Another Successful “Wild Side” Adventure

The Black River is much more than a winding black water river. Its magic can make you forget your troubles, shed your stress and thrill you with its wonders.

The weekend of the 21st captured the attention of thirteen novices on the 3rd trip provided by the adventurous staff of Georgetown County Recreation & Leisure. The Wild Side group began their adventure on the Black River about ten miles east of Kingstree at Sims Reach Bridge. The beautiful dark water created by the majestic Bald Cypress had the eager paddlers oohing and ahhing. The river was rushing through swamps and trees as it spilled out of its banks from westward rains. Saturdays four hour paddle was so relaxing no one realized they had gone the distance due to being so mesmerized with the river.

Upon arriving at our preplanned campsite the paddlers were again amazed at the pleasures reaped from their $35 investment for a weekend in the wild. All their camping gear and accessories delivered at the campsite along with great food to be prepared by the RLS Master Chef, (Paul). The day ended with a campfire, good stories and a surprise visit from still another talented RLS staff member, (Bo) who lead the group in song while accompanied by his guitar.

Sunday morning awoke the paddlers with sizzling bacon, eggs and grits on the fire. With full stomachs, lunch prepared and gear packed away the fifteen paddlers thanked the chef for his culinary expertise.

The rainbow flotilla of kayaks and canoe set sail for their final voyage to the takeout at Cantley Landing. The pristine Black continued to share its treasures with the adventurous Wild Siders’.

Wildlife was abundant all along the winding black water stream. The paddlers encountered hundreds of song birds, wood ducks, vultures, hawks, bared owls, white tail deer, and water snakes. Just before the lunch stop Becca, the groups aquarist spotted a 6’ American alligator sunning on the near bank. As the group gathered to observe the exciting find, the gator quickly moved into the river to avoid any confrontation.

Paddlers View: Robbie Lane of Murrells Inlet said, “It was wonderful being able to be out with no traffic, no motor boats, and relaxing out in nature with a great group of new friends”.

The next “Wild Side” is ready to go for October 20 & 21 for the Black River Kayak Trip and November17 &18 for the Palmetto Trail Hiking Trip. The fall trips will be $45 to include 3 meals and new this fall “I Survived the Wild Side” t-shirt. Be sure and register early for these trips to insure the experience of a lifetime. Trips for youth are on the horizon, for more info call Ron. “See Ya on the Wild Side”.

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