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Page Design by Brian J. Mull |
March 15th – Manchac Wetlands north of Laplace. A forested wetlands of bayous, canals, ponds and marshes. By mid March, the birdlife will be active and can be seen in the daytime or heard after sunset.
May 17th -- Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge near Lacombe. With a choice of launch sites and paddling routes, the group will paddle out to Lake Pontchartrain to watch the sunset over the lake.
June 14th – Cane Bayou near Mandeville. The boundary stream for the Big Branch Marsh NW Refuge, the bayou features swamp habitat, marsh and lagoons and the shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain.
Where we will be paddling and what the area is like:In the spring, there is a choice of wetland destinations to the west and north of New Orleans. Among the choices are LaBranche Wetlands near the Bonnet Carre Spillway, the Manchac Wetlands north of Laplace, and the Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge around Lacombe.
Where to meet: All paddlers are to meet at the launch site. Directions will be sent when individuals sign up for the paddle.
When to meet: For March at 4 pm and for May and June at 5 pm. This will give us several hours of daylight before sunset. The outings usually last from five to six hours from meeting time until return to New Orleans.
What to bring: Lunch and drink. Dress for the forecasted weather but bring something warm to wear in case the night air is cool. Wear footwear that can get wet since paddlers may need to step out of the canoe. Also bring raingear - poncho or a rainsuit. Finally bring a flashlight and a can of insect repellant for each canoe.
What is the schedule for the evening: Once everyone is present at Lakeside Shopping Center, we will convoy to a public launch. From the launch, we will explore the wetlands that has been chosen for the evening. The route may take us through swamps or marshes via a web of canals, bayous, and ponds. At sunset, we will pause both to watch the sunset and to eat our lunches. We will probably eat in our canoes since that gives us the best view of the sunset and any wildlife activity.
Once it is dark, we will resume our paddle by the light of the moon. The lead and sweep canoes will have small lights for identification. Often we pause for a few long minutes to just listen for the sounds of the night. The frogs can be in a frenzy of chirps, bleats and croaks. There may well be other sounds that are unidentified. But what is of most interest is whether any alligators are present. Using spotlights, we look for the red eyes of the alligator. Often we are successful in seeing one or more.
How do I make reservations: Email me with your name or names and home or cell telephone number and then send in your payment. I will confirm your reservations and receipt of your payment by email .
How do I pay: By check to "Canoe and Trail Adventures" at 1049 Hesper Avenue in Metairie, LA 70005-1551.
The fee for the guide service and the use of the canoes and the paddling accessories is $35 for one or $65 for two. There is a $10 credit per paddler if paddlers furnish their own canoe. A child as a passenger is $5.
IF YOU HAVE MADE A RESERVATION AND THEN FOR WHATEVER REASON YOU CANNOT COME, THEN NOTIFY ME !!!!!!!!!! When someone does not show up at the meeting site or the launch, then the entire group may be held up waiting for you. If you do not come, then there will be an unused canoe, which is a major problem.
If you realize that you cannot come on the day of the paddle, call 504 834-5257 which is my business/home number. If within two hours of the meeting time, call my cell number 504 606-2207. It would be greatly appreciated by everyone on the trip.