This trip will start and end at Carolina King Marina and is suitable for any skill level and most flat water boats though canoes might have a problem if it is windy. The Marina phone # is (803) 478-2800. The lotus should still be in bloom and they are spectacular. There are a lot of birds just at the marina including great egrets, purple martins, and blue birds. We will go up Cantey Bay to Santee National Wildlife Refuge where we should see more wildlife. In the shallow areas, the size of the grass carp may surprise you. There will probably be a good swimming spot or two. Be prepared to cross open water. Bring snacks (or lunch), plenty of fluids, insect spray, sunscreen, and hat. You will appreciate having binoculars, camera, walkie talkies, GPS, and any other essentials if you have them to bring. Jack's Creek Marina is just across the water from Carolina King and has a restaurant. There is a $5.00 launch/parking fee per vehicle which every car will need to pay. The Marina is very well kept and there is plenty of space to park.

Directions: The landing is about 1 1/2 hours from Columbia. Check your maps. I scouted the roads yesterday and can give directions from US-76 & 378. Turn right at SC-261 toward Wedgefield. Continue on SC-261 past Poinsett State Park. Watch CAREFULLY for brown sign on right - Public Lake Access. There is also a large green sign for Mill Creek Park and a smaller Rimini sign. Do NOT miss this sign. There will be another brown Lake Marion Access sign on the right which is the road to Sparkleberry Landing. Do not turn down the dirt road to Sparkleberry Landing but drive past it for about 11 1/2 miles to Carolina King. You will stay this road (Camp Mao Boykin Rd). There is a very large sign on the right for Pack's Landing. Just past this road is Rimini at the RAILROAD TRACKS. Keep going STRAIGHT - do NOT go to Summerton. You will be on S-14-76. Keep going past Elliott Campground sign on right. Go past faded sign for River Road Minnows and small green sign for Hickory Top Wildlife Management Area on right. This road is now called Old River Rd. Turn RIGHT on to Belser Rd (S-14-418) at big sign for Carolina King Marina. You will see NUMEROUS signs directing you to the office. Vehicles without permit will be towed.