On Monday afternoon, Hunter and I decided on riding ATVs in the Bonnet Carre Spillway for a little recreation.
We loaded up the bikes and headed out on a beautiful, mild 70-degree spring afternoon. When we reached the parking lot of the spillway, we stopped to pick up an ATV Rules and Regulations sheet at the bulletin board. The rules designate the riding areas with an attached map. Key rules must be followed:
•ATVs are to be operated only in the designated riding area.
•DOT approved helmet for ATV use are required and worn by all riders when the ATV is in motion.
•Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
•Reckless operation prohibited.
•ATV area boundaries are marked with white markers. A designated guardian should accompany young riders.
•The designated parking area is for unloading, loading and parking only.
Dune buggies, two and four wheel drive cars and trucks are prohibited. Make sure to read all rules before leaving the parking lot. Remember, safety first, wear a helmet!
Being a Monday, we had the ATV area to ourselves. We rode for two hours without seeing another rider. With the dry conditions, plenty of dust was made by Hunter’s Honda 400.
I lagged back a few times not trying to eat his dust. He took me into an area with deep holes and dipsy-doodles. One pond was scary. He crossed it because he had ridden it the weekend before. I followed across, but on my way back, I drifted to the right and slipped into a deep rut.
I jumped off my bike quickly and kept the Honda 350 from rolling over in the water. I managed to give the bike a little gas and walked it to dry land.
Hunter called out; “Close call!” I gave him the thumbs up and we continued on our way. We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon riding together. After loading up the bikes, Hunter went home and I wanted to check out the man-made peninsula at the end of the road at Lake Pontchartrain.
Crabs starting to show in Lake Pontchartrain
At the man made peninsula, eight people were crabbing and fishing.
While I was there, A.J. Gauthreau, of Laplace, baited his line with a large shrimp and cast it out into the murky water. Within a couple of minutes, the rod was bent over with a 19-inch redfish. Everyone was buzzing, hoping to catch another red.
One gentleman caught a big blue crab and netted it. The crab went quickly into his ice chest.
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