Perfect weather greeted us at Fausse Point State Park for our annual Basinkeeper fundraising paddle trip. Twenty five people signed up to support Dean and Cara in their efforts in the Atchafalaya. After a quick talk, we launched and headed out of the park in kayaks and canoes towards the far shore of Lake Dauterive. It was a great sight to see all the canoes and kayaks gliding across the water following Dean and Stacey to the big trees on the far side.
After winding through the trees Stacey pulled the group together in a cathedral of cypress. We all grouped up on the water feeling the imposing beauty and character of these amazing trees. Dean Wilson (our Atchafalaya Basinkeeper) gave a talk on their efforts in the Basin to preserve water quality and protect the cypress. Afterwards lots of people asked questions and learned more about 
what was happening in the Basinkeeper program.
At our next stop (again surrounded by huge cypress) noted author and living legend Greg Guirard addressed the group. He talked about the history of the cypress in the area. He told a story from one of his books. And he answered questions about the trees and the fragile culture that still exists in the Atchafalaya. I can say that it was truly inspiring to hear both Dean and Greg talk about the subjects for which they have given their lives – right there among the moss draped cypress.
After returning to the park, we loaded up the boats and headed to the pavilion for a fish fry. Drew Landry was on hand to play is unique brand of music with a friend on the mandolin. What a treat! Everyone enjoyed stuffing themselves with native catfish from the Basin – fried up just right by David Alleman of McGees Landing in Henderson. David Chauvin offered up prints of his beautiful photograpy – giving all the proceeds to the Basinkeeper program as did Greg Guirard with his books. In
all, we raised over $2,000 for the basinkeeper program. But to me the big take-away from this trip was to be inspired by these people who give so much every day to protect the basin.
We hope you will join us next year for this amazing trip!
Here’s a link to all the photos from this trip:
It was a fine day for everyone involved. Greg