Wow, Allison. What a photo.
I need to make a correction. We won't be going back to the lakes till July 13. Next week is Beth's paddle on the Black River, which is another amazing place. Like this paddle it's a drive to get there, but there is a reason for that. I know some members have issues driving an hour or more to some of our paddles. I agree it's a hike. The reason we go these distances is that these are really good places to spend some time in. If you have a member near you, contact them and see about carpooling.
Last year in Jamestown we found a great little cafe that we stopped into after the Black River paddle for sandwiches before driving home. Today after the paddle I drove up the Spiers Landing to check it out and found a new country store/coffee house. sandwich shop that I stopped into just below the landing. When we do these distant paddles, don't get off the river and just run home. Last week Ralph had a paddle down at Botany Bay on Edisto Island that I wanted to do, but got stopped by a previous engagement. Otherwise we'd have made a stop by Kings Market on the island. Always a worthwhile stop. Make use of these long drives to enjoy a different neighborhood.
When we gather twice a year over at Ralph's we work to select paddles that we know are good paddles in good places. Yes, some are near and some are far, but we select them because we know from experience that the are worthwhile trips to spend some time on. Get out and enjoy them. I know I am and can see the people that come out do too.
See you on the water
Dan