Weather was hot, but a gentle crossbreeze and intermittent cloud cover made it easier.
Paddled through Baton rouge from about 10am-11am. Immediately saw 3 ocean liners docked. Enormous.
Video too:
Had to pass it up this time bc I would want to do BR right. only spending a couple hours there, when it deserves a weekend.
Lunch while waiting for some clouds to go by. Was out of it from heat and left my boat low. Speed boat created a big wake and i knew immediately it was going to take my kayak into the river. Ran about 30 yards from my shade tree across the beach and into the water a few feet to grab it.
Low on water about 2 and found this casino in Garere where I thought I’d fill up.
a security guard was nice enough to help me, the second question he asked me was “how many people are with you?” and then he said into his radio “he’s alone”. And then to me “my boss is at your canoe, they dont like that you did that.” (Pulled my boat onto the river bank outside the casino). Two of them waiting at the boat. They were cool though, and I promised them it would never happen again–haha. and they left me a note just in case i missed them:
Then I just wanted to make it into Plaquemine as I heard (correctly) that it is an easy place to stop–boat ramp with the town immediately on the other side of the levee–not always the case. On the ramp I met a couple new friends, Richard and Andre. Both were cool dudes. Andre watched my stuff for me while Richard drove me across town to grab a burger and fries. Richard is doing good things in the Plaquemine, and from the stories he told me, I know he cares very deeply about the people around him. Like me, he’s not from around here either–but down from Camilla, GA and working for DOW Chemical.
Richard and I. Thank you Andre for taking the picture. And learn how to swim man!
I got my final rations too for the rest of the trip. Only stopping for water and rest from here on. 110 miles to go. Camp it take what you can get tonight.
Nana
Aug 8, 2014 -
Do you notice that the river current is getting swifter the closer you get to the delta?
Stay safe, I love you
Nana
Zach
Aug 9, 2014 -
idk if you remember a few weeks ago the news talking about the mississippi floods, well that was right before I got on and that was the fastest it has been all trip…speed of current is dictated by water level mostly. mississippi is low right now so its slower. Love you!
roberta hoheimer
Aug 8, 2014 -
im so glad you are meeting nice people all along the way,sometimes that’s hard to do,what a trip,i don’t know you personally,but im proud of you.
Zach
Aug 9, 2014 -
nice people are everywhere, you just gotta start talking to strangers! And thank you for the compliment roberta!
roberta hoheimer
Aug 8, 2014 -
oh yes,wanted to ask you is the big boats scared you?
Zach
Aug 9, 2014 -
nah, the big boats are still just boats. they are massive so theyre easy to see.