2009 - South Pass Lighthouse, Venice, LA

During my Great River Road adventure, it is safe to say that the highlight of the trip was the adventure that took us to the South Pass Lighthouse.  Located some 35 miles south of Venice, LA, the southern most point in Louisiana, it is only accessible by boat on the Mississippi River.  It is a mere half mile from the Gulf of Mexico. 

While researching the area prior to our trip, I noticed a 5 star difficulty and 5 star terrain rated geocache sitting out there in the river delta not yet having been found called The Guiding Light  (GC1V92T).  I thought about that geocache for days half heartedly thinking to myself, it would be a blast to find this cache and possibly be the first to find it as well.  In order to get to the lighthouse, chartering a boat would be necessary.  After researching charter services available in the area, I initially concluded that it would not be economically feasible to pull off this adventure.  But after many hours of contemplative thought and discussion, we would chalked this up as being a "once in a lifetime event" and booked the charter with Captain Dan of MLC Charters. 

During the 36 mile boat ride down river, Captain Dan provided a great history of the area.  He pointed out several historical locations and was explaining the geology and hydrological behavior of the river.  When we approached the lighthouse, it was clear the storms over the years had removed nearly all evidence of a previous civilization I had seen in pictures.  Including the dock and piers for we couldn't land the boat on shore.  I had to wade through the last 15' of gator infested waters.  I managed to make it to the lighthouse without being eaten alive and after a short search, I had found my 3000th geocache, and was first to find to boot.

Enjoy the photographs (click thumbnails for larger view)..

2009 South Pass Lighthouse The end of the Great River Road.	2009 South Pass Lighthouse Approaching the lighthouse.	2009 South Pass Lighthouse Pulling into the lighthouse.
2009 South Pass Lighthouse Wading up to the lighthouse.	2009 South Pass Lighthouse The stairs leading up to the lighthouse.	2009 South Pass Lighthouse Bart making a FTF on his 3000th geocache find.
2009 South Pass Lighthouse Standing on the upper deck.	2009 South Pass Lighthouse Looking down from the upper deck.	2009 South Pass Lighthouse Looking up from the upper deck.
2009 South Pass Lighthouse Wading back to the boat.	2009 South Pass Lighthouse Grandma Norvina, Molly and Bart.	2009 South Pass Lighthouse Group photo with our boat captain.