We dropped the boats off in Jennings then dropped the vehicles off in Mermentau. We had a large group of folks that were eager for the 7 mile paddle down one of the most beautiful and easily accessible rivers in south Louisiana. Half of the group paddled with me before and they are lots of fun, some driving quite a distance to get to Lafayette.
As we paddled down the river, there 
were eastern tent caterpillars everywhere in the water, falling from all the trees along the waterway. I hate to see them trying in vain to reach something solid so I scoop up as many as I can along the way and put them in my boat to be released later. We saw lots of non-venomous water snakes along the waters edge in low hanging branches but no cottonmouths. 
We stopped off in a little waterway for a break where we met a small alligator sunning itself at the entrance.
We found some nice cypress to have lunch further down the river then headed out into the Mermentau River. We did see a few wading birds but this trip is more about the beautiful tree lined waterway with very little structures along the way. We had about a 12 mph east wind which made some of the turns a little harder and other turns a little easier. As long as there is not a south wind, this is an easy paddle that is absolutely beautiful.
Thanks to all of the folks on this trip for making it so much fun, topping off a beautiful day. I don’t think anyone will forget what a smartcar looks like with a kayak on top and paddle sticking out of the window!
To see more photos from this trip, click here!
-Stacey Scarce, Trip Leader