Greetings From Louisiana - Day 1

Last spring I went to Louisiana to photograph the cheniers of Cameron Parish. In September Hrrican Rita destroyed, or severely damaged most of Cameron Parish. I was anxious to get back and document the impact. The school was nice enough to help defray the costs and Susan was kind enough to stay home with the children. So, I've been in Louisiana since May 1st. I got to Cameron on May 2nd. The first couple of days really wore me out. I'm not used to the heat, humidity, and photographing from sun up to sun down. By the time I got home I dind't have the energy to post to the blog. I'll try to do better. Every couple of days I'll try to post updates. I'll be in Cameron through May 9th.

After sleeping at a dive in Lafayette, I stopped in the Jennings Wal-Mart for a few supplies (cooler, groceries, bug spray, and ice) and drove down to the coast. The impact of Rita was evident 30 miles from shore. Homes, churches, and businesses were damaged and destroyed. A sign welcoming visitors to the Creole Nature Trail was thrashed.


Creole Nature Trail Welcome Sign, Hackberry, LA 2006

Along the way landmarks such as the Sabine NWR visitors center, various boat ramps, and camps were destroyed. The biggest shock however, was the resort town of Holly Beach. Holly Beach is a community of vacation homes and permanent residents. There are about 300 homes in the town. Not one of them was standing. It was unbelievable. Amazingly though, a few residents were already rebuilding.



Holly Beach, LA 2006

I spent the rests of the afternoon driving on the west side of the parish looking at wildlife, observing the impact of the hurricane, and enjoying the beach.


Damaged Home, Constance Beach, LA 2006


Destroyed Trailer, Johnson's Bayou, LA 2006


Big Thing on Beach, Holly Beach, LA 2006


One of Hundreds of Jelly Fish on Beach, Cameron Parish, LA 2006


Cement Slab and Palms, Holly Beach, LA 2006