We thought we might be rained out. But when 6:00 came along and the sun was peeking through the clouds, we decided to go for it. We have more Danes visiting (see my post about Servas, the international hosting program, here.)
So we packed up an assortment of delectable treats, grabbed our cameras and drove out to the swamp. This time of year it looks like the plants will grow over everything and cover all surfaces with their leafy protrusions. Vines twist over the railings and obscure the signs. Weeds choke the waterways to the point where it seems like you could step out onto the surface of the canals and not sink. We could barely see the alligators as their eyes and snouts just poked above the carpet of aquatic plants.
The clouded sunset cast the swamp in a dreamy light. As we neared the end of the trail, our friends Elizabeth and Brent caught up – we didn’t know for sure that they’d be joining us so we were happily surprised.
The bugs had been rather insistent on the walk out, but as we reached the last bridge, the breeze and the dozens of large dragonflies zooming about seemed to dampen their efforts to bite us. So we set up our picnic smorgasbord. Red and white wine, grapes, tomatoes, goat cheese, salmon, two kinds of crackers, red peppers, pretzels, pickled okra, olives, almonds, dates, chocolate, cookies – quite a feast for impromptu fridge and pantry raiding by Elizabeth and me!
As the moon rose we stopped to listen to the chorus of frogs and other critters. Something big was swishing its way through the marsh. The lightning bugs emerged and began doing their Morse Code mating dances. I tell you, it’s a magical place, and high on my fantabulous list. And having the whole place to ourselves – just us and the wildlife – it’s very special.
It sounds wonderful.
Thank you. It was, and it’s so easy. There are so many things like this that are so easy to do and bring such pleasure. Glad you enjoyed.
Your impromptu, unplanned picnic is impressive indeed! And the nature all around you is incredible. You are a lucky gal.
Thank you, and I agree – I’m very lucky! Sometime you’ll have to join one of these swamp full moon walks, when you come to New Orleans some day!
Does the AT meet up in NOLA at all? (My geography is SO poor…) Perhaps a start in NOLA, then some hiking along the trail?
Alas, no AT in NOLA. Probably two different trips. But I have plans for organizing cool trips for women to NOLA too – just wait and see – someday, maybe sooner than I know!
What an unusual time to dine but I’d be there in a heartbeat… Lovely.
Come on down and we’ll have a moon swamp party!
Carla, As you may have guessed I grew up in NOLA. My Uncle and his family lived on the bayou. I had my share of sleepovers with my cousins and even more great memories. As I mentioned to you previously I will be visitng NOLA soon and I am hoping that some of our group will be adventurous enough to visit the old home place. Where exactly is this little piece of swamp heaven? nolagirlatheart
Hi Jeanne! This is Jean Lafitte National Park – on the West Bank. It’s completely free and one of my favorite places! Hope you get a chance to enjoy that or a swamp tour!
What a great idea – it looks and sounds so fun!
Thanks, Christine! One day you’ll have to come down here – maybe with your daughter – and we’ll take a swamp walk!