My adventure tank was running dangerously low and I had a whole day off where I didn't have to work either job. I had a hankering for a short road trip so I searched for hiking trails within about an hour of where I live. With very few choices, my friend Madison and I selected our destination and our journey began. A simple 30 minute drive from I-10, Lake Fausse Point seems to have all the amenities. A beautiful lake to boat on, a reasonably sized campground, and even hiking trails with backpacking camping spots. Being about an hour southeast of where I live I should have known that the scenery wouldn't be much different than home. In fact if you aren't in the mood for a road trip but would love to go hiking you can experience the same sights and sounds right here in Lafayette at the Acadiana Nature Station, minus the lake. I would love to go back and kayak that beautiful lake but until then you'll just have to settle for hearing about 2 out of the 3 hiking trails that they offer. That's right, this trip was so spur of the moment that we didn't even have time to do all of the hiking trails. Bummer. But it's not too far away so I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities to return and continue my exploration. After exiting I-10 you have about 30 minutes of curvy roads and driving next to a levee before you reach the park. Along the way there were tons of these strange boxes stacked along side the tree line, our best guest was beekeeping boxes. If you're a box expert and have traveled this way and seen the oddities please let us know what they are, it's still puzzling us... Once you reach the park you have to stop at the booth where you'll pay $2 per person for day use. Continue straight and follow the road until you see the trail head on the right and a parking lot on the left. The time estimates were pretty accurate and I loved that they included them on their trail maps so we knew what we would have time for. Unfortunately the longest and probably most interesting one didn't fit into our schedule. So we traversed trails A and B for a total of almost 2 and a half miles and about 45 minutes. Trail A, what can I say about Trail A? Not much honestly. If you have little adventurers this is the perfect trail for them. Just the right length and flat terrain. However if you're a native of Louisiana without little adventurers and are looking for an interesting hike, this is not the trail you're looking for. For me it was too short and too simple. Not much to see either. If it's your first time in southern Louisiana you get to see the plants native to the area so it might still be of interest to you. Trail B was an improvement, although ever so slightly. Almost twice the distance this trail provided more opportunity for excitement. We experienced boardwalks and a very very small change in elevation which could very well have been our favorite part. Besides that it was very similar to Trail A. Highlighting our hiking trip was probably the cluster of caterpillars on a tree. It was very intriguing and I later learned that they cluster like this to appear as a bigger organism in hopes to deter predators. Neat! Although we had passed the "Scenic Overlook" on the way into Trail B, we decided to leave it as the finale of our hike. So as we completed the loop of Trail B we detoured onto the "scenic overlook" marked on the trail map. I don't know about you but when I see the words scenic overlook on a map I think something like a spot on the top of a big hill with breathtaking scenery. But this deceiving term scenic overlook has fooled me before on another hike so I don't know why I let it happen again. Their idea of a scenic overlook is a dock that just barely extends into the water and provides a view of the lake. Heck, there was a better view from the bridge you cross to get to the hiking trails. The view was pretty, don't get me wrong, I just hate being deceived. It wasn't the grand view that "scenic overlook" preps you for. While I may have seemed like a Debbie Downer throughout this review there were things that I loved about these trails. They are clearly marked, even though its not really necessary because the trails themselves are well kept and distinguished. Every trail made a convenient sized loop so there was no getting to the end of the trail and having to turn around and walk back. There is a trail for every schedule. One for a quick walk, one for a longer stroll, and one for the hiking enthusiast looking to spend more time on the trails. As for traveling an hour just to hike these trails I'm not so sure it's worth the drive, maybe if we had more time to do Trail C. So make it a day of boating and hiking if you're planning a day trip and give yourself plenty of time. Even better make it a weekend with camping too! The main points: If you're looking for a nice stroll in the Louisiana swampy wilderness this could be the hike for you. If you're looking for a challenging trail with new and exciting sights this may not be the hike for you. THERE WERE SWARMS OF MOSQUITOES! Bring your bugspray if you don't want to get eaten alive. There's a $2 per person entry fee. I give Lake Fausse Point Hiking Trails A and B Happy Hiking!
