(Picture explanations above the pictures)
I took off for a short ride down into Sugarcane Ally to
intercept the Sunset Limited passenger train roaring west
out of New Orleans. I have a scanner so I can hear when
the crew is given the right of way to proceed on the next
stretch, called warrants. I play this game. I know where
the crossings are, most a fair distance off of La.182, once
US 90. I try to get to one at the last minute as to avoid
standing around. Standing around can be a drag especially
in the heat and within eyesight of concerned citizens. Not
everyone understands my hobby. The map below expands
when clicked. Open it in a new window and put it on the
side. It will be useful in understanding the logistics in the following.
I rode through Jeanerette listening to the Limited's crewman's
voice becoming stronger and clearer. The radio has a short distance
antenna on it so I knew my time was getting short. I cut down DeSonnier
Road at break neck speed flying over the crossing and running
to my ditch. It is my favorite ditch. She had to be doing 60.
The camera went on holiday and I missed the cockpit shot.
Next up was Garden City, the once headquarters of the
cypress lumber mill was getting a do over. I could do a whole
article on this one and may some day.
This was a sad moment. The Garden City Store seems closed.
An octogenarian and her daughter ran the place. It was a
hodgepodge general store and a wonderful place to visit.
The wrecked car may be the story. I had a very down moment.
Riding back east of Garden City, I came to Alice C. Road
that follows the tracks. This is where the sidetrack is located
in the area the dispatcher calls "Bayou Sale".
I went to the bend where you see "Alice C" written near
La.317. That is Yellow Bayou. The Corps has blocked it
so waters from the roaring Wax Lake Outlet of the Atchafalaya
River will not back up and flood La.182, once the main artery
of Sugarcane Alley aka US 90, the OST (Old Spanish Trail)
The Corps' work.
This is the quiet side of Yellow Bayou.
The intimidating flood waters.
The pumping station.
Levee additions going south.
The little levee going north toward La.182 and Old Blue.
The threatened mini refinery.
More peering over the barricade. For the first time, I really
understood the treat was not from the north, but from the south.
Seeing the water, I made the decision to push on to Morgan City.
It's been a commute lately and it is no longer intimidating. I know
the landmarks and they click off quickly. I'd stop at one of my
favorite rail bridges and check out the Wax Lake Outlet. It was
what I expected and then some.
Backing off, that was all dry land down there and a way to
a favorite local fishing spot under the bridge. You can see the
4 wheeler tracks descending.
The water was backing up to the tracks and levee.
I can't pass up this shot ever. If I'd stayed here 5 more minutes
there would have been a BNSF freight in this picture.
Timing,it's all timing.
A few more perspectives. This from where the 4 wheeler
tracks now dive in.
This is from a little down river when I was leaving.
More additional sandbags.
At US 90 (the 4 lane), my missed train came roaring by.
For my train chaser friends there were two engines, one
an orange one and one a yellow one. (it's a private joke)
Ok, I'm in-explicit in my identification for a purpose. LOL.
The Orange Train
I really do like the yellow ones with "Sante Fe" on them.
North of Sante Fe is beautiful country all the way up into
Colorado. It was hot and I was thinking of that highland area.
At Burwick, I went to my favorite viewing area. I expected this.
Had I come so far to be denied a look at the water? I, for sure,
was not going up on the rails. I felt that in these stressful days
that I just shouldn't do that. It was a feeling that led to an
even better vantage point.
These multiple shots from there.
Shifting down river from the red lighthouse.
The bridge man's office.
Taken from under the US 90 new bridge.
Stepping forward and shooting over to Morgan City.
Back at the bridges. That's the old US 90 bridge in the background.
Again.
More.
Notice the watermark on the wall across the water. Had
the water been up to the dark part before? Is the staining on
the bridge supports telltale?
This is not that clear as it was snatched form a picture.
It seems to be at "8" something. So close to the Gulf, I'd
think that would be 8ft above sea level which is not good
since the land isn't. Or maybe it's 8ft above land level? I
think I was right the first time.
Then I saw Mr. Egret doing a little lackadaisical surfing.
I hope he turns around before the bridge whacks him in
the back of his head.
All of those pictures were taken from up and down this
fine walk. Now you can get the idea of the water MC is
dealing with. Parking is available and a great place to visit anytime.
The gates do a great job, but, there are a few dribbles.
Leaving, I couldn't help but stop here and I'm glad I did.
Just that morning I was reading about John N. Pharr when
I was preparing to do a little ditty on Sorrel, La. and the Sorrel
Plantation Railroad.
After a while, the little pieces of the puzzle start coming together.
And there's his donated property. The Sorrel thing later.
Oh, for the naysayers, here's the proof found way back off of the road.
Yes, it hooked up with the Franklin and Abbeville RR that also went
to Patoutville and Baldwin. (that's speculative, but if you say in an
affirmative voice, they'll believe you, no kidding)
Leaving US 90 on my rapid fire ride home, I stopped to
take in the beauty. US 90 is no battlefield, in fact it is very
relaxed, but it's a slab. You can't beat country roads.
More later.
