Seven paddlers braved the heat and low water for a very nice trip down the Broad River to the West Columbia Amphitheater. The paddlers were Sheila Snow, Brian O'Cain, Linda Gray, Andy Miller, Ronald Rudd, John Brooks and Mike Hollis. The trip length from the top of the Columbia Canal to the take out was 3.54 miles and it took an hour and half paddling leisurely. Like last year the several drops near the put in got everyone's attention but it soon gave way of a wonderful after work stroll down the Broad River and on to the Congaree. We saw one of the Bald Eagles near the large nest above the Whitehouse rapids and several Blue Herons along the way. The water level was near 1700 CFS but it was enough water to get over most of the rocks without too much trouble. Brian did not bring his spray skirt and found out that his boat will fill up with water when he plays in the rapids. From the shriek Sheila let out at Whitehouse, I think she found the water coming in from the Saluda a tad bit cold. It was another wonderful day on the water and everyone made the trip safe and sound.

Special thanks to Dennis Catoe for running the shuttle even though he could not come along for the paddle.

Mike Hollis