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Being a nature lover you're bound to want to take care of the earth and it's creatures right? I mean there won't be any nature to enjoy if we don't take care of it. So here's a project where you can feed your neighborhood birds AND save the planet! A DIY Recycled Bird feeder! You just need a recycled container, some string, and some popsicle sticks! Here's my how to: If you want to see more videos like this, my hiking adventures, and the occasional recipe, be sure to subscribe to my channel! :D
I just couldn't stand how long it had been since I spent some good quality time with nature so I journeyed about 20 minutes away to Lake Martin and circled the lake on their trail! This time I tried my hand at Vlogging...check it out! Dorky, huh? Here's what you should know: The trail is a flat 2.5 miles. No matter which trailhead you start at, the one immediately to the left when you pull onto Rookery Road or the one past the boat launch all the way at the end, you're going to have to make the super long walk back down Rookery Road to complete the loop and get your car. If you really want to avoid that...have a friend pick you up. The trail is closed during most of the summer for gator mating season. It's a big tourist attraction so warmer months are going to yield a lot of people. I loved my secluded winter hike. It was SO peaceful to have the trail to myself. Bottom line...it can get kind of boring with straight stretches of nothing but trees on either side of you. That being said this trail is definitely for the bird enthusiast and I think it would make a great running trail. Click here for a great source to help you plan your trip! I give Lake Martin Trail
Happy New Year fellow nature lovers! New year, new blog background! Actually while I was updating my blog I was inspired to write a new entry.
The new picture in the background is my husband jumping into Lake Martin, a popular spot in Lafayette,LA. I will probably always remember this day because of the amazing memories we made. But let me back up a little. Originally this post was going to be talking about making a resolution to hike, bike, kayak, or just plain get outside more. It was going to dive into making a list of trails you wanted to hike this year and sticking to it! But then as I changed the picture on here I thought...that's not how I do it at all. I had a roller derby bout in Texas and I thought "hey it would be fun to spend the next day hiking" so I literally went to google maps, typed in the address, and drug around the map until I found a trail. Another time a family member simply mentioned what they had heard about an interesting hike and that was enough to make the journey out there within the next few months. Be explorer minded so you can see the opportunities when they present themselves. Let the adventure come to you! The great thing about hiking trips is they can be spur of the moment, and when they are, often the best memories are made. Rigid resolutions may lead you to failure so make it simple. My resolution is to do more of the things that I love and have more adventures. Don't be scared to venture out of your comfort zone. Heck, make every day an adventure! Carpe Diem! The first sign of cold weather usually sends a southerner running indoors and halts recreational outdoor activity. I wish I could say I am an exception to this but sadly I have not been. However the cold weather isn't the only thing that has been keeping me away from the great outdoors. This semester at school quickly got hectic and you know how it goes with the holidays and retail jobs....
But I did want to pop in and let you know that I plan to keep posting as soon as I take my next adventure! I actually attempted to take an adventure all by my lonesome and chickened out because there were giant spiders/spiderwebs scrawled across the trail I visited practically every 5 feet. No thanks! With the new year starting be on the look out for adventures in: Acadiana Park and Nature Station (within the next few months) Trail(s) in the Houston, TX area (in February) Trail(s) in Ireland and Scotland (in June) Maybe next winter will provide for outdoor adventures in snowboarding or skiing! What do you do to get outside during the winter? Recently I've had to battle a number of pests in my garden. Proving the most difficult to defend from the creepers is my pumpkin plant. I mean I can't blame the bugs for being attracted to those big, luscious, healthy, green leaves but they're kind of essential to the growing process. First came the snails. I knew it was them because I found slimy trails all over my plants, yuck. So I set off to find a natural remedy to the infestation. I was looking more for a deterrent because I think snails are just the cutest things when they aren't destroying my garden. I didn't really want to kill them but the plants told me "It's us or the snails" and naturally I had to choose my babies. I came across what seemed to be this totally ludicrous suggestion that snails are attracted to beer. After an extensive search the only ingredient I seemed to have in my house was the beer. It was probably a year old because my husband and I don't drink beer