Honey Island Swamp

We took a brief detour before heading to Biloxi, and floated with a group through the Honey Island Swamp, along the West Pearl River and bayou near Slidell. Once private lands, they are now preserved and managed by Fish and Wildlife of Louisiana. Since the trees were still bare, except for some bright Red Swamp Maple blossoms, the swamp was a muted palatte of browns and greys and we could see far back into the watery woods. Katrina and the storm surge destroyed many huge, old growth oaks which had provided a thick canopy underwhich little could grow. Our guide described that the swamp is now filling up with thick undergrowth now which impacts the whole food chain (as does the habitat destruction of sprall-malls built on swamp and marsh fill). Thick bundles of Spanish moss hung from the branches and gave the scene an haunting feel.

We spotted numerous cabins flooding along the river, some mostly destroyed, and then would find "McMansions" around the next bend, built with their lawns actually disappearing into the swamp water. Such an odd mix.

The cypress trees grow strange "knees" that stick up above the water-line at the base of the trunks, to bring more oxygen to the main tree. The teenagers on the boat kept giggling when we passed these. Hmmmmm.

We also spotted a few turtles sunning themselves on some logs, and had the fun surprise of a 4 foot alligator enjoying the afternoon rays. The bigger guys are all down snoozing in the mud this time of year.

After several days in the hectic traffic and Mardi Gras crowds of New Orleans, it was a relief to move through such a peaceful and strangely beautiful place. -Anne