The Great Migration - Birdfest - Things to do

 I've been a little slack on posting, the weather has had me yearning for the outdoors and it makes it so difficult to be inside when the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining!  Well if you are reading this, it is due to the sun, or lack there of.  Today the birds are getting their bath, and the plants are getting a much needed drink! 

Now's the time for all you birders out there to migrate to our area for the 2013 Louisiana Birdfest as the migration of many species from Mexico and South America make their way to Louisiana as a resting spot.  If you can't make it to the Birdfest, many of the areas they tour are just minutes from Woodridge.  Bring your bird-guides, binoculars, walking shoes and your cameras and come for a visit.  Many of these visitors also visit Woodridge, just prop your feet up on the balcony and the bird song will keep you in awww. 


B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Get up close & personal -

Come to Louisiana Northshore's Global Wildlife Center for some up close and personal animal experiences. 


B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Reel in the big one! - 100+ things to do

They don't call it Sportsman's Paradise for nothin'!   In just a 20 mile radius from Woodridge B&B there are over 10 public boat ramps, ramps to fresh water rivers as well as brackish water lakes which leads you to the wide open Gulf of Mexico.
Not planning to bring a boat?  Reel them in from the local fishing peer which will be attracting even more fish once the new reef is complete (see here: Story about new reef)  or the banks of the rivers nearby.
Another option is to hire a Charter with expert Captains to lead you to some of the best fishing around, like Captain Dudley Vandenborre who is known for this Deadly Dudley fishing lures. Fishing Tournaments by the dozens are held in this area as well.  Many start at Rigolets Marina in the south east point of Slidell and considered one of the best areas to head out on your water adventure.



B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

January, the new Spring?

Is it Spring yet?  You would think so given the following pictures from this weekend.  It was BeaU Teee ful out there!

 Plan your getaway soon!  Enjoy what life is all about.

B&B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well! Debbi & Tim Keepers of the Inn and Concierge to your perfect getaway!

Earth Day in Pictures

During our morning walk

Some of the critters we see during our morning walks

Street band during Annual Spring Slidell Street Fair

New Orleans hosted a couple of Tall Ships

A view of one of the cabins - Tall Ships

The Tall Ships - celebrating the War of 1812

Tall Ships Mighty Mast

You never know who will be in New Orleans

 

 Come spend some quality time, enjoy the scenery.  Woodridge Bed and Breakfast is close to everything you want to see and do in southeast Louisiana.  http://www.woodridgebb.com

Debbi the Innkeeper

 It's that time of year, time for Peter Cotton tail, and Easter Baskets filled with Chocolate bunnies and Easter Eggs -  like these? Maybe?

 

Easter Eggs, all year round at Woodridge!

 Well our eggs come these colors year round... no dyes here!  There is nothing better than fresh eggs! Now that is something to cluck about.

Meet the ladies that provide our fresh colorful eggs every day.....

 And a few of our chicks, laying hens in the future.

B and B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well!
 Debbi the Innkeeper
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast

Come, sit a spell -

B and B's are a better way to stay, so while visiting Southeastern Louisiana, stay at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast - play hard, sleep well!
 Debbi the Innkeeper
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast

Life in the Swamp -

Ever wondered what it's like living in the swamp? Well the producers of "Swamp People" which airs on the History Channel, thought just that! They traveled down to the bayous of Louisiana to find people who live such a life. One of this year's Swamp People is Terral Evans who lives in Pearl River, Louisiana and works the river of the same name. There have been many other movies filmed in this area all due to the beauty they find in the river and on its banks.
In these parts, the river is known as the Honey Island Swamp, filled with gators, wild boars, black bear, deer, an array of fowl and of course some creepy crawly critters and slithery snakes. Now I grew up near another well known swamp and never thought of them as something I wanted to spend much time around, much less in, but I have a new found love of the swamp and the wildlife that inhabits its parts. And given a trained eye there is no telling what you may find when touring this wonderful area. So how do you get a trained eye for this? Well the best way is to find a local to run you down the river... and I admit Capt. Jack is one of the best eyes around. He can be found at Honey Island Swamp Tours in Slidell along with several other great guides. Or bring your own boat and make an adventure of it all, there are several area landings where boaters can set off and by the way, there is some mighty good fishing in this water too!

