St Martin and Iberia Parishes

In mid-September we explored St. Martin and Iberia Parishes, staying in a charming bed and breakfast on Lake Martin - Maison Madeleine. We took a swamp tour on Lake Martin with Norbert LeBlanc; the scenery was beautiful.

 As we toured St. Martinville and New Iberia, we saw charming old churches, sugar cane fields, and historic buildings. Our best meal was at Cafe Des Amis in Breaux Bridge accompanied by good music. This was a most enjoyable two days in Acadiana.  See photo album.

Building up the banks of the Mississippi

Drag line crane

On September 12, my good friend Blair Bice took me to a site near the Old River Control Structure where Luhr Bros. was unloading a barge of stone to repair the river bank of the Mississippi River for the Corps of Engineers.  During high water in June, the banks of the river were eroded.

Blair, Danny, Dave

Navigation chart of river

After we left the job site, we drove over to the Overflow Channel where they showed me gabions that had been laid back in the '80s.  Gabions are baskets made out of steel wire mesh that are filled with stone and used to prevent erosion.  This massive field of gabions was most impressive.

Danny explaining gabions

The day was another opportunity to learn more about the Old River Control Structure and the efforts being made to try to control aspects of this mighty river we know as the Mississippi.

Ten Years - a day of remembrance

On the night of September 11, 2001, after the stress and fears of the day, as I was getting ready for bed, I made this entry in my journal.  Of course, all of these things didn't happen on that day, or did they?

9/4/11 - Tropical Storm Lee

Yesterday we received 3 - 5 inches of well needed rain from the feeder bands of Tropical Storm Lee as it slowly moved toward New Orleans at the rate of 2 to 4 mph.  It was a wonderful rain here in Alexandria after such a dry summer.  This morning it sprinkled lightly and this afternoon and evening we have been in the NW quadrant as the eye of the storm approaches.  Estimates are another 2 - 4 inches of rain through tomorrow morning.  We've had a few branches down but nothing damaging.  Overall, its been a good storm for us.  Unfortunately, many have been flooded in south Louisiana, and many will be flooded as the storm moves north.