Church Island Adventure

Church Island, Lake Marion, SC    

Ever since I learned there was an island with a historic cemetery on it on Lake Marion, I've been determined to get there. I don't have a boat and it seemed a bit far for a kayak adventure. It was. I found a fishing guide who was willing to take us on our excursion and filled his boat with friends looking for old tombstones rather than the giant catfish he is accustomed to. My friend Martha Rose already wrote a nice piece about our day so I will quote her here:

Church Island is the nickname given to a cemetery that is now only accessible via boat.
Church Island wasn’t always called “Church Island” - as it was never intended to be an island.
Back in the late 1930s and early 1940s, the S.C. Public Service Authority (commonly called Santee Cooper nowadays) began snatching up land and condemning it for the purpose of damming the Santee River to form Lake Marion for the purpose of a hydroelectricity project.
As a result of government greed, many plantations, burial grounds, Native American sites and more were lost to the waters of Lakes Marion and Moultrie.
Church Island is a fortunate example of graves that weren’t lost to the flooding efforts to create Lake Marion.
Originally, this site held an Episcopal church, which was sometimes called The Rocks Church, because of its proximity to the former Rocks Plantation.
Once the state government inundated properties and the nearby lands began to fill with water, the church deconsecrated the site as the place to house the church, but the site remained consecrated as the church cemetery.
The church relocated to Eutaw Village, now known as Eutawville, and is the current The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.
It was a joyous day to see the cemetery and perfect weather for a boat ride with friendly souls.

It was a perfect day. The weather held, we enjoyed a stop for lunch at Sweatman's famous BBQ restaurant on the way, no one was bitten by a snake and we all enjoyed each other's company. Our Captain was terrific so if anyone is interested in lake fishing he is definitely your man. Check out his website at: Catfishinfool

Lake Marion Boat Tour

Santee State Park, Fisheagle Tours

There is nothing like being out on the water in a boat, is there? It's like an instant vacation. On a recent trip with friends to Lake Marion we took advantage of the boat tour of the lake offered by Fisheagle Tours.

Fisheagle Tours: The Wildlife Swamp Tour is our original and most favorite tour. We offer this on Wed & Sat @1 PM and Fri @10 AM.  It originates from Santee State Park in Santee, SC and is about 2 hours long.  You can anticipate seeing pristine wildlife including several species of wetland wading birds like egrets and herons, as well as anhingas, ducks and neo-tropical migrating songbirds.  Along the way we’ll journey through “Osprey Village” where we view over 20 Osprey nests in the middle of the swamp.  Occasional alligators and lots of turtles can also be seen. The voyage meanders through a Bald cypress and Water Tupelo Forest that is absolutely beautiful.  

For an interesting twist, in October they dock the boat at Gilligan's in Monks Corner and let passengers ride through the locks.

Lake Marion paddling

Lake Marion, S.C.

It is amazing how much joy this piece of molded red tupperware brings to me!

I did not get to do the planned Edisto river kayak trip due to the flooded river but made do quite nicely with an overnight stay on the banks of Lake Marion, good eating and a paddle this morning. We stayed in protected areas since the water was a bit choppy in the open. I said hello to my favorite Osprey and this year's young family. It is good to have my children home and together.

Happy Easter!

Boo, boo, birdie!

Lake Marion, S.C.

First kayak ride of the season yesterday and I picked the perfect day for it. The water level is high on lake Marion and seemed like I was paddling through the woods. I skirt the waterfront and say hello to all the startled birds who aren't expecting someone to sneak right up on their nest. They thought they had built safely high in the branches and along I come sneaking a look in the nest to see what's cookin'. Boo! These aren't attack birds I hope. I apologized and pushed off.

I bought a rowing machine last fall and I can say this was a lot more fun than rowing across my living room.

How much rain is too much?

Highly offended at Lake Marion

The wildlife crowd at Lake Marion has voted with lively and offended squawks that the water level is simply TOO high when kayakers can paddle up to peer in their nests. This fella was in the upper nest. I got the message!

These dock lights are so low the only boat you could get under them would be a kayak. That wasn't the intention!

First paddle of the year

Lake Marion, S.C.

With both of my children with me this weekend and it was good to wet the paddles for the first time this year. Bike rides, a bonfire and lazy evenings reading. I am a fortunate woman. 

Even better - I worked Friday so I could take today off. Woohoo!

