Adeventures in Paul B. Johnson State Park (Pre-Katrina)
This blog contains pics of Paul B. Johnson state park 20 miles outside Hattiesburg, MS. J. Baller (below) and I went out to have a free day in the park, and play discgolf. These pics were taken in Summer '05, that puts it pre-Katrina. I have not been back out there since the K-storm.
The park is one of the most used I have seen, and their facilities are well kept. I am sure there have been significant changes to the park.
The lake was built by the FDR administration under the New Deal. Basically the dug out the hole and damned a stream so that it acts like a resigoir. They stocked the lake and tried to keep everyone out while the fish were growing. My friend Trey went out there while it was closed to the public and tore 'em up. There is a lot of lilipads in this lake making the fishing a little more challenging.
This is hole 8 with a beautiful oak tree on your right, requiring you to throw to the left. They have a huge mailbox, presumably due to the number of senior citizens staying there. Meanwhile, the fine for picking those roses there is $500.
Here is the no alcohol sign (backside) that was put up after two rednecks were fighting.
This is hole 11 (yellow basket) and I have heard that the tree on the right fell and destroyed the basket.
Here is a shot of the view on the way to Paul B. I used to live across the street from this view off of Elks Lake Rd. The sunsets are beautiful to catch on this ridge as well.
People jet ski out here but its kind of a small lake, so you have to watch out. One time I saw a person almost run over a little kid playing in the water. After that, PB&J decided there would be no alcohol in day use areas.
There are a lot of RV campers as well as primitve campers. This is a shot from the primitive campsite. It's costly to stay here over an extended period of time ($8/night/tent). Not plenty of firewood back then, but you know about that storm. If you do go camping here there is a nice secluded place down a small road and crossing over a small creek. You have to carry the camping stuff a little ways...but the campsite is well worth it.
Here's the water shot (Hole 10) for the frisbee golf course, and uou can see the concete tee and the yellow basket in the background and the concrete tee you throw from. I have seen hundreds of people in this part of the lake looking for their wet disc.
This wooded hole used to be one of the most challenging shots out there, Katrina altered that.Folks, Paul B. is well maintained and if you have never seen the lake, you need to put it on the list.
Todd Williams
posted by Todd Williams @ 11:41 AM
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