Never in my wildest imagination did I think I would be persuaded to take a swamp tour on the Atchafalaya Basin.

My co-worker turned friend is from Phoenix– the farthest thing from swampland– so she decided we were most certainly going to do a swamp tour. In all my years of driving I-10 from Houston to New Orleans, never once had the thought crossed my mind that we would someday boat around the murky black waters below. In fact, I’m still scarred from that one episode of Rescue 911 when the truck drivers dove in after a car accident victim who had been thrown off the bridge. NIGHTMARE.

Swamps, bugs, alligators, and *gasp* snakes are not my idea of a good time. So it was with much hesitation and muted anxiety that I booked our air boat tour on our road trip to New Orleans.

McGee’s is a little hole-in-the-wall establishment 2 miles down the levee road… I’m talking back woods here.  Once we were all checked in, I decided on a little liquid courage and man was I happy I did– that was the best bloody mary I’ve ever had.

Before boarding the boat, I made sure our “driver” was locked and loaded. There was no way I was getting on that boat without him having a gun– not for the creatures, but for me. If that boat sank, he might as well put a bullet in me. . . I’d rather die than float through a swamp alone.

I assure you, there is fear behind these sunglasses. . .

Maybe not for Kara. . .

In all that fear, I never expected what a beautiful experience it would be. I know, swamp doesn’t necessarily sound beautiful– but it truly was! The water was peaceful and the airboat moved with ease across the water, logs and even thick vegetation.

And of course, there is always room for glitter in unexpected places. . .

So if you’re ever on that long stretch of Interstate 10, stop off in Henderson at McGee’s for a swamp tour. It’s a wonderful experience and an even better break from the long and boring road. Just pray you make it back with all your appendages.

Happy travels!