The summer is the best time to view gators of course while the winter is best for fowl with the bare trees. Winter also brings in many migratory birds not thought to be found in these parts of the country. The Honey Island Swamp is just a couple of blocks (as the crow flies) from Woodridge Bed and Breakfast where you will find ample parking for your boat and the tour offers a discount for registered guests when booked by the innkeeper.


Posted by Debbi owner & Innkeeper, Woodridge B&B

A Walk in the Park - Camp Salmen Nature Park

Slidell Louisiana welcomes a new Nature Park to its list of areas preserved for enjoyment of young and old. Located on the beautiful Bayou Liberty, the park has over six miles of walking trails, boardwalks and scenic overlooks.

This property once housed a prosperous brick factory that served New Orleans. One of the earliest buildings of the area still stand on this property, built in the early 1800's this old Creole French building served and a major trading post of the Bayou Liberty area for over a century and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. When the factory closed, the owners donated some of the land to the Scouts. An enduring scout culture–one which developed from the collective experiences of tens of thousands of young scouts–endures in the shadows of this building, nicknamed Salmen Lodge by the scouts.
The property is a rich ecological endowment of native landscapes and an unusually diverse community of plants and animals, which make the Camp Salmen Nature Park a living museum. http://www.campsalmennaturepark.org/
When visiting Camp Salmen Nature Park, choose a night or two at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast www.woodridgebb.com which also is surrounded by two wildlife refuges: Bogue Chitta National Wildlife Refuge and Honey Island State Wildlife Refuge

The Spring Bird Migration

This is an excellent time for birding in South Louisiana, the weather is warm and the trees are starting to produce shade but are still sparse enough to see what's nesting on their branches. While this is home for many species, spring brings many visitors to the area for a good place to rest in their journey back home.

There are many spots to feast your eyes on many species: Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge, Honey Island State Wildlife Refuge and the Northlake Nature Center to name a few. Each April the Nature Center holds it's Great Louisiana Bird Fest, with Birding trips, workshops, Louisiana food and fun. For more info about birding in SE LA visit: http://www.tulane.edu/~bfleury/neworleans/BirdingNO.html

Nesting in a bird habitat, Woodridge B&B is the perfect location for your stay. We will be happy to provide you with birding and trail information to make your visit a memorable one.

Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge - Trails & More

Just west of Slidell, Louisiana and on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain lies a march area known as Big Branch. The National Wildlife Refuge maintains this 17 thousand acre area to protect nature from the population encroaching these nature resting areas.

The Boy Scout Trail of 4.5 miles takes you through several habitats and to the banks of Bayou Lacombe. This trail is a gravel meandering around swamp and marsh areas where waterfowl, shorebirds, wading fowl, and neotropical migrants find peaceful refuge. Some colonies include the Red Cockaded Woodpecker colonies, Bald Eagle nests, and Osprey nests. A short quarter mile raised boardwalk trail leads hikers to a cypress slough near the banks of Bayou Lacombe.

The NWR sponsors 'Wild Things' each October, the Saturday after Columbus Day, which is during the National Wildlife Refuge Week. "Wild Things" has presentations, demonstrations, live animals, live music, and tours. While in April, the refuge celebrates The Great Louisiana Bird Fest which will be highlighted in a future article. This is free and open to all visitors.

The Big Branch NWR is also a great place for canoeing, biking, wildlife observation and photography as well as fishing* and hunting*. Each Saturday, the park has guided walking and canoe tours for visitors. No charge for this service. *You must obtain a license to hunt or fish.

