Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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n September 16 1 q q T. hhh mmmmmm*?' ~ ' MMm m : 1 % f. , ' V' >* I *-j I USC sophomores Bonnie, Amanda and Michele find a perfect sunbathing location during low tide at the Saluda River rapids Sunday. djtfn SCE&G officials warn that the rocks are often slippery and unstable, but that didn't seem to bother these students. Greg Rickabaugh/The Gamecock Taking time off Saluda Rive By GREG RICKABAUGH Staff Writer Seniors Jonathan Burnett and Bo Mueller can be found three times a week hanging out at the rapids behind Riverbanks Zoo. To escape the tremendous stress caused by long classes and overcrowded parking, uie two USC friends drive just 10 minutes to what they consider paradise. "It's just a good place to come and get away from Columbia," Burnett said about the Lower Saluda River, often referred to as "the rapids." While they admit it's not the safest hangout, the two take their chances and climb down the rocky banks with a cooler in one hand and a towel in the other. They don't wear their nicest clothes, and they often just wade before retreating from the freezing water that races along the rapids. To them, it seems like a hideaway at times. But when the weekend kicks in, USC students join other crowds in fishing, kayaking, innertubing, swimming, sunbathing and other activities along the river. USC's Mountaineering and Whitewater Club uses the Saluda River as a huge resource for canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Register with Selective Service, it's quick, it's easy, and it's the Law! - '': - * ! Wj r offers natur< Club members even plan midnight kayaking excursions under a full moon. i Other students such as sophomore Milton " Bensten use the rocky banks as a picnic area. a "We got food from the Grand Marketplace and brought it in our bookbag," Bensten said c Sunday while catching some rays with his 2 girlfriend, Lynne Snider. t The couple later ventured into the water j for a two-minute dip. t "The main thing is getting away after a busy week," Bensten said. i Senior John Kehl fishes the river on occa- ( sion. Striped bass are a popular catch, and t many say they are good eating. c But kayaking is Kehl's main sport on the river. r "It's not something to just fiddle around i with because you can get hurt," Kehl said. Zoo officials could not agree more. i Use of the river is discouraged in fact by i zoo personnel, who have witnessed many s drownings, alcohol-related injuries and destruction of the property. The zoo parking 1 lot is one of a few access points to the area, i and zoo personnel must now deal with river- i goers filling their lots. i Mary Leverette is the zoo's director of nnhlir oervirps 1 BUCKLE U . .. * . .iWr^w* ""mm* ^SSBm, ? ? i?T:M^^Bgf Syr,: V -f /\ m* 1 rk 1% /] 1 /V /\ ; lui lanuiuc "Over the past few years, there has been ncreasingly disruptive behavior," she said. There is a particular problem with alcohol ibuse and with drug abuse down there." Beer and soda cans are scattered through>ut the trails leading down to the river, and :oo officials are left to clean up the mess. In he past few years, the zoo has added security guards who turn non-zoo patrons away from he access area. While zoo officials discourage people from ?oing down to the river, a S.C. Electric & 3as official would like to remind people of Ka Hrmiminoc anH lifp.thrpcktpnino mnHilinne UV UIVTTIIIU^ U*IV? 1UV WUVMiVIIAIIg WllUlVtVllO )n the river. SCE&G spokesman Bill Lide has a tip for tewcomers to the area: The rapids might be ittractive, but they are dangerous. "It's is a very serious and life-threatening isk to go wandering on the rocks," Lide said, idding the rocks are slippery and not always rtable. Because the river is located downstream rom a hydroelectric plant, the water level is nanually fluctuated. In other words, five ninutes could put a just visible rock deeply inder water. SCE&G, who owns most of the land on he outerbanks of the Lower Saluda River, IP! IT'S 1 r / x | ^ J| Jl w!P^ S wlg& ^P ,i^KSIi^ m* ^ * %'f^^ :j j* " ked students has posted warning signs: HORN SIGNAL AND FLASHING LIGHTS INDICATE RISING WATER. "? - - - - - ? <-i n /-i ? ju Lide said there is notning iLtau can uu to prevent people from using the area, but he does warn river-goers to be extremely sensitive to th& lights and the sirens. "When the lights go off and siren sounds, we recommend going quickly off to the safety of the banks," Lide said. USC student Jonathan Burnett can relate. "I have slipped and fell on my butt plenty of times, especially when the siren goes off," Burnette said. But as the temperature remains hot and classes remain stressful, Burnette and his friends will continue to drive 10 minutes to their off?campus paradise. Access to the rive varies. Take the Greystone Boulevard/Riverbanks Zoo exit off 1-126. Turn left at the stop sign. A sign will point to Candy Lane. Take that right and drive about a quarter mile and park along the side. There are a number of trails along the railroad tracks leading down to the river. Also, for information about canoeing or kayaking trips on the rapids, call the River Running Outdoor Center at 771-0353. fHELAW