2016 Going East Adventure #3 - Lake Charles to Delcambre - April 2 - 5, 2016

Under Construction -  Check back later for photos!

Good Bye Lake Charles, Hello Mermentau
April 2, 2016 - Mermentau River

Fingers crossed we got up and prepared to leave.  The winds were not too bad, although it was not calm, and it was a bit chilly, but the forecast was for winds to continue to die and skies to clear before we got to our anchorage at Mermentau River.   So, we said goodbye to Lake Charles and headed out.

 By the time we were out of the Calcasaiu River we were thrilled that we had decided to go.

We made our way to the back side of the island for good protection and dropped our anchor and settled in for the most beautiful night.  Low winds, crisp clear skies and NO MOSQUITOS!  I don't remember the last time I saw so many stars... lighting up the pitch black sky with a crescent moon.  Heaven on hearth.

April 3, 2016 - Delcambre - North Pier Marina
We got up early to see the beautiful morning on the river.  And to get a start on pulling up the anchor.  Since we have to do this by hand... but it all went well.  As we left the river we went head into the bright east sun... and it was very difficult to see with the reflection on the water.  As you would imagine, watching for barge traffic was exciting!

We saw a lot of Roseate Spoonbills flying all around.  Then, we found a huge flock of them in trees along the water.

Just before we entered the Petite Anise Bayou we met a trawler who so our AGLCA flag and starting waving their gold one.  Turned out they were actually at North Pier Marina so we stopped by to say hi when we arrived.

Going up the bayou is interesting.... looks like we are in the marsh.  Current is usually really strong.  But this time it was an ebb tide so it was not too bad.  We managed to dock without incident, but we were not able to pull all the way to the pier because we grounded.

We had a great welcoming committee.  Windell from the Port and T gave us a warm welcome. We settled in and took a short walk then joined the others for a dock party.  Another beautiful time in Delcambre

April 4, 2016 - Delcambre - North Pier Marina
Brrrr.  It's cold.  High 30's... but it is beautiful bright sunshine and temps should get into the 80's.  We headed out this morning for a dingy excursion up to Avery Island.

Fish fry and court bouillon

Getting ready for bed and we get a text from Curtis that the Atchafalaya River is at flood stage.


April 5, 2016 - Delcambre - North Pier Marina
We contacted Berwick VTS and Bayou Boeuf Lock for info about the river.  They both seemed to think we would be ok,   But, we really felt it would be best to look at the situation ourselves, so we decided to rent a car for the day and drive over and look ourselves.

Our car was a jeep.  It was the only car they had.  We had to pile in and Diane, Barb and I took our turn in the cargo area.  We were never able to lock it and there was obviously an issue with the electronics.

We found the water rushing through the river. Morgan City side docks were at or underwater and the flood gates were closed.  It looked so abandoned when we are used to seeing it loaded with shrimp boats.  Several barges came through, along with branches and logs from up river.  The water on the Berwick side was really high too.  But it was only about 18-20 inches below the dock and we were concerned about any tide rise or wake from a barge would cause us to lose our bumpers.

We drove over to Guidry's Landing and found it calm and plenty of water and a good alternative. This marina is usually too low to consider, but because of the floods make it ideal for us.  Using a rock tied to a line on a boat docked there, we judged it to be at least 8'.  There was a HUGE log across two slips though... so we need to watch what else may be below the water.

We drove back had dinner at Chili's and made it an early night.
Early tomorrow it Berwick/Morgan City