Bayou Fountain — September 19, 2015

A quick run down Bayou Fountain seemed a good idea on such a nice day.  Fall is coming, which became the theme of the day.

It was a rather easy day, maintenance-wise.  There were a few things to deal with, but for the most part, it was just a more or less relaxing run.  Perhaps we expected a bit more to have moved around, but being pleasantly surprised is nice.  Mike wasn’t going to make it, which made me wonder if there would be another fallen tree, but apparently that’s not how it works.  He has an uncanny knack for missing the downed tree weeks, but apparently his absence does not actually cause trees to have fallen.  Still, there was one very, very long log to saw up.  Wouldn’t want to get too comfortable.

Other than that log, which was a five-cut log (that’s very long, for those watching from home), everything went well.  The water was low but not too low, and in short order it was time to turn around at Bayou Manchac.  Something very branchy had caught at the old fallen trees right at the downstream edge of the confluence, but that went away without even a struggle, and the duckweed and such behind it slowly crept by on the minuscule current.

With the bayou in good paddling condition, I figured I’d do a little survey on the way back upstream.  There were a few trees that have half-fallen, but after a while, they all blur together.  I couldn’t remember just how many there are currently, so I figured I’d take photos and see how much work each looks likely to be.

First up was this rather old looking one.  From the Y on up, it’s narrow and likely to be a nice quick set of cuts.  The thicker part looks pleasantly weathered and should slice nicely.  I’d guess about one man-hour to take it out from its current half-fallen state.  (Do not try this at home, et cetera.  The first cuts take careful consideration and planning.)

The second half-fallen tree is rather new.  We’ve taken out the limbs that were pointing down and obstructing the way during high water, but the rest will need to go soon.  It’s quite stable and very unlikely to continue falling any time soon, but it’s low enough to be an issue (as the “carpet” covering the left few meters shows).  Thankfully, it’s a variety that cuts very well with our nice razor-tooth saws, so while it’ll take a bit of time, it won’t be too onerous.

It turns out, there were only three spots with half-fallen trees, but naturally, the third is a doozie.  This is the one we long ago nicknamed the “Crystal Ball” (since we could see the future).  Slowly but surely, the two trees here have been easing lower.  The larger one appears to be growing significantly more fungus on the crown end now than was apparent earlier, so the time is getting closer when we’ll likely be forced to deal with the pair.  It’ll be all gear on deck, saws plus all the heavy tackle, but the plan of attack is already prepared.  We figure it’s a full day’s work all by itself, so for now, we’ll hope it remains the future a while longer.

So, three spots and four half-fallen trees.  I figured it was more, but I suppose we have taken care of the others (which may or may not have stopped halfway).  The best part of trees stopping halfway down?  I made it back to the park with enough time to get home for the LSU game.  Thanks, trees, and I’ll be seeing you.