It’s not a Second Saturday, but Lowcountry Unfiltered made a grand return to our original home – the main stem of the Edisto River from Mars Old Field Landing to Messervey Landing. The group had been inactive for a few years. After all we’ve been through post-Helene, etc., I told Laura that I was in some serious need of just hanging out on a river sandbar, drinking beer with good friends, and telling some tall tales. We accomplished that in spades. Our group consisted of some of my closest friends – Alan R., Alan E., Jerry, Matt, Jimmy, Chapin, and Jared.
It all began on this stretch back in 2008. That was the first time I met Matt and the rest of the gang. It was another epic trip where we encountered a group of coed skinny-dippers. Here’s what I wrote about that trip….
At this point the Edisto has a very fast current. It was obvious that this was going to be a fast trip. However, my companions had another idea. They were more interested in a more leisurely trip. First, we stopped at a rope swing and everyone had to give it a try. Our group wanted to stop at anything that looked interesting. John was especially interested in collecting plants, and had even brought a plant press with him. The weather was great, and the paddling was excellent. We explored a couple of side channels, but kept a steady (if not a bit slower) heading down river.
…and that’s been our pattern ever since, regardless of the waterways. The personnel has changed over the years, with me and Matt doing most of the heavy lifting with planning and organizing, but the mission has always been the same.
When Matt sent out the e-mail saying that we were getting the band back together, the response was overwhelmingly positive. There were lots from our group that wanted to go, but had prior commitments. Eight paddlers is a good number, though. Manageable.
When Saturday rolled around the weather was looking dicey. There were storms and flash flood watches posted across the state. The stretch we were doing on the main stem has been in drought like most of the state, but it would have enough water without hazards to still make it a fun trip. Even if it rained I wasn’t too worried about the weather.
I picked up Alan and headed south with three boats in tow, which included a spare for Jared, who didn’t have one. Our first stop was to rendezvous with Matt at one of our favorite breakfast stops, Bill & Fran’s in Newberry.
As we continued south the skies cleared and it looked like it was going to be a wonderful day. We made it down to Mars Old Field by our meeting time of 9:00.
As our friends gathered, I heard someone call my name and turned around, expecting it to be another one of our long-lost paddlers. It turned out to be Scott from South Fork Paddlers, with whom I’ve paddled on many occasions. He just happened to be at the landing and was meeting a friend to sell a kayak. I invited them to join us, but they both had other obligations that day.
We ran the shuttle down to Messervey, then got ready to launch, pausing for a proof-of-life photo.
We got underway with a good current and beautiful weather.
For these trips I like to paddle my Wilderness Systems Pungo 120. It’s easier to get to camera batteries, toys, and drinks along the way. I let Jared use my Dagger Axis, which is my favorite river boat.
The paddling trip was always been known as our Beer Commercial and Rope Swing trip. One of our friends would bring his latest brew for us to sample, and we would stop at every rope swing along the way. We hoped to follow that pattern today, but without the homebrew. More on that in a bit.
Our favorite rope swing was just around the corner from the put-in, and was usually our first stop. “Was” is the operative word here. When we got to the spot we saw that the tree had long since fallen into the water. The swing was gone.
We didn’t have any of James’s latest beer. What I did have was some of the last of my stash of Ralph’s Rocket Fuel™. At the next big sandbar we pulled up and I pulled out the moonshine. Each paddler received a sample in small cups I’d brought along and we toasted the river, the group, and held communion whilst cooling our toes.
The Current be with you.
And also with you…
Let us now turn to today’s scripture read together…
The Second Book of Lowcountry Unfiltered
Concerning the Journey upon the Waters of Edisto, from Mars Old Field unto MesserveyWritten after the manner of the ancient tongue.
Chapter 1
1. And it came to pass upon the Second Saturday, that the brethren assembled themselves at Mars Old Field Landing, every man bringing his kayak and his paddle.
2. And they loaded their vessels with dry bags, with victuals, with camp stoves, and with coolers whose contents were known unto all, though spoken of sparingly.
3. Then they greeted one another with much laughter, and compared boats, and disputed concerning the virtues of rudders and skegs; yet no agreement was found among them.
4. And they looked upon the black waters of Edisto, which flowed as tea through the cypress and tupelo, clear in their depth though dark in their countenance.
5. The elder among them lifted up his paddle and said, Behold, the current shall bear us, if only ye cease from talking and launch thy boats.
