Atchafalaya, Ruiz/Sandy Cove Launch, Buffalo Cove, Bayou Gravenburg A
The kayak trail map route above launches at the northern Sandy Cove Landing (says Google, may be Ruiz) off of Levee Road and just south of Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. Although the route is fairly short, only about two to three hours or so, it’s a nice Atchafalaya paddle. Unlike many routes here which tend to follow corridors or canals, this one is more swampy. The launch is mentioned in Herndon’s book and on the Pack and Paddle website. The launch was mid-afternoon after driving from Dallas and, not being familiar with the route or the portage it was important to get back before dusk. The level of darkness in the evening changes (a bit) as you go east or west within a time zone, and in mid-November 5 pm was car headlight time and 6 pm was stars out. The crossover point back to the Bayou is a narrow curvy channel that had very little water. This was a hundred yards or so of boat pulling before reaching the up and over into the main channel. This is a good Atchafalaya paddle and close to Lake Fausse Point State Park. Atchafalaya @ Butte La Rose gage about 6.
30.02766,-91.56711
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: The Sandy Cove (north) Landing launch site just off of Levee Road.
Above: There were at least 20 alligators along the route but all very skittish. There is one hiding above.
Above: Out of the boat and preparing to loosen the bow line to pull through the mucky portage channel. But wait…something that bites is hiding there! Try to find it.
Above: Pulling the boat through to get back to the bayou.
Above: More pulling.