Last October we rolled into Abbeville and enjoyed the southern hospitality of that area. We had intended to stay at Betty’s RV Park in Abbeville again but we got distracted in Breaux Bridge for too many days taking photographs. While we were in Abbeville last fall, we took a swamp tour of Lake Martin in Breaux Bridge operated by CHAMPAGNE”S Swamp Tours. A very informative guide named Bryan took us on a two our tour. (see the post for Mandeville-Abbeville-New Orleans) I knew I wanted to take that tour once again so instead of camping an hour south of there we chose an RV Park called Poche’s Fish n Camp about 6 miles out of Breaux Bridge. Arriving on March 16th, we thought we would stay 3 nights but 3 turned into 6 nights once I realized how much there was to see in that area. This is a family run RV park with most of the spaces are situated around one of many ponds on the property. They accept Good Sam and Passport America (Sun – Thurs) which made this park very affordable and in the location we wanted to be.
Mark enjoyed fishing in the many ponds around the park.
On the 19th, I decided to take the Private Photo tour on Lake Martin operated by Champagne’s Tours. $250.00 for two hours with a guide who not only knows the swamp but also knows photography. Although the birds and animals were scarce that day due to the storm the day before, it was definitely worth the cost. Tim Sommers is the photographer.
Little Blue Heron
I ended up taking another boat tour with Tim as well as one of his informative photo sessions where he sat with me for an hour and I could ask him anything I wanted to know about photography. We didn’t see many birds and things on this tour, but I was able to get a few shots of two baby owls which made it all worthwhile.
Tim has acquired some private acreage that the Spoonbills and the Egrets have come to nest. It is 70 miles North of Breaux Bridge. For $50.00 you can reserve time to go with a guide or with Tim to this area and have a few hours to shoot these birds in the early am. It was a great learning experience for me and I certainly intend to return next spring in hopes of getting more beautiful bird photographs. These are some of the bird photos I took that morning. The lighting was rather tricky as the sun was behind the clouds off and on. It just reminds me of how much I need to learn in this photography field.
Another great tour is The Atchafalaya Experience.( http://www.theatchafalayaexperience.com)The tour guide Kim Voorhies has lived and hunted in this area all his life. He can tell you anything you want to know about the vegetation, the animals, birds and history. Prepare to be Entertained by Kim. This tour is a perfect tour for photographers, he will set up the boat for that perfect shot of a bird or animal. Reservations are required and you will meet your guide at the Welcome Center under the i-10 bridge just a few miles east of Breaux Bridge.
The Atchafalaya Swamp is the largest wetland and swamp in the United States. Located in south central Louisiana, it is a combination of wetlands and river delta area where the Atchafalaya River and the Gulf of Mexico converge.