6. Nevertheless they continued talking for a good season.
7. At the last they entered the river, one after another, and the water received them gladly.Chapter 2
1. And the river was broad, and there were houses with fair docks upon its banks, even as had been seen by paddlers in former years.
2. The brethren floated with little labor, for the current was favorable unto them.
3. They beheld great cypress trees clothed in Spanish moss, and herons standing in solemn meditation.
4. And one cried out, saying, Surely there is an alligator.
5. But when they drew nigh, behold, it was but a floating log.
6. And another answered, Blessed art thou, O Log, for thou hast frightened many without moving at all.
7. Then was there much rejoicing, save for him that had first cried aloud.Chapter 3
1. And they came unto a great sandbar, broad and pleasant, where many in other seasons were wont to gather for merriment.
2. There they drew up their kayaks upon the sand.
3. And one brought forth a mason jar wrapped carefully in a towel.
4. He lifted it heavenward, saying, Brethren, let us hold communion.
5. And the cup contained not wine, but that clear spirit which shineth in the sunlight and is called by many names, yet chiefly Moonshine.
6. And every man received but a modest portion, lest his paddle become crooked in his hands.
7. They spake one unto another, saying, Drink ye all of it—but not overmuch, lest ye miss the take-out.
8. And there was great fellowship upon the sandbar.Chapter 4
1. And while they journeyed onward, the heavens grew dark.
2. The wind arose from the west, and rain descended mightily upon the river.
3. Yet none turned back.
4. For each man drew forth his rain jacket from the dry bag, wherein all things hoped for are preserved.
5. And they paddled through the storm with cheerful hearts.
6. Their hats dripped continually, and the river leapt beneath their boats.
7. One cried, Surely we shall perish.
8. Another answered, Nay, but thy sandwich might.
9. And after a little while the clouds departed, and the sun returned as though nothing had happened.Chapter 5
1. Toward evening they found another fair sandbar and made camp.
2. Then they brought forth the Most Photographed Camp Stove.
3. Upon it they placed bratwurst with great reverence.
4. And they added sauerkraut in abundance, for thus had it become their custom upon many rivers.
5. The fragrance thereof went abroad across the waters.
6. Even the turtles lifted up their heads in curiosity.
7. And every man ate until he was satisfied.
8. Then they washed down the feast with beverages according unto each man’s discretion.Chapter 6
1. And when darkness had settled upon the river, they sat together beneath the stars.
2. They kindled a small fire where it was lawful so to do.
3. Then began the telling of mighty tales.
4. One declared that he had once caught a catfish so large that it towed his kayak upstream.
5. Another affirmed that he had found a shark’s tooth, a whale bone, and a bullet all upon one gravel bar.
6. A third testified that he had paddled a hundred miles against the current without once dipping his paddle.
7. And all said, Amen.
8. For they knew that every tale groweth greater with each telling.Chapter 7
1. And they came unto Givens Ferry, where many folk delighted themselves in the river.
2. There was laughter upon the waters, and tubes without number drifted with the current, as in the days remembered by the paddlers.
3. Yet the brethren tarried not long.
4. For they had purposed in their hearts to continue unto Messervey Landing.
5. The current quickened beneath them.
6. And the river bent through pleasant reaches, with towering cypress standing as silent witnesses.
7. They gave thanks for the miles already passed and for those yet before them.Chapter 8
1. At length they beheld the landing of Messervey.
2. And they drew their kayaks from the water with weary arms yet joyful hearts.
3. They counted neither miles nor hardships, but only memories.
4. They gave thanks for the black waters of Edisto, for the fellowship of faithful paddlers, for rain and sunshine alike, for moonshine in moderation, for bratwurst and sauerkraut, for tall tales, and for every sandbar that had offered rest.
5. And they vowed one unto another, saying, Surely we shall return again upon these waters.
6. For the river endureth from generation unto generation, and the fellowship of paddlers is renewed every Second Saturday.
7. And they departed every man unto his own house, already planning the next adventure.
Amen.
And so it came to pass, according this ChatGPT prompt:
Using language similar to the King James version of the Bible, create a story about a kayaking trip on the Edisto River from Mars Old Field Landing past Givens Ferry to Messervey Landing. The story should be divided into chapters where appropriate and verses with number, and should be based on information found on the website www.randomconnections.com. Include stopping on sandbars to hold communion with moonshine, paddling through rain storms, cooking bratwurst and sauerkraut on a camp stove, and telling tall tales.
