Annnual canoe trip in the Carolinas

This is the 16th year Travelites organized the annual canoe trip. We use Whispering Pines as our base camp. Most will arrive there Friday evening, July 8. We head out @ 9:45 Saturday morning to the put-in point. This year, the river is low and there will be more than enough sand bars for skinnydipping and lunch break along the easy 7-mile float.
We have one canoe left to rent; if you're interested, please email the club at travelites@prodigy.net

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RE: Annnual canoe trip in the Carolinas

National Nude Weekend 2011
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Leaving the Columbia SC area at 12:30 Friday afternoon was joyful knowing wed be heading to Whispering Pines and visiting with good friends from Triangle Area Naturists at the park and on the canude trip, our 16th. The park appeared to be well maintained during our years absence. Since we didnt bring much clothing, I bought a park tshirt for Allen and 2 pareos (one for me a blue one and a lilac one for the 2012 club auction). All items were well priced.
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We started lining up at 9:20 Saturday morning to head out to the put-in point in the Nichols, SC area. Some canoers/kayakers met us at the put-in point. Attendees were from both Carolinas. For some it was their first floating adventure, for others it was over 100. All 15 boats, 22 people and 2 dogs, were in the water by about 11. The shuttle was quick and efficient. It was super meeting other Lumber River Canoe club members and revisiting with those weve spent times with in the past.
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There were lots of sandbars from which to skinnydip to cool off as well as eat lunch. Some of the sandbars were easily glided over, some not so easy. There were some logs to either float over or get caught on. I was one of the lucky ones who along with a new paddling partner (from the SC upstate) had no difficulties. Some of the wildlife we saw included a turtle, a gar, some small bait fish, lots of birds. Some interesting footprints were noted, but we never did learn if it was anything other than a turtle.
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As we approached our take-out point, we started to hear a little thunder and had a few drops of rain fall. Happily, we made landfall with no disasters, and there were no thunderstorms to avoid. The take-out was quick and successful. Everyone returned to their vehicle or was shuttled to the park. Attendees were presented with completion certificates with AANR,TNS, TAN, and Travelites logos.
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The 2011 canoers/kayakers look forward to year 17. In fact, a few talked about doing it in the fall.
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Some who camped or rented facilities cooked on grounds at the Park. We found a fantastic Italian restaurant less than 15 minutes from the park, Cucina Italian Grill, in Sunset Beach just behind the Food Lion. Allen and I were lucky as they usually only seat those with reservations. It had been a VERY long time since we had savored truly luscious Italian food with excellent service. I just wish it were closer. They are open 7 days a week and serve lunch as well as dinner. Ill scan the menu and email it to anyone who is interested.
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This morning is a lazy day, and well leave about lunch time to head back after saying good-bye (for just the time being) to our TAN friends.
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Photos are waiting to be emailed to me that will be put into Cheris-Travelites Yahoo group and allowed non-club member who were on the trip for two weeks. As soon as get them and upload them, Ill let our fellow canoers/kayakers know.

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