Let's Paddle the Driftwood near Columbus!

68 and partly cloudy. Let's check out the Driftwood near Columbus, IN!

THE PLAN:
We'll meet at the Sugar Creek boat launch near Edinburgh, IN and Camp Atterbury. Once everyone is here, we'll run the shuttle down to the Lowell Bridge boat ramp, get back to our boats, and then explore a pretty remote and beautiful stream with some cool people.

DETAILS:
We'll actually be launching and paddling the first couple of miles on the Sugar Creek (this is not the same Sugar Creek that runs through Shades and Turkey Run state parks). The first few miles of our paddle will be along the Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area as well as the Camp Atterbury military reservation, so it will just be us and nature. After a couple of miles, Sugar Creek will meet the Big Blue river and become the Driftwood.

NOTE: For those of you that haven't paddled with me before, we normally stop around noon for lunch and some social time. We also stop as needed while paddling, so don't be afraid to say you need to stop. This is a very relaxed group and we're more about the journey and just having a great day.

We'll continue down the Driftwood past Blue's Canoe livery and head towards Columbus. Parts of this paddle will be over large rock beds with large boulders sticking out of the water, other parts will be sandy with deeper places for swimming, and in other parts we'll have the river widen and move a little faster over shallow water with large rocks and sand on the floor of the river.
During the recreation season, this is a very popular recreational river supported by the Blue family at Blue's Canoe Livery across from the Edinburgh Outlet Mall. This time of year, I doubt we'll see anyone on the water except for the occasion paddler. Since we're outside of the recreation season, we should have plenty of wildlife going about their spring habits. Along this section I've observed bald eagles, turtles, snake, heron (Great Blue and Green), osprey, and lots of ducks and geese and other stuff. I've heard there are otter, but I have no idea where. Maybe we'll get lucky.

AFTERWARDS:
After the paddle, we're heading into Columbus to check out Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor. This is a very cool place that I've been to a couple of times. They have a great menu and ice cream! You'll love it!

WARNINGS!!!
DOWNED TREES are a potential hazard this time of year. While this is a river supported and maintained by DNR and Blue's Canoe Livery, this is early spring and they may not be out yet. We'll need to be alert but I don't expect much trouble. I scouted the river on Monday and the places that I stopped are looking great!

This is an OPEN WATER paddle. You will be exposed to the sun with little to no overhead cover. Please plan accordingly with hat, sunblock, and water.

This is a COLD WATER paddle. While the temperatures are warmer, the water is still a little cold. It doesn't take much for hypothermia to set in for some people. I would suggest bringing a towel and change of clothes...just in case.

This paddle is approximately 11 miles with plenty of current to move us along. It is possible that we may have to walk in a spot or two. Be prepared for WET FEET. Going barefoot while paddling is not recommended.

Questions? Post them in the comment section or send me a message on here or Facebook.

This is going to be a fun day on a beautiful river! Come on out!