and we're too lazy to throw it out so it was the perfect opportunity to get rid of it. I followed the directions and poured a little in a shallow dish and set it next to my garden. The next day I checked it out and it was a snail graveyard! There must have been at least 30 drowned snail corpses. I still feel bad for luring them to their deaths but found out that other people hand pick them out of their garden and feed them to the local birdies. I might try that next time, giving their death a new purpose, but I fear the beer soaked snail carcases may intoxicate the birds who will drunkenly slam into my windows. Next came these super weird black and red bugs. Some expert Googling still left me with a dead end as to what exactly these bugs are...assassin bugs? baby stink bugs? leaf-footed bug nymph? squash bugs? Since I couldn't be completely sure I figured rather safe than sorry and proceeded to poke and prod the creepy uniform clusters every morning and afternoon until they fell off. After about the 3rd day I got really tired of poking and sprinkled the plant with some diatomaceous earth to see if that would do the trick. The next morning the number had seemed to decline but that afternoon there were just as many as before. So I went back to the old method of poking them off twice a day, this time stomping the grass where they fell thinking maybe if they found a few of their dead buddies it may scare them off. My theory was wrong and the poking and stomping continued for a few weeks until they completely disappeared and were replaced with caterpillars. Caterpillars and I have such a love hate relationship. I mean we have a butterfly garden that is supposed to attract you... GO MUNCH ON THOSE PLANTS AND TURN INTO BEAUTIFUL WINGED CREATURES! Why can't they behave? They have completely devoured entire pumpkin leaves. Do you know how big those things are??? I can understand if you want a delectable snack. A hole here and there is ok every once in awhile but entire leaves? I have to draw the line somewhere. The rate at which my pumpkin leaves are disappearing is alarming considering these fatties only arrived in my garden around 3 days ago. But when I decide to take action by finding them and relocating them by hand into our garden specially made for them I can't spot the little leaf pigs anywhere. They're probably rolling over in the grass with their big pot bellies full of joy and delicious pumpkin leaves. Well guess what? They will be greeted with an unpleasant surprise if they by some miracle become hungry again. That's right, their chosen pumpkin leaf feast is now garlic flavored, their least favorite. But until then if anyone sees them, let them know this is war.
What pests do you have to battle in your garden? What natural remedies have worked for you? Lake Martin Breaux Bridge, Louisiana 70517 It's easy to find and easy to access. Lake Martin is no doubt a rapidly growing tourist destination for the Lafayette area. A little snow cone hut, kayak rentals, and swamp tours are just the beginning of this lake. A boat will occasionally roam the waters carrying foreigners and a tour guides voice that struggles to be heard over the motor. Local fisherman's boats buzz by from time to time. Anglers of all skill levels occupy the shore. But the real magic happens when you silently witness the life of the lake as you glide along the still surface in your kayak. Tourists come from all over to see "Louisiana Swamp" and the lake does not disappoint. It carries the most prominent features like gators galore, bald cypress trees by the dozen, and beautiful birds such as Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons. But if you're looking to make those life long memories a motor boat tour isn't the way to go. Being able to explore the lake and its wonders for ourselves is something I will always cherish. Getting just that much closer to the majestic birds and fluttering dragonflies, freezing in fear as you spot a gator peering at you from just a few feet away, feeling the sun on your skin as you take in the serenity of this place all make for an unforgettable experience. Don't forget the secret dock and giant spiders. So grab your kayak or rent one from the little shack down the road from the boat launch. Grab your kids, your friends, your partner, your fishing pole. Pack a lunch, some water, some bug spray and sun protection. Use the abundant opportunities that Lake Martin gives you and make some amazing memories! There is so much to explore. Except the dense field of lily pads in the middle of the lake. Don't try to paddle through those as a short cut. Take the extra time to go around and take in more of the lake instead of taking home sore arms. And when your husband makes you jump in the gator infested waters first to make sure its safe, take a deep breath and smile as you plunge in and stow away this blissful moment in your life long memories. I give Lake Martin