Big Branch NWR is located in Lacombe, LA. Take I-12 to exit 74, turn south onto Hwy 434. The offices (signs state Bayou Lacombe Center) are located on Hwy 434 near the junction of US 190.
Big Branch is aprox. 20 minutes from Woodridge Bed and Breakfast Slidell - Pearl River, Louisiana and about 1 hour from New Orleans.

Trails for the Nature Lover in You - Hide & Seek

Well there is a new craze taking the world by storm, Geocaching! Have you heard of it? Adding a fun game to your hiking experience, can make you day even more exciting. Some choose to do the seek and find - the person collecting the largest variety of tree leaves gets a prize or track the list of bird species found.

Well now there is Geocaching! A hide and seek game where a treasure of sorts is hidden in a location, usually along trails, river banks and such. A fun game for adults and families. Once a geocache is hidden, the coordinates are downloaded on to and are then made available for geocachers around the world to seek the treasure. Using a GPS devise, plug in the coordinates and search away, there will be clues to assist you as well. When you find the treasure, you usually take a piece and replace it with another item. To become a member and learn the coordinates, go to the website and become a member.

Now why am I telling you all about this? Louisiana's State Parks and historical sites have just joined with Geocaching.com in a special treasure hunt. Anyone finding all 41 can win a silver "geocoin" minted for the campaign. Prizes include a set of three such coins — one silver, one bronze and one black alloy — and a weekend stay at a state park. To become a member and learn the coordinates, go to the Geocaching website. For additional information go to

With many of Louisiana's historical sites and one state park near by, why not make it a weekend packed with adventure, fun while enjoying a peaceful rest at Woodridge Bed and Breakfast. just 30 minutes from New Orleans.

Take a Hike or Bike - Tammany Trace

Take a hike, in St. Tammany that is! The Tammany Trace is a 27 mile trail once was home to the railroad and travels from Slidell to Covington through woods, wetlands and small towns in between. In the 1800's the rail system brought New Orleans elite to the northshore to escape the harsh summer heat, as you hike along this trail you will spot many summer estates surrounded by moss covered live oaks. Each little town beckons visitors to sample a taste of their town while on your route, from Lacombe, Mandeville, and through Abita Springs each providing their own native twist to the northshore area.

Woodridge Bed and Breakfast is about a 10 minute drive to the Slidell trail-head parking and rest area. Additional parking is found at the Mandeville trail-head, and in Abita Springs.

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge - trails

The Bogue Chitto (Choctaw for "large stream) National Wildlife Reserve follows the banks of the Pearl River, West Pearl Rivers and Bogue Chitto River and the great river basin. This NWR covers over 36 thousand acres filled with natures wonders.

Visitors may see a variety of endangered or highly guarded wildlife that call this area home among them: Ringed-sawback turtle, American alligator, gopher tortoise, inflated heel-splitter mussel and the Gulf sturgeon. The swallow-tailed kite is a species of special concern on Bogue Chitto NWR. The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was de-listed as a threatened species in 2007. Bald eagles visit the refuge each year. Other Wildlife Species: White-tailed Deer, turkey, neo-tropical birds, rabbit, raccoon, wild hogs, a variety of snakes, mink, skunks, wading birds and waterfowl.

A vast range of forest encompasses this area from pine woods to stands of bald cypress and tupelo gum in the sloughs. Most of the refuge is defined as bottomland hardwood forest, laced with wetlands. This refuge is commonly inundated with flood waters from the rivers.

Most of these areas are only accessible by boat from the three locks off of Hwy 41, north of Slidell but they have added a new hiking trail not far from the most southern point of the refuge. To get to Holmes Bayou Trail, take I-59 exit 11 "Pearl River turnaround" and turn west.

Additionally, Bogue Chitto State Park has just opened in Washington Parish. Seven miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of horse trails and a canoe and boat launch into the river. Wat to fish while there? Several ponds stocked with bass await your bait!

The Bogue Chitto Holmes Bayou Trail is only 10 minutes from Woodridge Bed and Breakfast. To see more of the refuge, bring your boat, Lock 1 only a 15 mile trip through the Town of Pearl River. Or for a day trip, you can launch in the Pearl at exit 5 or 11 and travel up river. Woodridge is only 30 minutes north of New Orleans - so make your adventure complete - city, country, wild life all packed in a great getaway.

