The Pack and Paddle Blog

As most of you know, the front of our shop was turned into a drive-thru by an out of control car last December. Since then, we’ve taken some time to decide what we wanted to do with this area. Since it’s the front entrance of the shop, we wanted it to be in keeping with [...] Continue Reading

I wanted to share this description of the Tour Du Teche from one of the racers that’s also one of our customers. Jeri St. Blanc paddled the 130 mile route in her Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145. Thought you might enjoy reading it: Hello to all Tour Du Teche participants! What a wild week-end! It was [...] Continue Reading

A little over a year ago, Becky and I sat staring at a list scribbled on a piece of paper. On the left side were all the things we like to do. Kayak fishing, day hikes, extended hikes, canoe trips, work, going out to eat, bicycling trips etc… On the right side was how we [...] Continue Reading

We got these pictures and story through a friend’s email. We think you’ll enjoy them… Kitty is a very adventurous cat. She is the beloved pet of American travelers, Peter and Marcia Simmons, who are hiking from Miami , Florida to Ushuaia in Argentina . They are currently in Colombia . Kitty is often seen [...] Continue Reading

The Tour Du Teche Racers Gathering is for all people interested in finding out more about this unique 130 mile race along the entire length of the Bayou Teche. At this event, race organizers will cover details about portages and other features on the race route. During the meeting, organizers will cover and explain all [...] Continue Reading

Recently, Becky Williams and her puppy Boone took a two week solo hike on the Appalachian Trail. In the following blog, Becky describes their journey together. People have asked what was I seeking, wasn’t I afraid and what was my trip like. Anyone who has taken a big trip will understand that these are sometimes [...] Continue Reading

Last spring, many of you crowded into the Pack & Paddle venue to hear Jon Bowermaster speak and show slides of his amazing kayaking expeditions all over the world. We are currently working on hosting Jon and fellow film maker Conni Castille for an unforgettable evening. Jon will show his new film “SoLa, Louisiana Water [...] Continue Reading

I got an email from Lisa Alexander about a fishing trip that she and friend Regina Womack took with their new kayaks to fish in Lake Valentine up near Alexandria. On the trip, Regina caught a near-state record Largemouth Bass. I have two accounts of the event. Here is Regina’s account: Thursday, May 6, 2010, [...] Continue Reading

We’re getting ready to make a change to our sign out in front of the store. Artist Jon MacManus has created new original artworks to be installed on our current signposts. One side of the sign will depict a paddler in a typical Louisiana Swamp scene while the other will feature a hiker cresting the [...] Continue Reading

Perfect early spring weather arrived just on time for the outdoor community of Lafayette to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather. On hand for the weekend were 300 folks from Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and even as far away as Tennessee! We paddled, looked at new gear, caught up with old friends [...] Continue Reading