Yakitty Yak, Don't Talk Back

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Home to huge oil refineries, roadside gas station/casinos, drive through liquor stores, and beautiful inland marshes.

And I was prepared to load up on the Reds and Speckled Trout that litter the inland shorelines this time of year. With my new hands free mode of transportation, I was armed with the rods, the bait, and the hunger for a productive day of catching fish.

I was looking forward to exploring the back channels hopeful for a variety of cool flora and fauna to entertain me between hauling in fish. After seeing several small gators leap from the shores into the water at first sight of me, I was greated by a much larger version only feet from me. Allowing him the right away and pulling my dangling hand out of the water, I continued up river. Found some fellow Hobie yakers who hadn't caught anything in weeks but who swore by their boats. I trailed them out to watch how they loaded these heavy things into their trucks, an early struggle of mine.

Up to this point, loading and unloading the bikes every stop has been the bain of my existence and source of constant complaining questioning the need for them on our trip. Katie quickly and correctly pointed out that my new 70lb kayak that needs to be lifted 12 feet in the air and tied down might be slightly more challenging to work with. She's got an eye for things like that.

My amazing wife continues to support my outdoor time. She selflessly wrangles the Bs and the Ds with unmatched skill and will always have the restaurant picked out that I will be taking them too when I get home. The least I can do.

While I casted over and over unsuccessfully, Katie and the kids were fairing much better.

Doing what they do best.... roaring and acting a fool.

On our last evening we sat outside and enjoyed our final Louisiana sunset and Katie told me that she liked the mullet I was growing. She captured my reaction that I feel represented my new mullet and our Louisiana RV park's general population well.