Category: Camping

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.
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The view from the hammock.

 

Snacks on the Go: Kalahari Biltong

So I tried a new on the go snack today and it may be a new go to. Lightweight, compact, and it tastes good too. Now I admit I have no idea what Peri-Peri is or what it is supposed to taste like but I did not find the Spicy Peri-Peri to be spicy at all. In fact I did not taste much difference between the Peri-Peri and Original flavors. I like them both, but they tasted about the same. The Garlic flavor did in fact have a distinct garlic flavor, not overpowering or too strong, but present and sufficient to keep any nearby undead at bay. 

So how is this different from jerky? First and foremost the texture. If you’ve had much jerky in your life you’ve probably worn out your jaw muscles chewing. Kalhari Biltong (keep in my this is the only biltong I have tried so far) is softer than jerky, kind of like when you first bite into a stick of gum. Also this biltong seemed to pick up moisture faster than jerky once the package is opened. It is best eaten within the same day the package is opened, especially if you are in a moist environment. 

The tagline, “You’ll never go back to jerky”, is perhaps a bit strong. It’s good, but I am not a 100% convert. I will definitely add biltong to my camping/hiking go to protien sources, but I will also be back for some jerky. 

 

 

Chattooga River Camp and Raft

Overview map:

Map Link

Campsites (marked with orange markers) are free, No out of state fishing licence required. Camping close to the river at all three campsites.

Rafting:

Rafting will cost about $100 per person, depending on option of Section III or Section IV. Section IV is more physically intense than section III. Section III is rated for beginners and is also about $10 cheaper. There is also an option to rent some inflatables and do an easy, laid back, unguided float. The latter will be the cheapest option. This link contains additional information regarding rafting on the Chattooga.

Outfitters:

Guided:

NOC

Southeastern Expeditions

Wildwater Rafting

Unguided/ Equipment rental:

Chattooga Adventures

 

Hiking and Fishing:

Nearby trails lead to feeder creeks and waterfalls. River and feeder creeks are stocked with Rainbow and Brown trout, there is also a holdover population of Brown trout. Main river is ususally busy with rafting traffic and too deep to wade, but 10 miles north of the proposed campground is smaller and wadeable. Lake Tugaloo provides a flatwater fishing/paddling opportunity and contains Smallmouth Bass, Redeye Bass, and trout.