Paddling with the poet

Paddling Honey Hill, McClellanville, SC   

I had a last minute invitation Saturday night offering me a chance to join a kayak ride this morning and luckily I was able to accept. My friend English and I joined author and poet William P. Baldwin at his home in the village of McClellanville. He had just completed writing his morning poem before helping us loading our kayaks into his truck.

We put the kayaks in at Honey Hill. The colors were so beautiful I aimed my little pocket camera at the reflections as much as my surroundings. We did see birds, bullfrogs and a few gators. We paddled in perfect peace winding through the low branches and around cypress logs capping the morning off sitting outside in the village listening to local stories over sandwiches at Boats N Hoagies. I felt very fortunate.

Now, must we do this work week business in the morning?

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.

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.

Shem Creek kayak trip

Shem Creek, S.C.

Last Sunday morning I logged on to Facebook as usual in the morning and happened to answer a trivia question that won me a half-a-day kayak trip from Coastal Expeditions. I sweet talked them into giving me two and my friend Leah and I went out this morning. Too fun! I used to canoe but am new to kayaking and Leah had never done it at all but we did just fine.

We picked up our sit-on-top ocean kayaks at the Coastal Expedition office at Shem Creek and went out through one of the most picturesque creeks in Charleston passing shrimp boats and paddle boarders. We went over to crab island and did the best we could with our point and shoot cameras. There were so many squawking birds and dolphin sightings we were in our glory. We left the harbor and explored some of the marshy creeks before heading back. We ended our morning with a scrumptious brunch at the bar at Vickery's. Love their grilled salmon caesar salad and a mimosa didn't hurt. Yum.

Thanks Leah and Coastal Expeditions! I'll never drive over Shem Creek without thinking about this delightful morning again. I think I'll sleep well tonight. Zzzzz...

More photos here: Shem Creek & Coastal Expeditions.

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!