2/8/25 Gum Swamp Creek Section 3 - Barnes Bridge Rd. to Pea Bridge Rd

2/8/25 Gum Swamp Creek Section 3 - Barnes Bridge Rd. to Pea Bridge Rd, near Laurinburg. About 6 miles. 11 paddlers, cool and cloudy day, low water with good current. Andy and Garret shuttled from the take out. This was probably the most difficult, but interesting section of the creek so far - lots of twist, turns, briars, downfall galore - at least 8 go overs, 3 go unders, 1 drag over/portage. Garret, Omer, Gene and Van forged ahead scouting for downfall while Andy, Scott, Bill, Robyn, Nikki, Laura, and Donna followed. At downfall we paddled around like ants at a damaged pile seeking the best avenue to get through. With patience, Gene's sawing, and persistence, everyone pulled or pushed or coached each around the obstacles. As we passed by Scotch Meadows Golf Course, we found (collected) wayward golf balls caught in the bank. Some of us got caught on the rocks at the dam there. Garrett took on some water as some rocks tilted his boat following a turn on the rocks. Along the way were lots of beaver sticks. We lunched at Old Track Road sitting on both sides of the creek - wherever we could beach our boats. Slick mud made for a short splash for Bill but he was fine. Gene was quick to help with Bills's PFD and camera. We proceeded downstream through some beautiful scenery and had more fun with downfall and reached the take out around 3:15. This paddle was a memorable crusade and actually pretty typical for Gum Swamp Creek. We still have one more section to the end of the creek. Thanks to everyone who came out. You each chipped in to get yourself and others through. Bill and Scott shuttled Andy and Garrett back to the put in. Thanks! Afterwards, some paddlers went for ice cream in Laurinburg. I guess that was our reward. See ya on the river!