River Peak

[Riley Smith]

Tomorrow the river peaks at 12' at Merrill, about 20 miles upriver from Wolf Ridge, and another 20 from the beachfront. Where the Leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers meet to form the big river. It had been at 2.5 ft a few days ago, but we got the first big rain of winter over the last couple of days. With the rain came high winds out of the north and it was nippy this morning at daylight, with the river sending brown water down. I'm sure there wasn't a teacup of water in Bay La Vie at daylight/low tide. I've worn the old warm down coat all day in the chill. The clear water has taken a big hit and I was sad to see it go. The fishing Jubilee is over and the fireplace feels good as the cold has brought clears skies, cool temps, and a fine sunset. The rise was originally to 7', and then 10', and now 12', so any more rain and it'll just go higher. It's still a way from 22' flood stage but the rising water will float all sorts of debris down river. And I'm sure some of that will decorate the shallows there in front of the Labrot House. If not now, the next time.

[Riley Smith]

Here's Griffin Point where the Pascagoula and the Escatawpa River meet. The far shore is Gautier and the near one, Moss Point. The island in the foreground is an old sawmill sitting amid Robertson Lake on the Escatawpa River, and Griffin Point is the second set of trees on the right side of the river.

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The river has gone back down and it actually didn't mess the clarity up too much. Just outside the above photo on the right is where I-10 cuts across. The far shore is bounded by the West Pascagoula River and Gautier.


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 And this is the I-10 bridge over the East River. Note: That is NOT the river water you see but the north end of Robertson Lake and it brings an anomaly particular to this place. You might be able to SEE the river from there but you can't GET there. The trip around is about three-four miles.

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[Norm L.]

Thanks. I've seen some of those views from one angle or another. On I-10 I have always like the view to the north.
Even wanted to explore. In a comfortable shallow draft powerboat.

[Riley Smith]

I-10 cuts across just below the tree line where the salt and fresh mingle. Below is predominately salt water and above predominately fresh. Shallow draft is not essential, although I can take you to some places that are    You can still navigate a bigger boat for many miles upriver, although it might be said I wouldn't advise someone without river knowledge do it on those upper reaches. It is very easy to get lost without a map or GPS.
There are numerous creeks, bayous, islands, channels, and lakes in the whole bit and great water to enjoy when the conditions are right. Although, it has been voted for the most alligator infested place in the state.


Between home (Wolf Ridge) and Merrill, where the river gauge is, another highway runs across the river and they just replaced one of the bridges through that section. What is amazing is to make that drive when the river is very high. Where they replaced the bridge is almost always calm and serene ox-bow water, but when the river floods, it BECOMES the river. The whole drive is through river bottom and no telling what you will see.

 I've got a itch to go sail Three River Lake and may scratch it today. I've reserved a slip and want some water time in the fresh. Not raising the mast for a while sounds good to my back. The leaves are just now at their peak in this place and maybe I can get some photos of something cool.