This was likely the final big trip of the season. The Helpdesk team and Gusto headed to Mount Pleasant, SC, for their second visit to the KOA campground this year. This time, however, we began our adventure at Ashley River Park, located along the Ashley River. We kayaked a total of 8.7 miles round trip—paddling downstream before turning around and making the return journey against a steady current.

After this paddle we checked into our cabin at the KOA and then had dinner at Home Team BBQ in Mount Pleasant. Good Paddle and good food.  Also a very nice sunset from just outside the cabin. 

We experienced some early morning nature action in the canal behind the cabin. Really interesting to watch these guys hunt.  They would scratch with their feet and hold their mouths open waiting for a crab or fish to come up from the bottom.  

After the bird watching was complete we headed off to Bulls Island.  I've heard it referred two both ways; Bull Island and Bulls Island.  So I did some research and found the following document.  Seems like it is Bulls Island afterall. Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Bulls Island, as it is known today, was originally called Oneiscau, a name given by the Sewee Indians. The Sewee tribe inhabited the region north of Charleston and along the Santee Rivers throughout the 1600s and into the early 1700s. They thrived in this area, hunting game and fishing the tidal creeks for food. The name "Oneiscau" is thought to mean "island people," a fitting description of the Sewee's deep connection to the islands and waterways in this region.

In 1669, English settlers set sail for the new province of Carolina, which would eventually become South Carolina. On March 15, 1670, they arrived at Oneiscau and were greeted by the Sewee people. After a brief encounter, the settlers continued their journey down the coast to the Kiawah River, where they established what is now Charleston.

Among the early settlers was Stephen Bull, a prominent leader who would later be appointed Colonel of the militia for the province. Over time, Bull’s name became so strongly associated with Oneiscau that the island eventually came to be known as Bulls Island—a name that has endured to this day.

It was an awesome day for a paddle.   We started out mid morning and rode the outgoing tide.  Helpdesk needs to work on his navigation skills as we did take a slightly wrong turn early on but really didn't matter too much as it was just a left around an island vs a right.  We still got where we were headed.  It was even more adventurous on the way back as the GPS was only showing the way out and therefore I had to turn the map upside down to follow the track back.  I now have a better map source and have it loaded in multiple places.  

It was a really nice trip.  The weather was perfect for the entire trip.  Definitely doing this again.

Helpdesk out.