Basinkeeper Paddle Trip Report Sept 2013
This was a special paddle trip in support of our Atchafalaya Basinkeeper’s work. It included a paddle, short talks on the water, a fish fry and a membership with the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper. Most of the group met Dean Wilson, the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, and I at Pack & Paddle, while others met us at our put-in point. Sometimes there is confusion as to where we are meeting for this particular trip, today was no exception. We meet at the Bayou Benoit Boat Landing parking area, which is not across the levee where the boat landing is. We launch our boats into ...
Demerit Badges
If you're into the outdoors, you're going to love the new Demerit Badges that we now have in stock. These badges look like boy scout merit badges, but are much easier to earn! From 'Marshmallow Mishap' to 'Firefly Harvest' to 'No TP' to 'Kayak King' - these badges are lots of fun. We currently have 24 different badges in stock. Check them out next time you're in the store! ...
Eco Extreme Waterproof Speakers
Take your music with you - anywhere! This speaker is compatible with all phones & mp3 players, plus, it's completely waterproof and shockproof. FEATURES: -Waterproof case with built-in speaker -3' full range forward firing speaker -Detachable carabiner clip allows easy transportation -Up to 30hrs Battery Life at average volume levels -Requires 3 AA batteries (batteries not included) -Exterior pressure release valve ensures your case is water tight but always easy to open at low and high altitudes -Spacious internal storage compartment can hold your keys, MP3 Player, credit cards, drivers license and cash, while keeping it all safe from ...
Kincaid Loop Trail Hike September 2013
What an awesome and exciting walk around Kincaid Lake! Our small crew had perfect weather with minimal sun, and a moderately paced walk that was both energizing and stimulating. Starting off along the trail we saw some wild Muscadine growing along the bridge as well as the green pine cones the squirrels had ravaged for food during these last days of summer and then haphazardly discarded the remains. Along the comfortably shaded trail we witnessed many interesting plants and animals that included French Mulberry, Giant Mushrooms, Muscadine Grapes, deer, frogs and toads, turtles, various nuts and grasses, Egrets and a ...
Sunrise Paddle & Brunch at Lake Martin August 2013
We had an awfully early start this morning, met at Pack and Paddle for 5:30AM. That put us on the water just as the sun was rising. Everyone, surprisingly at this hour, was chatty with smiling faces and plenty of pep for the morning paddle. The stillness of our surroundings was only broken by the splash of fish, the ever moving wading birds leaving their roost for a day foraging, the occasional alligator spotted swimming in the open waters, the song birds tweeting their musical songs and the frogs. The frogs with their cricket like calls for some and deep snores ...
Osprey Portal Packs
Osprey Packs have outdone themselves yet again! These brand new bags in the Portal Series feature the unique Port™ window, allowing use of a tablet without removing it from the pack. Talk about a smart bag. Technology has become integral to daily life. Laptops, tablets, smartphones and their accouterments need to go wherever we go. The Portal Series is designed with access to and interaction with these devices as priority. PORTAL PACK FEATURES: Separate padded laptop and tablet sleeves Magazine/document sleeves Organizer panel keeps small items secure and accessible Top padded grab handle [vimeo]http://vimeo.com/69946350[/vimeo] Come by the shop to check out them ...
Kayak Fishing Trip Calcasieu Point Landing July 2013
We arrived at Calcasieu Point Landing early Saturday morning to thunderstorms and wind. After a while, the thunderstorms began to dissipate and we put the kayaks in the water to begin fishing. The conditions continued to be windy which made paddling tough. Everyone on the trip were good sports and worked hard to do there best to make it a successful trip. Given the conditions and strong tides the bite was off resulting in only a few fish being caught. Everyone on the trip did go home with a good working knowledge of how to go out and catch specs, reds and flounder from ...
Private Trip to Lake Martin – First Baptist Youth Group
This was a private trip for the First Baptist Youth Group. A great group of mostly high schoolers who were up for the challenge of paddling most of the lake. We had lots of help unloading boats before giving quick paddling instruction. We headed to the south side of the lake first to paddle within all of the wonderful cypress as the wading birds flew overhead. The cypress and tupelo on this end of the lake make you feel as if you are in another world. We heard Northern Cricket frogs and Pig Frogs on this end of the lake ...
Lake Chicot Paddle August 2013
It was a beautiful August afternoon when we shoved off from the North landing of Chicot State Park near Ville Platte, Louisiana. The sun’s rays highlighted the wonder of nature as we paddled through a majestic field of American Lotus pads on our way to the shade of the thick cypress and tupelo flooded woods. Our group was diverse with paddlers hailing from different parts of the World and the USA together enjoying natural beauty of the Park. Our group wove through the Northwest fingers of Chicot Lake moving on to explore periphery of Turtle Island, keeping off the beaten ...
Howl at the Moon Paddle July 2013
Once we got the boats unloaded near the boat landing at Lake Martin and I gave very brief paddling instruction, I asked the group if they wanted to see birds on the south end near the rookery or alligators and birds on the north end of the lake. It was an overwhelming vote for alligators. The north end of the lake is usually where I see the largest alligators in the lake other than at the boat landing. We traversed through the cypress and tupelo as well as all of the American Lotus. We stopped off to eat some of ...
Waterfall Hike Level 2 Trip Report July 2013
With the summer upon us, this waterfall trip was a true delight. With so much of the trip being in the creek bed, it keeps you cool and your spirits high. This was the first trip to Clark Creek since we upped the classifications. The ever changing water flow has made some of the trail a little more challenging. Challenging, yet super fun! Scrambling up and over boulders and using a rope to ascend and descend a 6’ drop, SUPER SWEET! This was our new and improved “Level 2”, Old “Level 1”. I think it worked out great and I hope ...
Waterfall Hike Level 1 Trip Report July 2013
With these summer rains, hiking in the Southern states, there is always a risk of getting caught in a thunder storm, today was not going to be any different. With a 60% chance of rain after noon and getting a somewhat late start, I knew we were going to keep the trip a little shorter. Shorter, not only because of the rain, but also because this was advertised as a less strenuous hike. With the help of the overcast and walking in the creek, we stayed cool for the entire trip. Our usual stop at the #3 waterfall for lunch allowed us to take a ...