Monday, November 18, 2013

Madisonville

Out of all the places we've visited near here, our favorite is Madisonville, in St. Tammany Parish. Nestled on the banks of the Tchefuncte (cha-FUNK-tah) River, Madisonville exudes charm and nostalgia. Founded in 1800, the town was originally called Coquille (ko-KEE) by early French settlers because of the abundance of seashells. It was incorporated into the U.S. by 1810 and renamed for President James Madison. Today, it boasts fine dining, antique stores, marinas and recreational boating.

Saturday, Nov 3, was a fun photo shoot. Standing in 2 feet of water with all my camera equipment (very risky move for this clumsy gal), I gazed out over the water and pretended I was on the ocean somewhere in New England. The water was too choppy to stay out long, but for the short time the waters lapped around my rubber boots, it was exhilarating. This day was sans mosquitoes, but somehow two of them ended up in the car. :/ A malevolent force in the universe is determined to give me malaria.
In 1834 Congress approved $5,000 for construction of this lighthouse to guide vessels across Lake Pontchartrain
to the mouth of the Tchfuncte River. The 36' tall brick tower was completed in 1837. It has been damaged by the Civil War
and numerous hurricanes, including last year's Isaac. The town of Madisonville took ownership in 1999 and a group of
volunteers rallied to restore it. Hurricanes Rita and Katrina interrupted initial efforts but restoration resumed in 2007.
On June 25, 2008, Phase 1 of the restoration concluded.
Processed with a texture by Anna Lenabem on Flickr.

An abandoned tugboat near the shore. I believe the wording said, ST. JAMES TRANSPORTATION CO.

Forster's Terns keeping watch at their posts as the boats whiz past.

A toilet somehow made its way onto the tugboat. Um, pretty sure this isn't original to the vessel. 

The sun set right between the tugboat and the lighthouse. I was hoping it would set behind one or the other.
Thankfully, the glow spread behind the boat as the sun lowered.

The afterglow extended the entire length of the horizon. Boy, I wish I had a super wide angle lens.

I'm glad this turned out as a silhouette so you can't see all the debris. Hurricane Isaac created a huge mess out there.
Looks like they're working on clean-up, but the wheels of government turn ever so slowly--especially here.

"The charm, hospitality and history make picturesque Madisonville a wonderful destination for a day, a week, or a lifetime." From Madisonville Official Web Site.

22 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Gail I do not know about your getting Malaria but I do know I need to see your photos every time and it is worth it:)INCREDIBLE HUGS B

Shug said...

sure looks like the old tugboat has seen better days! I am always amazed with all of the neat things that you find to photo. Each day, you write a story in pictures and this is most definitely what they call true art. Awesome creativity.

Y'all have a super great day.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Your photos are so fantastic - always worth a little treacherous wading.

Your non-wet vac comment this morning cracked me up :-)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots of the area. I'm glad to see that the lighthouse is being restored.

hootnonny said...

Awesome images. Glad the gators didn't get your piggies!

Karen said...

Beautiful water views! Had to giggle when I saw the toilet, nice view from the deck though while attending to one's business ;)

TexWisGirl said...

that opening shot with the sun's rays is phenomenal! yeah, the toilet must have taken some effort to get up there! sheesh!

thanks for risking waterlogging to get these. we won't talk about malaria. :)

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That first shot of the sunbeams and the lighthouse looks like God is showing who the true Lighthouse is. :)

I love the sunset glow extending to the tugboat. The photo of the terns wouldn't load for me. All I got was the caption beneath a white box.

Anonymous said...

Wow, wonderful series of shots, the lighthouse and rays, the terns all sitting in a row, the low light of the end of day and the silhouettes... beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Your shots are just gorgeous! I admire your tenacity and skills - i.e. not dropping camera equipment into the water.

Carletta said...

LOVE the first shot! What wonderful rays.
I quite like the rusted peeling boat as well.
As always though - terrific shots from start to finish.

Anonymous said...

Gail, your photography never ceases to amaze me.
Thanks for sharing the beauty :)

eileeninmd said...

I love the lighthouse and the cute Terns! Gorgeous photos and scenery!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

These are amazing photos Gail...I see publication in your future. Oh they're just heavenly.

There's a town called Coquille just inland from the Coast in Oregon.

Brian King said...

Just beautiful! I love the lighthouse! It makes me miss the Great Lakes lighthouses. The sunset is gorgeous! Doing things out of the norm makes photos like these even more special.

Hilary said...

Some absolutely stunning shots here, Gail but first and last are just amazing.

renae said...

Great photos, Gail. I love the silhouettes so much!

Yes, Baby Z is doing so much better. He has lost a pound but that is ok because he was 9 lbs nearly. But the ...best ...part! I FINALLY GOT HOLD HIM TODAY!!!! Awh, best day ever!

(that's why I'm late replying) ♥

Nancy said...

Beautiful skies and love that old tugboat -- I bet it could tell some stories. :)

Hootin Anni said...

Beautiful!!! I can't say which I like best 'cause they're all very good in composition and colors! [exception: toilet]

I did not KNOW about the lighthouse. I love 'em.

Oh, and mosquitoes....I swear they're here year 'round any more. You and me both, they're out to 'get us'.

Anonymous said...

Fascinating photos, and I love the Cajun French and the terns. Dianne

EG CameraGirl said...

Madisonville is now on my bucket list. ;)

Suzan said...

Lovely shots of the light house and the tug has certainly seen better days!! Glad that they are saving the light house!!