On Saturday, August 30th, more than 90 paddlers in 84 boats launched their vessels from the boat ramp in Chemin-A-Haut State Park in Bastrop, Louisiana, for a gorgeous, refreshing morning paddle on Bayou Bartholomew and to visit the massive “Castle Tree.” A handful of these paddlers were some of our very own BCOS members who joined the Paddle Morehouse Parish group for their annual event.
The morning was sunny and cool with temperatures only in the mid-70’s, which felt like perfect paddling weather. We got quite the surprise from the very start of our trip up the bayou – as soon as we put our boats in the water, a small alligator was spotted swimming around near the boat launch. Cindy Talbert recorded a great video of the little guy, who wasn’t at all bothered by all the boating activity.
After that initial excitement, we paddled along Bayou Bartholomew and then cut north onto Chemin-A-Haut Bayou where it branches off from the main waterway, in search of the Castle Tree. This magnificent bald cypress tree is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, with the base measuring more than 20 feet in diameter, easily allowing several kayaks to fit inside the hollowed tree at once! Paddlers had fun taking their photos inside the Castle Tree and visiting with one another, snacking, and enjoying the scenery. One paddler climbed out of her boat and scaled up the side of the Castle Tree for an added adventure.
The current was in our favor on the way back to the launch, and we saw plenty of wildlife on the way back, including a snake in the water next to one of the sandbars, which was exciting end to an already exciting paddle. It's easy to see why the annual paddle to the iconic Castle Tree Paddle is always a favorite.
Thanks to Rodney Hayes and Paddle Morehouse Parish for putting on this event each year!
by Melissa Leporati
