DES ALLEMANDS, La. (WGNO) — It was a wild Sunday morning in Des Allemands as WGNO’s Amy Russo took on a new calling — airboat driver!
She visited Airboat Tours by Arthur and met up with Captain Arthur Matherne, Jr. He prepared her for the ride: Keep your arms and legs inside the boat, throw on your ear protection and prepare to see some alligators!
Throughout the hour and a half excursion, they boated throughout the bayou, seeing dozens of gators. Arthur even lured a 10-foot gator on board to get an up close and personal experience.
At one point, the captain grabbed a pair of tongs and shot them into the grass. Out he pulled a baby alligator! Russo learned to hold the small ones by the neck to ensure that they don’t bite you. The captain says if that does happen, do not pull away from the alligator because then it’ll feel like razor blades piercing into your skin.
To end the morning, Arthur called Russo to the back of the boat and let her act as captain, driving the boat and all! Let’s just say, Russo should stick to her day job. Driving was not her strong suit!
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