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
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The Launch My husband and I bought kayaks on Sunday and were a little eager to try them out. The first chance we got was last night so we headed to the Vermilion. I wanted to try out one of the launches I wrote about and the closest one to where we met after work was Camellia. Upon arrival I was a little disappointed to say the least. It just wasn't what I was expecting. The description says "...with parking and street lights for safety. This is the perfect starting point on the Southside of Lafayette for a paddle up or down stream". Yeah not so much. What they refer to as parking is a little loop that encircles a post with a light. It was enough light for us to see as we strapped our kayaks down just after sunset but a little more light wouldn't hurt. When they said parking I imagined an actual parking lot. But hey at least there was paved parking and light, that is a plus. The most disappointing part to me was the condition of the launch. Is it Lafayette's best kept secret? So much so that it's never used so there's no concern for clean up? There was a thick layer of sticks, acorns, litter and who knows what else covering the spot where you're supposed to set your kayak for an easy launch. The same went for where you're supposed to slide up your kayak for docking. Surrounding the launch were those yellow "floating fences" preventing you from even using the launch. A bunch of garbage collected along one of the floating fences as well. I wish I had taken a picture to show how much garbage there was. I think it's great that Lafayette wanted to provide kayak launches but maintaining them for use would be ideal. I think next time I head out there I might bring some gloves and a garbage bag and help out the community. I want to enjoy the water, not maneuver around plastic bottles. We ended up just slipping into our kayaks from the side of the dock and pushing off. The Ride Where: Camellia Bridge to Ambassador Bridge and back Time: 2 hours The actual ride wasn't so bad. We went from the launch, which is under the Camellia bridge, downstream to the Ambassador bridge and back. We passed the beautiful River Ranch houses and talked about someday owning a home where the backyard rolled into the river. Once you pass the houses you come to a stretch surrounded by trees on both sides. Its peaceful but when you see this make shift tent looking thing in the woods it makes you want to paddle a bit faster. Going downstream was much more relaxing. We could stop paddling and let the river just slowly pull us along. Going upstream you had to constantly paddle to stop the current from pulling you backwards. That made it a little more difficult to make it a relaxed ride but definitely a great idea if you want to get a work out in! Have you tried this launch? What was the condition when you went? Let me know in the comments! At about 80 pages and a 10 dollar price tag, this book is not worth the money. While it's full of wit and interesting tips it'll leave you disappointed where it lacks in new and useful everyday camping information. It would do great as a book to leave on the back of the toilet seat for a read while you take a dump, especially since it's geared more towards men and hunting camps. I wouldn't recommend the purchase unless it's on sale and you've run out of gift options for the men in your life. It would make the perfect gift for White Elephant at somewhere like Pack and Paddle's company Christmas party. Looking to spend a beautiful day paddling through Lafayette's waters? First of all, take me with you. Second, use these canoe/kayak launches to make life a little easier.
There are 4 canoe/kayak launches in Lafayette. Only one of which can be accessed 24/7, so plan accordingly. 1. Nature Station - 1205 East Alexander St. The Nature Station canoe/kayak launch is located in the park and is operated in conjunction with the Acadiana Park Nature Station. You will have to get the gate code to enter the campground by calling 337-291-8448 or 337-291-8388. Drop your boat off at the launch then drive your vehicle out of the campground to park at the nature station trailhead. Sorry for the inconvenience of walking back to your boat but our parking is extremely limited, only two spots for employees and camper pads. 2. Vermilionville - 300 Fisher Rd. The Vermilionville canoe/kayak launch is located at 300 Fisher Rd. on the ground of the historic folklife park. OPEN: Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. While the launch remains operational the parking lot is closed off to the public. 3. Camellia Bridge - Bellaire Rd. The Camellia Bridge canoe/kayak launch is located at Bellaire Rd. OPEN: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with parking and street lights for safety. This is the perfect starting point on the Southside of Lafayette for a paddle up or down stream. 4.Southside Park - Robley Dr. The Southside Park canoe/kayak launch is located off of E Broussard Rd next to the Shell and Limestone Plant. While the park is closed overnight the canoe/kayak launch is accessible by water 24/7. Southside Park also serves as the last public canoe/kayak launch in Lafayette Parish. You can also plop your canoe/kayak in the water at Rotary Point. There isn't a special canoe/kayak launch like the ones above but there is a ramp. It's used mostly for bigger boats that have to be launched off of a trailer but who says you can't use it for your canoe/kayak? There's a small dock as well. Have experience with these launches? Which one is your favorite? Happy paddling! http://www.bayouvermiliondistrict.org/bayou-vermilion-district/recreation/canoe-kayak-launches.html http://www.naturestation.org/Programs_Activities/kayaklaunch.asp |
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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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