our runaway kayak!!

We continued our float down the river. 

The weather was perfect…

mid 70’s, slight cloud cover and gentle breeze:o))

Of course some of us don’t know whether

we are coming or going!!!

All too quickly we were approaching the take out area;o((

Over on the right,
you can almost see a fisherman in the picture above. 

No one realized he had cast his line past the end of the dock. 
However, they found it when they got there.

It was fun watching them maneuver under;o))

All packed up and ready to head out.

It was a perfect Sunday afternoon. 
Great paddle, fun people and perfect weather!! 
It doesn’t get any better:o))

Thanks Brian and Chris!!