35.05′ is the level of the Phatwater on the Natchez gauge at the moment.  The Red River discharge, far beyond our border, should keep us in a very wet state of affairs for some time to come, so we’ll be hoping to have a high speed ride on the BluzCruz (Pronounced Bluz•Cruz) into Vicksburg, April the 17th, which, according to the Gregorian Calendar, is one month away.  But, and I offer this with all fair notice, whatever the circumstances following our dash down from Tara Wildlife to the Vicksburg riverfront, as soon as we exit the water we will be wheeling our way to New Orleans, for the Ochsner’s Ironman, on Sunday, April 18th.

As with last year, the Ochsner’s Ironman will begin around 0700, Sunday morning, meaning you need to have your boat in place sometime on Saturday evening, if you plan to participate.  We need commitments from all volunteers who wish to be a part of this year’s Ochsner’s Ironman. Email me for details.

Last year we supplied about thirty volunteer kayakers for the Ironman, and we need to repeat this performance.  All who participate will receive one of our new Phatwater-Kayak Mississippi caps, the likes of which princes, presidents, prime ministers, and other primates worldwide long to obtain.  Here’s a shot of last year’s models.

As you can see, these are mounted in front of the Under-The-Hill Saloon, on a fire hydrant.  And as you all know, the Phatwater and Kayak Mississippi are all about helping our local humane society, and saving all the cats and dogs we can, and since fire hydrants and dogs have something of a history—well, let’s just put it this way:  When I pass beyond this mortal coil, I’ve requested that I be cremated and my ashes be sprinkled near municipal fire hydrants so that the dogs will still pay the occasional visit.

Anyway, this year’s Ochsner’s Phat-Hatz will be a variation on those above, though of another color, and you can be the first to own one by making an early morning appearance on April 18th.  We need all of you who can attend.  As with last year, we will cover your hotel expense for Saturday, so, think of it as an almost free trip to Le Grand Facile which will include a noggin’ buffer avec le Poisson-Chat, merci!

Let us know now if you plan to join us.