Honey Island State Wildlife Reserve & Trail

September's cooler mornings are perfect times to explore the beauty of nature. There are many areas in SE Louisiana to explore. The Honey Island Swamp Nature Trail is the first in the series of nature trails for Shootin' the Breeze.

The Honey Island Trail runs about 1 1/2 miles following the Pearl River in the area known as the Honey Island Swamp. This area was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina and parts of the trail are not for those out for a morning stroll. Climbing over fallen trees may be necessary and some areas are heavily overgrown.

This area is rich in natural swamp foliage with blooms from early spring to late fall. Lying in a subtropical climate, many native plants are tropical in nature like the fan palm and the many varieties of ferns. While in the woods, it is always wise to watch for snakes, wild boar, and the occasional deer and black bear.

Spring beckons the birders to the area where their is an abundance of species flock the area in their yearly migration, and some make it their home. Bring your binoculars, cameras and bird books and listen to the calls of nature.

Note that this area is part of the LA Wildlife Refuge and you must obtain a LA Wildlife Stamp to enter this area. Purchase these anywhere Fishing & Hunting Licenses are sold (Walmart is one) for $5.50 and are good for 1 yr July 1-June 30.

It is suggested that boots,jeans and long sleeve shirts be worn when hiking this trail.

Honey Island Nature Trail is located at the Honey Island Swamp exit on I-59, just minutes north of Woodridge Bed and Breakfast Check out our specials All this just 30 minutes north of New Orleans makes it a wonderful adventure.

SE Louisiana - Fisherman's Paradise

Well I love her….but I love to fish! For many fishermen this song is not far from the truth. Well for all the Brad Paisley’s out there, we have a solution to all your worries. But first lets take care of the important stuff.
So you love to fish, well you have come to the right place, bring plenty of ice chests because the waters south Louisiana are abound with fish. Never mind your experience, the fish of saltwater lakes - Pontchartrain, Catherine and Borgne and the fresh fish in the waters of the Pearl River are just waiting for your pole to hit the water. The saltwater lakes are well known for Speckled Trout and Redfish year round.

The Rigolets Marina is a great place to launch and then during the summer head over to the Seabrook Bridge area, in the spring and winter just hover around the trestles near Slidell for Trout or near the marshy banks of the Pearl or Bayou Bonfouca for the reds. The marina will have plenty of live shrimp for bait through late fall, and during the winter you can rely on the Deadly Dudley’s to reel in the catch. If you want an expert guide, Capt. Dudley Vandenborre is the best around and fun to know as well. There are plenty of places to just drop a line off the banks or docks as well…great during the summer when the use of a sliding cork line will lure the trout when they are closer to the top of the water.

If fresh water is more your liking you will love the fishing in the Pearl River near Slidell as it breaks into numerous branches as it flows toward its mouth. Middle, eastern and western tributaries are areas with winding curves and lily pad flats where it is known to have large bass just waiting for you. The Pearl is also known for good river cat and perch. There are several landings up river to launch as well as the Rigolets at the base. For Bayou fishing, you can launch at Heritage park and ride along the banks of the Bonfouca.

No matter where you fish, you will not need to come up with a story of how the big one got away…it will be right there in your catch box.

Now that I have caught your attention and you have packed your rod and reel ready for your trip, lets get to the part of how to make this trip one of fun AND romance. Well I have never thought the words romance and fish belong in the same sentence much less the same weekend, but in South Louisiana anything can happen! Select the Woodridge B&B ‘I love to fish’ package when you book on line and we will arrange everything to keep the romance going while you enjoy the sport you love…
Arrive to a lovely dimly lit room with fresh flowers and a nice fruit and cheese tray. She will hardly budge when you slip out in the wee hours to catch the big one…but don’t forget the boxed goodies we have packed for your adventure. While you are out enjoying the water, she will rest in peace awaking to freshly made coffee on the balcony while listening to the morning bird songs, then joining other guests in conversation over a wonderful gourmet breakfast, followed by an hour massage to lift the stress from her shoulders. By the time you come back she will be welcoming you with a warm rested smile. A little time for you to rest then it is off to a scrumptious dinner at one of the areas best restaurants, arriving back to a nice bottle of bubbly before another wonderful night’s rest. By the time you are packing your bags to go home, she will be asking when you plan to go fishin’ again.

