pkq - wow that is devastating. The real shame is that the damage caused by Rita has been completely lost in the chaos that Katrina left behind. From what I've heard, they can't even get contractors to come in and make repairs because they are all working in NO - and being paid very well. It's so wierd to see the pictures - having been there. I can only imagine what it must be like for you.

I never did get the chance to go canoeing in the Atchafalaya. We did do some in Lake Martin - some nice egret rookeries there. My postdoc lived in the middle of the Atchafalaya. The pics of her house are amazing. She literally has alligators in her back yard.