For those of you who have wondered why I persist at the trevails of boating, its a challenge to get through a trip and handle the inherent (sometimes distasteful trials of boating). Last night was truly distasteful but before I get into that, let me tell you about the best part of the trip up the Mermenteau River to Lake Arthur.
We called ahead to the recently opened restaurant, The Regatta. This place was suggested to me by Dustin one of the CRNA's. They knew we were coming, but we certainly didn't expect the reception we got! We were met by the mayor of Lake Arthur, Robbie Bertrand and the owner of the Regatta, Greg Trahan. They helped us get tied up to the long Park Wharf, and get hooked up to power. (price for docking up and power $10.00 for the night!) After welcoming us, the mayor told us if we needed anything at the distant grocery store" just go over to the police station, they will take you there and back" He wasn't joking!
This little town of 2900 people is Lousiana's best kept secret. They are working hard to bring back their economy and were recently voted by Bloomberg magazine as the #1 safest small town in Lousiana to bring up children.
A major factor in this revival is Greg Trahan. A former engineer who developed a major consulting firm employing over 700 people, is from Lake Arthur. He sold out to a fortune 500 company years ago and decided to give back to his community by helping to develop the waterfront via the restaurant. He has done a spectacular job. This is without a doubt the best dining experience we have had in the south.
The Regatta has a floating dock for smaller boats and reportedly already averages 2 to 3 seaplanes per week. The staff is managed by Craig, who warmly greeted and seated us and if the waitress Bobbie Joe is any indication of the quality, attention, and humour of the rest of the staff, he has done an excellent job of recruiting and training the 60 employees. We were told the cook, who regrettably we didn't get to meet was only 21 years old, but the food reflected someone of skill, imagination and attention to detail.
Talk about friendly people and southern hospitality.. Another customer and her friend asked who we were ( we stood out as cruisers) and sent over dessert! On thanking them we found out, Kate and Katie were from Lake Charles, who on discovering the Regatta, experienced someone welcoming them with dessert and they wanted to reciprocate, knowing we were visitors. On top of that, Greg sent us home with complimentary corn grits, that were as tasty as he claimed. Thank -you Greg.
For all you cruisers, you will be missing out on one of the best little destination points off the ICW if you don't take the 15 mile detour to visit Lake Arthur.
DocsHoliday tied up at the Lake Arthur City Park Wharf.
Regatta Restaurant in background with green roof.
Now, for another trevail of boating. For me it started when I looked up and saw Mildred with her hand wafting fresh air in front of her distorted face. With a cough she sputtered, " Can you get the wash down hose for Tom!" "What happened that you need a hose? I responded. "Tom has been working on the toilet in our cabin and well...he has a mess." "What kind of mess," I laughed. "He has shit all over the place!" she gasped. Trying to suppress my hysterical laughter I went forward and got the hose through the front hatch to an eagerly waiting Tom. He had decided to replace the vac-flush pump with a newly configured one...(.newly configured backwards! )...and pumped the holding tank back into the boat! My laughter quickly subsided when I had to put my head into the bilge to help him get the hoses back on!!!.. It is working great, now and I can safely say we are all breathing a little easier.
Tom and Mildred....enough said!!Next stop, anchoring out near Morgan City............maybe!
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