3/13/07 – This morning we were again treated to 6am rush hour, but the boats are now bigger and so was their roar. I just never knew so many folks went to work via the waterways. When we pulled out we feared for more wet weather since the clouds were so dark, but the sun came out not long after we left. Even with our wind-block-plastic-wrap the rain would still be a pain in our pilot house. As we continue, we see less and less commercial traffic, the amount of tug and barges has easily been cut in half. We only had one lock to deal with today;
had to hold up for ½ hour while waiting on an east-bound 1000Ft 5 strung out barge to exit. When he did we were told to proceed and pull within 50 feet of the end to allow another barge to lock through with us - Crickies – 2 strung out right behind us on the other wall (Didn't I say - every day it’s something new). These puppies can be gigantic and we’ve seen, more than once, where one of them has nudged the river banks or plowed into a bridge (BIG Oops). Once more we had to wear life vests on deck while locking through. We passed another cable ferry, but it does not appear to be used often, if at all. It would appear the marsh lands are giving
way to farm lands; my camera now seems to be finding more and more cows posing for pictures. Just as the little fishing shacks are transforming into smaller family homes. With the weather still questionable we’ve decided to drop anchor early today at probably one of the loveliest places yet. We are in an oxbow about 2 miles up the Mermentau River; surrounded by cypress (with their knees) and various other trees and bushes. This is truly beautiful and isolated. We have not seen or heard another vessel for some time and I don’t expect to hear any rush hour tomorrow morning. This evening we only hear the charming songs from birds and the occasionally slap of water on the hull. We both peeked our heads out at midnight and enjoyed seeing the many stars above. Way off in the distance, over the top of the trees, we could see the glow of a barge search light scanning the river as it traveled through the darkness.
had to hold up for ½ hour while waiting on an east-bound 1000Ft 5 strung out barge to exit. When he did we were told to proceed and pull within 50 feet of the end to allow another barge to lock through with us - Crickies – 2 strung out right behind us on the other wall (Didn't I say - every day it’s something new). These puppies can be gigantic and we’ve seen, more than once, where one of them has nudged the river banks or plowed into a bridge (BIG Oops). Once more we had to wear life vests on deck while locking through. We passed another cable ferry, but it does not appear to be used often, if at all. It would appear the marsh lands are giving 
way to farm lands; my camera now seems to be finding more and more cows posing for pictures. Just as the little fishing shacks are transforming into smaller family homes. With the weather still questionable we’ve decided to drop anchor early today at probably one of the loveliest places yet. We are in an oxbow about 2 miles up the Mermentau River; surrounded by cypress (with their knees) and various other trees and bushes. This is truly beautiful and isolated. We have not seen or heard another vessel for some time and I don’t expect to hear any rush hour tomorrow morning. This evening we only hear the charming songs from birds and the occasionally slap of water on the hull. We both peeked our heads out at midnight and enjoyed seeing the many stars above. Way off in the distance, over the top of the trees, we could see the glow of a barge search light scanning the river as it traveled through the darkness.
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