We ate a heavier breakfast—waffles are easier to prepare when anchored than when underway. We then launched the dinghy, cleaned up, and went ashore. After about a ¾ mile walk we came to the Tabasco Factory. They have narrated tours on the hour, so after about 15 minutes to peruse the exhibits near the entrance, we and about a dozen others were treated to a very informative narrative, including video, about the history of Avery Island, the McIlhenny Tabasco Company, and the creation, manufacture, and marketing of Tabasco brand products. How the profits have been used through the years for wildlife conservation is also impressive, as is the information about Avery Island and the salt dome and mining operations which actually comprise the island. After a walk past a glass-enclosed observation hallway that allowed views into the bottling operation of the plant, we were free to peruse the Country Store which handed out lots of samples, including Tabasco ice cream. A stroll through their beautiful grounds back to the boat completed our morning. After discussion, we decided to depart. Morgan City would be a logical stopping place for the next day’s run, but only accommodates boats with less than a 15-foot beam, and that in a heavily industrial area. We decided to go part-way. After winding our way back out of the bayous to Avery Island, we waited behind a maneuvering salt barge and finally entered the ICW about 1400. About 1520 we passed under the impressive Louisa bridge—a bascule bridge with 73-foot clearance BEFORE opening! About 1635 we entered the Charenton Drainage Canal, finding a beautiful deep water spot to anchor alongside the east bank of the several hundred yard wide canal. A few work boats went by during the night, but none close to us. It was a very idyllic spot, but evidently one not often used.
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