Thank you for Shootin’ the breeze with me - Debbi
http://www.woodridgebb.com
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast Inn Louisiana

Located just outside of the Honey Island Swamp and minutes to the area launches. Providing guests with the ultimate in relaxation and romance.

The Honey Island Swamp in Louisiana; Nature’s Paradise!

When people think of swamps they usually think of Louisiana as they go together like biscuits and butter. Southeast Louisiana is home to the two largest swamps in the state, the Atchafalaya the states largest is southwest of the city of New Orleans. The second, and in this writers opinion the best swamp to tour, is the Honey Island Swamp which is located on the East side of Slidell, running along the vast Pearl River.

Honey Island Swamp covers over 70 thousand acres of wetlands. Fed by the mighty Pearl River, Honey Island Swamp is sometimes flooded by the river running over it’s banks mostly occurring during spring. The Swamp is a State Wildlife Refuge protected by the State Wildlife Protection Agency, which provides a sanctuary for nature. Of course most do not think of a swamp without getting a vision of the prehistoric looking alligator, but the swamp is filled with so much wildlife that a true naturalist would love getting lost in this area.

Birders, too find the Honey Island a wonderful place to spend their mornings. Many students find this area an ideal place for school projects or thesis. One such student was studying the history of bird species and their territories. This student had studied intensely the history of birds in Illinois and found that many species that once made that area home hundreds of years ago, now reside in the Honey Island Swamp do to the ever changing climate. His visit to the swamp was to determine how many of those species he could encounter here.

Several reports have spiked world wide interest to the Honey Island Swamp. There is the legend of the Honey Island Swamp Monster that got SciFi fans rushing to the area to find him back in the 1970’s and the legend has resurfaced with the release of Mr. Ford's documentary put together by his granddaughter in 1999. Another stir was with the possible siting of the thought to be extinct Ivory Billed Woodpecker. To this day, birders flock here in hopes to find this large bird which can be easily confused with the popular large Pileated Woodpecker found throughout the area.

I have not even touched the surface of the vast tree and plant life, from the bald cypress, tupelo and river birch to the swamp grasses, Spanish Moss, and the wild Iris which lies on the water banks and much, much more. I never thought of a swamp as a place of beauty but it is. Come to Louisiana, Experience Nature, Explore the Honey Island Swamp.

Thank you for Shootin’ the breeze with me - Debbi

Woodridge Bed and Breakfast Inn Louisiana http://www.woodridgebb.com
Located just outside of the Honey Island Swamp and minutes to the tours and boat launches, Woodridge B&B is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Guests of Woodridge receive special discounts at some area tours, when booked through the B&B.

The best way to tour the Honey Island Swamp is by boat. If you bring your own boat or canoe, there are several public launch sites making it easy to experience the area at your leisure. For those not coming in tow, a tour may be more up your ally. There are several tour companies in the Slidell area that do tours year round. Most have covered boats to protect you from the sun when you are not under the vast tree canopy, and from the occasional afternoon showers.

Honey Island Swamp: - http://www.honeyislandswamp.com/
Pearl River Eco Tours: - http://www.pearlriverecotours.com/index.html
Cajun Encounters: - http://www.cajunencounters.com/Swamp_Tour.html

For those wanting to explore on foot, permits can be obtained to wonder through paths created near the northern end of the refuge off I-59 near the town of Pearl River and other areas. See the State Wildlife and Fisheries site: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/wmas/wmas/list.cfm?wmaid=35