Ah, the great state of Texas.You really surprised me with a fantastic hike. I hope to return to explore more of your trails. Don't let me down! Chalk Ridge Falls Park 5600 FM 1670 Belton, TX 76513 (254) 939-2461 Free Entry The endless research I did on this trail was outdated and not so helpful. All I knew going into this hike from what I found through Google searches was that it had been closed down for a little while, it had a waterfall, it had a cool suspension bridge, there was a cave(s) somewhere along or right off the trail, and there were apparently 5 miles of trail. Let me clear things up. It was closed down for awhile for repair after a flood in 2007 but is now open (obviously) and has been open since about May of this year. From other stuff I've read it can be closed after lots of rain because its prone to flood and is also on the other side of a dam. There is definitely a waterfall. Definitely beautiful. Definitely easy to find. There is a suspension bridge that is in full use. It is not broken and it is safe to cross. The 5 miles of trail seems plausible but I'm not quite sure as to what they're referring to. The trails immediately around the river couldn't have been more than three. There were some trails beyond the waterfall that we walked for less than half a mile before turning around because we felt like we were in the desert and there really wasn't anything to see. So that may be what they're referring to.You'll just have to do your own exploring in that area. We found a cave.....way off the trail. Keep reading for more info on that. To the Waterfall The drive to Chalk Ridge Falls is beautiful. You drive over a dam with a royal blue lake on one side and the park on the other. There's a small paved loop with parking and restrooms right next to the trailhead. Not too far in you can either choose to walk on a trail right next to the water or stay on the larger trail just parallel to it. We went down to the water's edge to explore but came back up not too much further down the trail. It says the trail is marked but we only saw a few posts with colored markers on them. The main trail is clear though so it wasn't much trouble. Soon you'll find yourself at the waterfall. It's better than some of the reviews gave it credit for. Its not the same as a tall towering waterfall but it has its own beauty. If you try to travel too far past the waterfall you hit a fence marking the edge of the park's property and you have to turn around. This must've happened to us about three times while we were trying to explore and find the suspension bridge. But wait there's more! Read on for the neat little features of this trail and how to find them. Recommended Route Cliff and Bridge From the trailhead follow the main trail to the waterfall. Once you get to the waterfall keep walking a little further up the water's edge and you'll come to what I believe is a small dam. Cross it carefully. Now you'll be on a smaller trail. Follow it to the left where you'll come to a small 'cliff' that overlooks the river. Move on and you'll eventually find yourself at the suspension bridge. Brave the shaky contraption and keep following the trail which brings you back to the waterfall. This nice quick loop shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes if you keep a steady pace with no detours. Cave Now...if you're up for a whole 'nother adventure go back to the wooden walkway/bridge that you crossed on the way in that had a staircase leading down to the ground. There is no clear trail here but if you look you'll find a faint 'trail' that leads into the woods. Follow it. Eventually you'll end up in what looks like a dried up river bed. Perfect place for caves right? Also the perfect place for snakes. We only encountered one so just keep an eye out. We followed the river bed for quite some time determined to find a cave and we did! Its not huge but it was fun to explore and rewarding to finally find. Keep in mind the riverbed has absolutely no shade. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen if you plan on setting out for the cave. This is the part I DO NOT recommend. Especially if you're an avid 'leave no trace behind' person and if you generally don't like getting slapped in the face by branches. We were running out of time (we had a 6 hour drive home) and had no clue how far this river bed went or where it came out so we decided to climb into the trees to take a shortcut back to the car. Using the gps on my phone we trekked through pretty dense Texas wilderness. For awhile I followed my husbands every step because I figured he was finding the easiest route but it wasn't working out so I decided to try my own (which is what you 'leave no trace behind' people should do, if you ever go off a path take different steps than the person in front of you so you don't pack the soil and create a new path). Next to each other we forged our way through the trees, ducking and hopping around obstacles. It felt like walking through a spider web of pointy branches. Again, not recommended. We finally made it through and began our 6 hour journey back home. I give this trail 4 sunshines Have you ever explored the area around this trail? Tell me what you've found!
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“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” - Helen Keller AuthorMy name is Jessica. I live in Louisiana. I love exploring the outdoors and sharing my experiences. Archives
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