Today we paddled through what can only be described has industrial hell! People always talk about Baton Rouge but today we paddled through what has thus far the heaviest and most stressful section of industry thus far. The morning started out busy with numerous barges, tugs, and a couple ships which was very manageable. However as we rounded the corner above Donaldsonville, LA we were greeted by a dozen or more container ships, oil tankers, cargo ships and countless barges, towes, tugs, pilot ships, and crew boats! The waters churned creating waves which came from every direction as a result of the frenzy of traffic. We stuck to our typical route along the right descending bank outside of the fleet barges (parked barge containers that are organized into larger strings or barges to be brought up river by larges towe boats). We started about 50-100 yards out from them but because of the complex movement of other large boats we were having to navigate closer than normal which caused our line of sight to be blocked. As a large ship passed us a voice came over the radio to a north bound towe boat. "There is a canoe abreast of me RIGHT NOW! Swing wide or your gonna run right into them!"
My heart sank and a wave adrenaline washed over me. I immediately got on the radio telling the ship captain that I could hear him and asked what needed to happen. "You need to get wide immediately to avoid this barge headed toward you." We did quickly and could see what he was talking about although I could see a small route we could have taken and been fine! Not doubting the captain I swung our canoe wide to the middle of the channel thus avoiding the north bound towe. As we paddled on the captain told us that just a month ago or so he saw the same thing happen to two guys in a canoe who drowned. However, they didn't because they had just recently got back on the river and were finishing thier trip. Not feeling the need to make this superfluous correction I thanks the captain for his guidance and paddled on. This port was exhausting mentally. After passing through Donaldsonville Amanda's anxiety was through the roof and my nerves were shot and my knees felt like Jelly. Our goal today was to make Paulina, LA which is a perfectly placed respite for the weary paddler. Encouraged by the knowledge that a guaranteed safe campsite and likely some much needed southern hospitality awaited us we paddled on. Exhausted and cranky we rounded the corner and there it was, the big white sign which read in big bold letters "WELCOME PADDLERS mi 149 Paulina, LA". We were stoked and paddled up to the shore gave each other a big high five and a hug! We took a picture next to the sign as is the custom and began to unload our boat. I was surprised to see that no one was around, however no sooner did I say it Charlie Poche came cruising over the top of the levy in a suped up golf cart. He was great! He greeted us with a big smile and told us to set up wherever. As we began to unload more people came, all of whom were related to Charlie. Bird and Tyler were the first to arrive and assured me they would keep Amanda safe while Charlie and I went to fill of our water jugs. When I returned Amanda set up the tent while myself, Dwayne and Caleb gathered material and started a fire. As we set up we talked with Bird, Tyler, Doug, Trixie, Dwayne, and Caleb. Caleb asked if we were hungry and fixed us up a plate of his famous Pastalia which is Jumbalia but with noodles instead of rice. It was amazing. We all talked well into the night (although in reality it was probably only 9 or 10pm) and went to bed filled with a great sense of appreciation for the incredible hospitality that the Poche family extended to us and a great sense of appreciation. Tomorrow Charlie is going to take us to the store so we can buy what should be the last bit of supplies we need.
Charlie was very helpful as well as his other family members which you read about
Southern hospitality to a "T"
Tyler I hope you paddle the Mississippi some day with your dad!!!
Thanks Bird for the eggs ,bread ,fruit and wine which we drank when we reached the Gulf!
Caleb's famous Pastalia
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