Croft State Natural Area, South Carolina. Part IV An Early-Morning Kayak Paddle on Lake Craig

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Up early this morning, dressed for kayaking, and off to the boat ramp Croft State Natural Area maintains on Lake Tom Moore Craig. The Advanced Elements Expedition Inflatable/Foldable kayak has proven ideal for this sort of kayaking. It fits nicely into the back seat of the car [also known as the “tow vehicle”]. And is easy to assemble and disassemble. Most anyone could manage it.

Here’s some video taken from the kayak with the little Canon camera.

This is the nicest ElderKayaking water I’ve found so far. No whitewater excitement here. But then, I’ve had enough excitement over the years to last me through this life, and well into the next. Interesting now beats exciting all hollow! So predictable flat water is just fine for kayaking at this stage of life.

Of course, it helps if there’s something interesting to see along the way. And Lake Craig offers that in abundance. With its irregular shoreline, deer, birds, fish, and other wildlife. Especially up toward the northwest branch of the lake. In the direction of Kelsey Creek.

As you could see in the video, submerged stumps and logs become more of a challenge the closer one gets to Kelsey Creek. None of them I’ve seen or encountered have been dangerous or sharp, however. And, it’s nice to be able to see the bottom of the lake when the water is only two or three feet deep. Lots of wildlife there too.

The hull of this Expedition inflatable is made of tough stuff that gives when bumped, and doesn’t normally scratch. So no problem. Oyster beds are an exception to that! As I learned while kayaking at Edisto Beach State Park on the coast. None of those here, fortunately.

Well, time to head back. It’s going to be hot as the dickens soon, and I have other things to do.

Lake Craig will offer an even nicer paddling experience during the cooler months when I return to walk the trails and give this remarkable lake more attention.

Coming up is a delightful interview with Park Manager John Moon. So, don’t touch that dial, as they used to say on the radio.

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