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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Congaree Swamp/River Canoeing & Camping




The Basics:
Event Type:Water
Event Location: Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, 29061
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Aug 28 2009  3:00 pm >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 3:00 pm   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Aug 4 2009 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Aug 21 2009 5:00 pm
Event Duration:Per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Phil 'Foz' Parkerson
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Member Cost:$55.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:14
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 14 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
I first heard of the Congaree Swamp/River (The river's name comes from the Congaree Indians that use to live along its shores) several years ago on one of those nature shows. Ever since, I have wanted to explore this area via canoe. I think the time as finally come.

NOTE: Since this will be my first time to the area, please be advised that while this is a Water event, this is also an Explorer event as well. I have done my best to plan and foresee any issues, there is no gaurantee we will not have any problems. BUT, we will have fun above all!

Because of the lengthy drive to Hopkins, we will depart the carpool location early and try to beat a little traffic out of town. We will head to the Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC. Once there, we will camp overnight in the primitive Bluff campsites in the park.

Early the next morning, we will get our free backcountry camping permits and meet our local outfitters with our canoes, paddles and PFDs. We will load up our canoes and depart. Over the next two days, we will canoe a totel of 20 miles. We will stop for the night about half way or wherever we find a nice campsite or sandbar.

Upon leaving the park, our journey first takes us on Cedar Creek. Cedar Creek is very beautiful with lots of wildlife and overhanging hardwood trees. We will follow the canoe trails diamond-shaped markers out to the Congaree River.

Once on the Congaree, we will follow the wide river until we find a nice sandbar to camp on. We'll make camp, enjoy a gourmet dinner, a swim and relax around a campfire.

After breakfast, we will continue our journey down river to the Hwy 601 Bridge where we once again meet our outfitter. From there, we will shuttle back to the park and then back to Atlanta.


Required Items to Bring:
Tent
Sleeping bag/pad
Food for 3 days
Water for 3 days
Change of clothes
Waterproof duffel bag for gear
Camp chair
Bug spray
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Camera
Swimsuit

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Driving directions will be sent out to registered group a week prior to trip.

Drive time is approx 4 hours. Hopkins is located 20 miles South of Columbia, SC.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):476Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 3:00 pm
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $190.40 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$55.00/Person
Cost Includes:Canoe rental, paddle, PFD and return shuttle.

Payment may be made via PayPal, PC Banking or check. It is your responsibility to get in to meet due dates. Allow two days processing for PayPal and PC Banking and one week to mail a check.
Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Fri, Aug 21 2009.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: Cancel on or before Aug 21, you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after Aug 21 unless someone replaces you, pays in full and then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee.

Event is rain or shine however the trip leader may cancel if the river/creek water levels are too low or extreme weather is forecast.