Vacation III...Grand Isle

My parents own a fishing camp in Grand Isle with another family and we have started an annual tradition of going down there each summer to fish, hang out on the beach, play games, and spend quality time together in general. It is so great to get together away from our respective homes and associated stress and really relax and enjoy each other.

For those of you who do not know where Grand Isle is - see the green arrow on the map below:

It is very near the mouth of the Mississippi River: offshore oil rigs are visible all along the horizon and the oil industry is very present. On a more positive note, the landscape is very marshy and beautiful and the place is teeming with life. This pic gives some idea of the nutrient content (and sediment loading) in the mouth of the Mississippi.

Generally, water in satellite imagery is black, because it absorbs light waves, and reflects none back to the satellite. Rather, when water bodies contain various amounts of particulate matter, like nutrient-(and pollution-) laden sediments, it reflects light waves and results in vivid colors in the imagery. These nutrients provide the foundation for thriving communities of marine and estuarine life.

The next pic is to give everyone an idea of what a fishing camp in Grand Isle looks like: up on stilts to prevent major damage from hurricane-related flooding.

Here we are are about to embark on Alder's first boat ride. He was a bit tired and not so impressed, but wait until next year! Marilynn just turned 3 and was very sweet with Alder.

We also spent a good bit of time each day on the beach. Alder really enjoyed this! We loaded up the wagon and headed out. Alder found all the beach debris to be much more fun and tasty than the plastic toys we toted out there.

But most tasty of all was......the sand. Silty, brown... nutrient-rich... sand.

YUM.

Elizabeth, Granna and Grandad...Thanks so much for a great time and all of the hours babysitting so we could go fishing! We miss you already and can't wait until we see you again.

Marilynn and Charlotte.....thanks for showing Alder such a fun time. He will be more gentle and not pull your hair next time we see you!

I think the appropriate term for this portion of our trip would be "Too Much Fun!" and as a result....we are all beat!