11/26/2006 – Chickasaw Creek

Launch: Tucker’s Launch on the southwest corner of US 43 at Chickasaw Creek. Launch Cost: $3. Route: Southeast down Chickasaw Creek to the Pumphouse Canal, then east to Mobile River, then southwest to the entrance of Chickasaw Creek, then north to Hog Bayou, back out to Chickasaw Creek, then back to launch site. Distance: 14.7 miles. Average Speed: 2.8 mph. Time: Approx 5.5 hrs. Pace: Slow. Weather: Mostly sunny, temps up into the 70s. Low tide, minimal currents with the exception of the Mobile River where there was a nice downstream current. Winds were calm. This is kayaking weather!

(1) Above left. This old Navy ship was in the same place where the LST-325 used to be docked and it appears to be undergoing some restoration. I could not find out any info on it. (2) Above right. Thanks to low tide, here is another photo of the green fluid coming out of the pipe in Chickasaw Creek. This is apparently treated sewage and today, thankfully, there was no smell emanating from it. I’m glad they fixed the sewage treatment problem.

(3) Above left. The Pumphouse Canal is about 2.5 miles long and mostly straight, connecting Chickasaw Creek to Mobile River. Near the railroad trestle, I eased up on this huge alligator that had all of my respect. (4) Above right. I originally planned to kayak to Black Creek today, but due to my slow pace, I had to change plans, so I headed south on Mobile River to loop back to Chickasaw Creek. As you can see, conditions on the water today were perfect, which is why my speed was so slow – I was soaking in the scenery and reflections.

(5) Above left. Back in Chickasaw Creek, the fall colors were outstanding. (6) Above right. A tugboat waits in line for its turn at the loading and unloading dock. It was a nice reflection.

(7) Above left. I explored about half of Hog Bayou and came upon a telephone pole with some interesting contraptions on it. Even the wire leading to it was most unusual. (You can click on any image for a larger view.) I can only speculate that it might be designed to attract lightning in hopes of keeping lightning away from sensitive chemical plants and refineries. (8) Above right. This hawk was the only life I saw back in Hog Bayou which is totally opposite compared to the Pumphouse Canal which was teeming with life like squirrels, birds, armadillos, and raccoons.

(9) Above left. Back on Chickasaw Creek, the pier that I once said took on the form of a ship, may possibly be the S.S. Latham, an old concrete ship left over from WWI. (10) Above right. This was a golden ending to an absolutely superb kayaking trip. Hope you enjoyed the brief photo journal glimpse of my 4 day kayaking holiday.