Sullivan’s Island Vicinity Launches and Trips

I gave some thought to some good spots for a kayak trip around the Sullivan’s Island / IOP area. I would recommend avoiding launching from IOP marina, as powerboat traffic in that area is heavy and could create unsafe conditions based on boater experience and temperament. Here is a map of my suggested launch spots, as well as one for one of my favorite trips, Gadsenville Boat Launch to Capers Island:

The key with all of these trips is to work with the tides. Here’s what we are looking at for the next couple of days:

For an afternoon trip, I would recommend being on the water (in your boat and paddling) by no later noon on Wednesday, 12:30pm Thursday, or 1:30pm Friday. The launches above are on tidal creeks and will not have enough water to paddle through as low tide approaches. The launches will be approachable again 2-3 hours after low tide each day.

Retreat Trip Options

Option 1: The Chatooganing, part 2

Float/paddle Section 2 of the Chattooga, camp at either the take out (Earls Ford) or put in (Long Bottom Ford). Long Bottom ford is where we got out of the river last time.

The Chattooga at Earls Ford.

 

Option 2:  Cypress Forest in Francis Marion

An out of the way camping spot on Chicken Creek (right off the Santee River) in the Francis Marion national forest. Cypress trees, fishing, beautiful spot!

A little video from my paddle on the Santee River:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zDUch5rakbLMMvvDA

frmar1
My campsite on Chicken Creek. As in ON the creek.

frmar2
The view from the hammock.

 

Back to Freshwater at Lake Hartwell

Last weekend I took a break from the salt and sun of the South Carolina low country and went to Lake Hartwell with a couple friends. The house where we stayed was situated close to a creek mouth on the northern end of the lake. A cute lake cabin with a steep driveway and everything one would expect to check all the lake cabin boxes.

We fished from the dock using minnows under a bobber. I must admit we weren’t really out there trying to slay the fishing game, as we had some floats in the water tied off to the dock for when the heat got to be a bit much. The bite was steady before noon, with one keeper sized bass and several smaller siblings stopping by for a bite. The fish (and the fishermen) took the afternoon off, with only a couple dinky bass to show for the lunch shift. They lived to dink another day.