Blind River, Maurepas Swamp WMA, St. James Boat Club C
Kayak trail map route starting at the St. James Boat Club along Highway 61 just south of Interstate 10 and just west of New Orleans. This is a third trip (C) from this launch. The route tracks along Blind River up past I-10 to a little chapel called ‘Our Lady of the Blind River’. This was the northern turnaround. Further upstream, according to Google maps, is the ‘Blind River Bar’, which might be preferable. The route also goes a ways up Fusil Bayou just to see. The Airline Canal gage read 0.0 which meant a bit of silty paddling and high centering on submerged stumps; a higher level would be better. The hyacinth blockages were small enough most places to push through.
30.10104,-90.73527
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: ‘Scenic Blind River’ sign hung along the river.
Above: “Our Lady of the Blind River”, accessible only by boat.
Above: The king is dead. Long live the king.
Above: Find the alligator.
Above: Up and over somewhere along Fusil Bayou.
Above: Railroad gear left in the swamp, from logging probably.
Above: An abandoned Louisiana pirogue. Stitch and glue kit kayaks like mine are a lot like pirogues–flat bottomed hulls with steep sides, hard chine.
Above: Mud.