D/Arbonne NWR, Hollands Bluff B
This is a second kayak paddle route starting from the Hollands Bluff Launch in the D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge. When arriving at the refuge the sign said *LAUNCH CLOSED*. But the ranger said no problem with a kayak just launch wherever. And noted that an emergency repair at the downstream Columbia lock and dam on the Ouachita River was the reason the water was extremely low. That meant that rather than exploring the otherwise huge pools in the refuge, the route went straight down the D’Arbonne Bayou corridor to Highway 143. To either side was mud. Saw five or six gators, a bald eagle, and lots of fish concentrated into a much smaller volume than normal, peculiar conditions. A large region on the west side of the D’Arbonne NWR is off limits for waterfowl hunting and open all year for paddle craft.
32.63235,-92.21406
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: Hollands Bluff Launch is so low, look how low.
Above: The iphone tries to take a picture of a bald eagle.
Above: This is usually a huge shallow lake in the refuge, now it is a flat plain of grass and stumps.
Above: A lot of exposed shoreline.
Above: Gator in the water, one of five or six along the route.
Above: Another area of the refuge that would normally be submerged.
Above: The base of dead cypress trees stand up on a narrow shaft with roots to the side.
