With all the beautiful areas to paddle around Lafayette, the Virgin Cypress area of Lake Fausse Point is still stunningalmost beyond belief. Our group launched through some high grass on the edge of the lake feeling the intense afternoon heat along the edge of the levee. The weatherman had predicted temps hitting 99 – and it felt like it as we carried our kayaks and canoes to the water. Once we were on the lake the day felt completely different. A breeze kept us cool as we paddle through the shade of the ancient cypress that line the shore.
We spotted lots of bird life along the way including egrets, great blue herons, prthontary warblers aka Cajun Canaries, and three huge Barred Owls. Lots of fish were jumping and we spotted many large Gar fish hovering just below the surface as we paddled.Of course, the trees are always the main event – and they never disappoint. Gnarled from centuries of weathering, every tree is a beautiful testament to the toughness of these cypress and the beauty that their long lives have brought to them.
After returning to our put in point, we loaded up and headed for Fausse Point State park for a well deserved supper of special wraps, ice cold watermelon (a real treat in the heat!), lemonade and cookies. Thanks to everyone that participated in this trip – Becky and I really enjoyed sharing this very special area with you!
Thanks to Mark Andrews for the beautiful pictures on this post.
To see more photos of this trip, click here.
As a boy, I fished Fausse Point many times. That was 35 yrs. ago! My family and I would swim along the bulkheads and gather blackberries in the morning. My dad and uncles would drag a seine net along the shore and catch fish and shellfish which we would cook on the shore. Having just moved “back home” I look forward to participating in your trips.