Congaree River/Swamp Canoeing & Camping

sponsor

Print-Friendly Version

Add this event to your calendar (Outlook, iCalendar)

Add REGISTRATION REMINDER to your calendar

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 River/Swamp Canoeing & Camping

The Basics:

Event Type:

Water

Event Location:

Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC, 29061

Date(s) & Time:

Fri, Aug 20 2010 3:00 pm >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 3:00 pm *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sun, Jul 25 2010 10:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Aug 13 2010 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

Per itinerary

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Trip Leader(s):

Phil 'Foz' Parkerson

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

$55.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Since I had such a great time last year and so many asked for it again, I'm leading another trip over to the Congaree River/Swamp (The river's name comes from the Congaree Indians that use to live along its shores).

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 campsites in the park. Later that night, we'll do a little night hiking along the haunted boardwalks of 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 once we reach the Congaree River and setup camp on a sandbar.

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

Once on the Congaree, we will find a nice sandbar and setup camp. We'll enjoy a relaxing day playing in the river, swimming and sunning. Later, we'll have gourmet dinners, more swimming and relax around a campfire next to the river.

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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a water event therefore you should know how to swim to attend. You should feel comfortable in swift moving water. You should also know how to self rescue should you fall out of your boat or lose your footing in the river while swimming. Finally, knowledge of how to paddle and steer a canoe is highly recommended.

Required Items to Bring:
Tent
Sleeping bag/pad
Food
Water
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:

Carpool 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

Non-Member Cost:

$65.00/Person

Cost Includes:

Canoe rental, paddle, PFD and return shuttle.

Additional costs not included...small tip for shuttle driver.

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 13 2010.

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 13, you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after Aug 13 unless someone replaces you, pays in full and then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee.

Event is NOT rain or shine. Event will be cancelled if a high percentage of rain/thunderstorms are forecast for the area. Also, the trip leader may cancel if the river/creek water levels are too low to navigate.