Today we arrived in New Orleans, after over 1100 miles on the water with the “Storm Rider Tour.”  We gave up the homemade coffee this morning, knowing that across the parking lot in the Hard Rock Hotel was a Starbucks. 7:00 AM we called Bill Capo, veteran WWL-TV reporter, who would meet us to board the Storm Rider for a short run to Long Beach and cover our story for airing later.  WWL has been a commanding voice for wetlands restoration and protection for Louisiana and Capo was no stranger to the story.  As he and his cameraman  came aboard, we headed out from the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor in choppy waters for the ride, images of the harbor still trying to return from the ravages of Katrina fresh in our mind.  Bill was a sailor and had immediate appreciation for this old Grand Banks trawler.  Underway, the interview was immediately christened with a large wave spray that ruined any thought of a “close up.”  We hoped to see the familiar Dolphins that were constant companions.  While we rocked and rolled, Bill did interview with me and Juan about what our experiences were like spreading the message of coastal restoration along the Gulf Coast.  When completed, we headed toward the Long Beach Marina to drop the crew off for a return to New Orleans but not before spotting a row of yellow bouys and what appeared to be submerged pipeline.  We decided to call for information and learned that the markers were for dredgers laying cable, which was enough to make us veer away from the area altogether and alter course.  The decision proved to be fortunate, as before we hit the end of the short run, dolphins began their gleeful leaps at boat’s port side to the delight of the camera.  Mission accomplished and now I would call in to a live radio program featuring LaFourche Parish President, Charlotte Randolph, who wanted to talk about the upcoming Storm Warning events for her area. Charlotte is yet another coastal crusader who keeps the heat turned up on coastal issues.  Patiently waiting for our return was Biloxi WLOX-TV, whose appointment the evening before was re-scheduled due to our late Biloxi arrival.  Anne Milling, founder of Women of the Storm, would be next up on the line to tend to last minute details for the New Orleans riverfront concert that Women of the Storm will help to host.  And now the final run into Louisiana would bring up past Cat Island, into the Rigolets, Louisiana’s welcome corridor dotted by Shrimpers and sports fishermen eager to land some fresh seafood.  The area is also the gateway to Lake Ponchatrain, once imperiled by growing pollution, now making a comeback because of citizen concern and action to save the Lake.  With New Orleans on the horizon, we were soon to reunite with staff members who have been working away to raise awareness about coastal erosion and planning the coming weekend’s events.  Tonight we will settle in at Orleans Marina, struggling to come back after Katrina, so that boaters like us can enjoy one of America’s great cities and treasures.  Happy Sails!

Shrimpboat fleet at the Small Craft Harbor in Biloxi, MS

Harbormaster's and Biloxi Chamber of Commerce offices still untouched after Katrina

Lighthouse leaving Biloxi

Dying barrier islands

Hwy 90 Bridge

Interstate 10 bridge

New Orleans in the horizon from Lake Pontchartrain

Shrimpingboat in the lake

Arriving at Orleans Marina

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