We continued on our way very leisurely.
The Five Minute Rule, which I made up, states the following:
No matter where you stop for lunch, five minutes downstream there will be a much, much better places to stop. Conversely, if you skip a potentially adequate lunch spot, it will be 30-45 minutes before you come to another.
Trying to avoid the first part of that rule often leads to the second. That’s what got us today. With the low water beaches were exposed around just about every bend. The low marl shelves that line part of the river were also visible.
While the shelves would make a nice lunch spot, there’s not a good place to land. The water depth drops straight off from the shelf.
We rejected a couple of spots because it was too early or because of a lack of rope swing. One nice spot had a family playing in the water. After passed them I came upon a perfect tube float. Figuring it belong to one of the little boys, I put it on my kayak and paddled back upstream. Mr. Rutledge was grateful. He said that he owned 10 acres there, but hadn’t developed it. He said that we could hang out on Rutledge Point anytime we were down that way.
By the time we thought about lunch, there were no spots to be had. We thought more would be forthcoming “around the next bend”, but the low water levels made the banks steeper than we thought they would be.
Finally we came to the perfect spot. It was a wide beach with a fantastic rope swing. But it was already occupied with two johnboats and a trio of waders.
The beach was wide enough for both groups, but just to be a good neighbor, I gave them the last of my moonshine as a peace offering. The rest of our group pulled up shortly thereafter. Jared immediately headed to the swing.
Jared is an emergency room doctor and a trauma specialist. We were a bit concerned that the only doctor on the trip was doing something so risky. Yet, the idea of bringing such a doctor with us on our adventures is sort of like cheating. Nonetheless, Jared had a mediocre splash, survived, and decided to hang it up.
Meanwhile, Matt broke out South Carolina’s Most Photographed Stove™ and started on lunch. There was just one problem. Matt left both the mustard and the sauerkraut in his truck. NOT THE SAUERKRAUT! I’d be happy with just a sauerkraut sandwich, I like it that much. Oh well.
Fortunately Matt’s choice of sausages made it OK. The bratwurst with cheese and jalapeño was quite tasty as a naked sandwich.
Suitably satiated, we continued on our way. The forecast called for rain and storms starting around 1:00. As we paddled, clouds started to build and we heard thunder in the distance.
In this area the Edisto runs through a limestone marl channel. On the west bank the marl appears as a shelf. On the east bank it rises as a bluff.
The thunder continued to roll. We paused for a bit at the entrance to Four Holes Swamp, but decided not to explore that way, as we would normally do. We weren’t far from Givhens Ferry State Park, so we knew we could take shelter there if needed.
The bluffs rise dramatically as you approach the part. So does the density of floaters. Apparently the huge float parties have diminished as law enforcement cracks down on alcohol and other offenses (our tiny bit of moonshine notwithstanding.). Now it seems that they start at Givhens and float down to Messervey, which is a much more reasonable trip. It also looks like Edisto River Adventures is the premier outfitter. I’ve met the owner, Earl Johnson, several times and I’m friends with him on Facebook, and I think he would be good about getting things under control.
It seemed that the storms had bypassed us, so we continued on past Givhens and under the Highway 61 bridge.
We paddled through other tubing parties along the way. Edisto River Adventures may have been the main outfitter, but individual groups still brought their own huge floats. The river was so low that folks could just stand out in the middle of the river with no problem.
Then the bottom fell out. The rain started lightly at first, then turned into a deluge. I personally don’t mind paddling in the rain as long as there isn’t lightning. The most aggravating thing about the rain was the number of johnboats rushing back to their landings, paying no attention to how their wake affected floaters and kayakers.
The rain eventually let up. Soon we were at Earl’s Hideaway, home of Edisto River Adventures. There is always a major party going on at this beach.
There was some, uh, extracurricular activities going on just downstream from Earl’s place. It was as if nature had conspired to censor my GoPro.
The rain picked back up for a bit, but again there wasn’t lightening. We continued on. After a couple more miles we made it to Messervey. We loaded four boats and four people into each of our vehicles and made our way back to Mars Old Field. We said our goodbyes and promised to not let it goes so long before our next gathering.
We paddled 9.8 miles on this trip.
Of course, I did a time lapse of the trip.
It was great therapy for me, and was a much needed time with my friends.