Showing posts with label kayaking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kayaking. Show all posts

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Picnic at a Peaceful Place and Explore too!!



If you are looking for a place to picnic, hike and fish or perhaps just a place to contemplate life, while amongst beautiful surroundings, then read on to learn about this spot which recently reopened to the public after renovations.  Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of approximately 34,500 acres of land in the Pearl River Basin.    The southern most portion of the refuge can be easily accessed at the Pearl River turn around exit off if I-59 in Louisiana.   Here you will find the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trail,which is an area adorned with piers, boardwalks, picnic areas and a lake!  This site offers lots of opportunities for Frugal Family Travelers seeking outdoor activity and adventure.


This was our first visit to the refuge and our afternoon time was well spent taking pictures and also exploring the bayous from the expansive boardwalks, which offer exceptional views of the ecosystem.   We rounded out our day with a picnic lunch at one of the covered picnic areas adjacent the lake while watching others enjoy fishing and bird watching.  Our only regret was not bringing our kayaks to explore the lake!  


If this appeals to you and your Frugal Family Travelers pack you’re picnic lunch, kayaks, bug sprays and sunscreen and head to this area of the Bogue Chitto Wildlife Refuge. 


DirectionsJim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trail

Don’t forget: sunscreen, bug spray, picnic lunch, and a kayak! 


Remember: You MUST have a fishing license to fish here.   


Click here to discover a location within miles to create even more adventure for your Frugal Family Travelers! 


Enjoy the pictures!









Thursday, July 4, 2019

Cool Off While Kayaking the Coosa then Soak in the History





Perhaps you are from the NOLA area, desiring a quick adventure with little drive time.    Perhaps you are one of our readers outside of the region, desiring  a trip down south to discover some of the diverse history mixed with a splash of outdoor fun.  Regardless of which of the two statements above fits your situation, read on, as this post may be just the adventure your Frugal Family Travelers are seeking this summer!

Outdoor Whitewater Adventure.......

The Coosa River in Wetumpka, AL (right outside Montgomery) is known to locals but, unfortunately, not to many in the NOLA area.    We stumbled upon it while searching for a whitewater river adventure, not far from home.  Side note: If you are a frequent reader of the Frugal Family Travelers blog , you know we enjoy kayaking.  However, on this excursion, we desired a float trip that packed an adrenaline rush NOT invoked by the typical gator sitings  on our Louisiana bayous.   

Coosa River Adventures Outfitters was just the place to make this come to fruition: (click here for more information)

*Reservation were easily made over the phone.   

*The River outpost was conveniently located adjacent to the Coosa, with shuttle service to the take out point.   *All gear and safety instructions were  provided.   

*The atmosphere was great for families of all types!!  

*The owner was extremely friendly and has been in business well over twenty years!

*The staff were extremely helpful and friendly! 

*The float itself was packed with excitement, with some class II and III rapids, as well as moments for respite on sandy shores and rock islands, in the middle of the river.   






(Pictured above: A waterfall that flows into the river!  This is a great place to stop and swim and picnic.   It can also be accessed from Corn Creek Park
!)





Jordan Dam on the Coosa River 


Things to pack:

**Sunscreen!   

**Soft side coolers are perfect for the kayak!

**Ziplocks or water bags for items and food.  

**Bottled water!  

**Cheap sunglasses...they may float down the river if you tip over!!!

**Trash bags! 

**Hat!!!!!  

**Water shoes!!!!

**Carabiners to attach items to the kayak! 

Cost:

**Check the website for a variety of pricing options based on your needs.  



Directions:

Click here for google map and directions.  

History......

Our Frugal Family Travelers have visited Montgomery in previous years!   However, on this trip, we arrived later in the afternoon, when many museums had already closed.   Due to this, we opted to spend our time by completing a self guided Civil Heritage Walking Tour with the map we obtained from the visitors center at Union Station, near the river (see map below).  We highly suggest a stop at Union Station when you first arrive.    Not only is it rich in history but an attendant at the center will supply you with formation suited for your stay!   Make sure you check the operating hours for each of the museums listed.  



Sites along our walking tour......

Union Station:

Riverboat Park: 

St John’s Episcopal:


Court Square Fountain and State Capitol in background:


Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church:






For hikers........

Swayback Trail






Disclaimer:


All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners 

of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

Coosa River Adventure

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Take a Walk on the Wild Side!



Recently, our Frugal Family Travelers did a little exploring on the Northshore just outside of  New Orleans.    We discovered the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Headquarters.  Positioned on the bayou in Lacombe, Louisiana, the headquarters is located on the grounds of a former Catholic Retreat Center.    We spent our morning exploring the hiking trails and discovered many picturesque views of the bayou, as well as numerous fountains and springs.   The grounds were teeming with wildlife of all kinds.  Azalea and Camellia are abundant on the property and would therefore make this a great a place to visit again while in bloom.  The headquarters also has a wildlife museum with all sorts of interactive exhibits and videos which showcase the diverse ecosystem of the refuge.     It is no surprise why this place was chosen as the headquarters for the refuge.  Sadly, Frugal Family Travelers find that many of these types of places are underutilized by the public, who seem to be seeking more fast paced activities.   “Take a Walk in the Wild Side” and plan a visit here!   You won’t be sorry!


Directions:

61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445


Cost:   Free


Note:   Pack bug spray and sunscreen!   Don't forget pack a picnic lunch!   This is a great place for a picnic!  

Combine this with other hiking opportunities, just a short drive away, to creat a full day of adventure.... click link below for details:

Big Branch Marsh Hiking























Disclaimer:
All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.