We left the campground at 9:15 am to go to Avery Island to visit some attractions.
Driving on Avery Island Road (LA 329). Lots of barnswallows flying.
To get to Avery Island it cost $1 for the toll. The toll booth is on the right side of the vehicle, so how does the toll attendant collect money? Here is how they do that. A long pole with a cloth pin attached to a small piece of board. He hands out a pass for entry/pass you take it out then put $1 in the pin. Viola!
Checking out Tabasco Plant. Free factory tour, but we went in the country store first to look around and to taste samples. We had a sample of chili which was very tasty.
EH tried raspberry chipotle ice cream and said it was good.
I really wanted to buy this apron just because it has a gator on it, but I knew I would not use it often
Then we took the factory tour, unfortunately it was Sunday and nothing was operating; however we did see the machinery and glass works. They ship their products to 160 different countries and in 122 different languages! We returned back to the country store and bought a few items and souvenirs.
That's ALOT of hot pepper!
We then went to the Avery Island Jungle Gardens and WOW what an awesome place! We drove through 3 miles of beautiful gardens and massive Live Oak trees. The road was winding and meandered through the waterways and ponds. Saw 6 alligators and probably missed a bunch more! Went to "Bird City" where hundreds of Great Egrets and their chicks were nesting! Edith had a ball there taking lots of pictures. If any of you ever go through New Iberia, LA, it is well worth taking time to go through this lovely park!
After the wonderful tour of Jungle Gardens we went to Rip Van Winkle Gardens, but before we got there there was a rookery island that is filled with lots of spoonbills. We were very hungry, so we went straight to the restaurant for lunch. Had a delicious hot ham sandwich which we shared!
No, this is not the "GONG SHOW"
After talking to the manager about reduced admission price for deaf guests the clerk said we can go on tour at Joseph (Joe) Jefferson's house for half price because they did not have transcript for us to read while on the tour.
Joe wrote the book "Rip Van Winkle". He was an American actor. He was the third actor of this name in a family of actors and managers, and one of the most famous of all American comedians. (Wiki)
Joe wrote the book "Rip Van Winkle". He was an American actor. He was the third actor of this name in a family of actors and managers, and one of the most famous of all American comedians. (Wiki)
Joseph Jefferson's House built in 1870. Photography inside the house was not allowed.
From Rip Van Winkle Gardens we got on LA-14 to go west. We were starting to get hungry, so we pulled into Abbeville RV Park. Got site #33.
We were really exhausted, not from driving or aggravation, but from absorbing all the beautiful scenes out there.
We always took a field trip to Avery Island every year. One time we were there, we noticed the tomato juice glass jar like employees hang out and drink water out of it. Ok. We went for it, drank from it, and got funky afterwards. We misbehaved and teachers grew concerned to why we acted up. One teacher asked the Tabasco employee what it was. He said Bloody Mary. LOL
ReplyDeleteWe had a blast playing outside with a buzz. We were usually told -to take ONE chicken breast, ONE milk, and ONE cookie. That time around, we devoured all - teachers let go of it. We went home sober with stomachs full, smiling.
The administration found out and thought it was funny. Next year, there was no glass jar. :)
LOL... Now we understand why you love Bloody Mary drinks
ReplyDeleteThat must have been a blast for you kids