Rainy Weekend

Lake Marion, S.C.

I went to Lake Marion for the weekend to get out of the way while my handyman attacked my ceilings. It rained on the way up, rained on my bike ride last night, rained on my kayak ride this morning and rained on the way home. It was a nice warm rain and I lifted my face and laughed. When the weatherman mentioned thundershowers he got it right this time. I was glad to be home safely after passing two major accidents on wet roads.

I am so pleased to be able to get out on the water on my own steam. Years ago after my divorce I remember thinking, "damn, I won't be able to handle that heavy canoe on my own." So many things are designed for a couple or one strong man but too heavy for an average woman alone to manage. So, yippee for lightweight kayaks! I have a little set of wheels to strap around it and I can tug it easily to the water. Color me happy.  As nice as it is to have friends to do things with it is even better to have the option of doing it myself on a whim.

Sunset on Lake Marion

Sunset on Lake Marion

I've come up with the most brilliant idea for a retirement home for men. It should be designed with a long porch overlooking a boat landing. Is there anything men enjoy more than critiquing other boaters launching their boats? They could do a little fishing themselves in between show times. It would be perfect. I should build it myself.

Lake time

Lake Marion, S.C.

Apparently what I like do to for relaxation is go to my lake, grab a Corona beer, eat macaroni and cheese with chopped up Johns Island tomatoes, read a book and paint my toe nails. Not bad for a Friday night. I took my new bike so I could go for a spin this morning.

The plastic soldier was in my backpack so I let him free to ride around.

Lake View

Lake Marion, S.C

I missed the first day of the Farmer's Market but I did have breakfast with my son overlooking Lake Marion. Not too very bad. 

The water is high and the trees are lush and green again. Almost time to dust off the kayaks for the summer!

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance

Jesus Feeds His People

This week's Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance is on a small roadside building close to Lake Marion.

Do not drop clothing donations on their porch but I expect they might accept food. Meanwhile, here is a cute religion related joke for you:

 Religious Light Bulb Jokes  

How many charismatics does it take to change a light bulb? One, since his/her hands are in the air anyway.
How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb? None. God has predestined when the lights will be on.
How many Brethren does it take to change a light bulb? CHANGE?!!!
How many Pentecostals does it take to change a light bulb? 10, one to change it and 9 others to pray against the spirit of darkness.
How many tv evangelists does it take to change a lightbulb? One. But for the message of hope to continue to go forth, send in your donation today.
How many Roman Catholics does it take to change a lightbulb? None: Candles only.
How many Amish does it take to change a lightbulb? What's a light bulb?
How many Polygamous Mormons does it take to change a lightbulb? Five. One man to change the bulb, and four wives to tell him how to do it.
How many Jehovah's Witnesses does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to screw in the bulb, and two to knock on your door and ask you if you've seen the light!
How many Unitarians does it take to change a lightbulb? We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, in your own journey you have found that light bulbs work for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your light bulb for the next Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-life and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence.

Pulling up for gas

Lake Marion, S.C.

Pulling up for gas. Luckily we didn't need any. 

What the heck is this sign doing in the middle of nowhere on a lake? I get such a kick out of these quirky sights that we paddled all the way around a little island to get a photo from the front. How funny. 

I had a perfect morning yesterday kayaking with my son. It was a cool weekend and none of the regular boaters ventured out. Birds were huddled under the trees as if they had forgotten that summer didn't last forever. I'd almost forgotten myself but this is sweet. I made a big pot of potato soup full of cream and bacon wickedness.

The Turtle Ballet of Lake Marion

Lake Marion, S.C.

Look at him! So cute, posing for us! My friend Leah and I snuck our kayaks up quietly and although his companion slipped under the water as we approached, this fella kicked up his heels and posed for us. He let us get so close that it finally dawned on us that he was stuck and couldn't get his back feet to touch the cypress-knee perch. Leah gave him a gentle lift with her paddle after we were quite finished taking pictures.

I wasn't brave enough to take my DSLR out but my trusty pocket camera is a sweetie for certain things. It was like stirring soup paddling through the swamp plants but we had a great time stalking the elusive wood stork. Thanks for the company Leah!

Splish, splash!

Lake Marion, S.C.

Not a bad weekend at all! Who knew a $229 piece of red tupperware from Dick's Sporting Goods could be so much fun? Love it. Color me happy!