Day 16 Blog post: Dan Modahl

Day 16... wow, I can't believe it has been that long already.  We have come such a long way as a group, and as paddlers... it's quite amazing.  Today we had a very early start, as we had to play the tides right... we had breakfast at 4:30, and were paddling by 6:00. I was very surprised that we would be able to feel tidal effects that far inland... but we sure could, after a couple miles we could feel the current start to push against us.  But we only had 28 miles :)  
The river changed so drastically today... we started in a slightly swampy, but heavily wooded area and we are now in a marsh... and just after lunch we could smell the brackish water. Speaking of lunch, we stopped on the bank of a piece of private property, and got permission to eat on the rocks on shore.  It was the craziest lunch, people falling off rocks into the river, boats floating away, wakes from motor boats wreaking havoc... very interesting lunch to say the least. 
As we started paddling into the marshy maze the water got surprisingly choppy, and the wind picked up like crazy... so those last 8 miles took a while.  When we finally got to the campsite, it was picturesque. There was Spanish Moss  hanging from the oaks that were shading a beautiful lawn...  it is a wonderful place to sleep. 
Max came back today!  This is the first time we've seen him in 6 days...  and he will be paddling with us, it feels great to have the whole team together.  The weather was so beautiful today... never hot or humid, but perfectly sunny... it has been a treat to have such wonderful weather.  I cannot believe this trip is almost over, it feels as though we left just yesterday.  But there are still many more crazy experiences to come even with only 3 days left, and I can't wait.

Day 16

This picture is from the porch of the Samworth plantation home. It is part of the park in which we are camping. The Pee Dee is in the background - the beginning of the stretch we will take to Georgetown tomorrow!

Day 16 campsite

We just did another early morning and long day of paddling - 6 a.m. start and 27 miles with high wind and tidal influence. Everyone feels great, and the campsite is beautiful.