May 5, 2014 (14th Day)

Sunny day greeted us at 7 am.  66 degrees.. Beautiful blue sky, but no clouds.

We left Abbeville RV Park at 8:30 am, drove through Abbeville town center. We wanted to stop at the old depot musuem, but it was not open until 10 am and we were there at 9.

Got on N LA Highway 82 (Jean Lafitte Scenic Byway).  Lots of rice paddies and crawfish farm. (Pics/video).  Pleasant drive on that route. Saw brahmas.  It was impossible to pull over to take pictures because there was no shoulder and room enough.

Now heading toward Pecan Island. Crossing Intracoastal Waterway (video).  Few miles down the road we crossed the bridge over old Intracoastal Waterway. 

Erwin decided he wanted to stop at one of fishing docks along the route just to see what it was like. While we were on the dock Edith took pictures of the red-winged blackbird on swamp grass.

In one town Erwin braked the van to a stop because there was a turtle in the middle of the lane, so he got out and moved it to a ditch nearby.

Few miles down the road there was another turtle on the road and it was red eared turtle. Of course, Erwin stopped the van and got out to move the turtle.

Entering Cameron Parish (Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway) still on 82

Spotted two gators (pics) each time we pulled over they would scramble down to the water . So far, we saw 5 of them.

Pulled over to Rockfeller Wildlife Refuge at Eastern End Boat Locks where people can go fishing, crabbing, hunting, etc. It is in grand Chenier, LA (pics/video). We watched a couple crabbing, and they told us that they had been there since 7:30 am and have caught at least a dozen of them.  Erwin asked them if one dozen would be enough for a meal, they said no, but if they do not get another dozen later on in the day they will throw in shrimp with crabs and cook them

Rockfeller Wildlife Refuge sign on Grand Chenier Hwy 82. Beautifully carved.

Arrived Creole, LA at 11:45 am . Turned right to get on W Creole Highway 27. Saw this yellow-crowned night heron.  

Alligator with its head flattened on side of the road. Looked like somebody ran over it deliberately. 

Went in Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, a 3 mile loop drive called Pintail Drive and Boardwalk. Very nice, but we did not get to see lots of migratory ducks cause most of them already headed north.  About half way through the loop we pulled off to make lunch. Enjoyed the view as we ate sandwiches.  Very lovely day for a drive! 

Saw different birds, lots of alligators red-winged blackbirds. Took us over 2 hours to complete the loop.  Our van reached 6,500 miles while on the loop.  

We left the refuge at 1:45 pm, continued driving down Highway 27 to Highway 384 to my cousin Doris' house in Lake Charles.

This is really an unusual roof shape for a house.  It was on Highway 384

Doris and I grew up together when she and her mom lived across the street from my parents' house for several years. When we were young she helped me to learn how to listen to music. 

Doris and Paul greeted us and we met their three dogs, Sabrina, Cassie and Toby.

We sat down and tried to catch up news.  Doris asked us what cuisine we were in mood for.  We wanted Mexican because of Cinco de Mayo celebration, but they thought their favorite restaurant might be full. They said they were going to go by and check it out, and if it is full we go to a seafood restaurant, which is fine with us.

They showed us the recreational park at Indian Bay, very beautiful. 

We drove by L'Auberge casino, went to the top of the parking garage to get a view of the casino building, bay, oil refineries, port.
                         

Also, we went by $2M to $4M waterfront homes.  Beautiful and nice drive.


We were lucky because Doris' favorite Mexican restaurant had three tables available.  We all ordered margaritas because it was 2 for 1 price drinks. The foods were fabulous. Edith was impressed with the way they prepared cile relleno. Overall, we were very pleased with what we had.

Went back to Doris and Paul's house we settled down and caught up some more news.  Paul made some suggestions on visiting some sites on our way to Texas.  Doris served a delicious cake.

It was a lovely spending time with Edith's cousin and her husband.  

May 4, 2014 (13th Day)

We were greeted with another beautiful day.  The temperature was 71 when we stepped out of the van to stretch after a good night's sleep.

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)

                              

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. 

May 3, 2014 (12th Day)

Ahh.. Another nice beautiful morning.  Not a cloud in sight.  64 degrees

Cypress trees across from our campsite! Very lovely, relaxing view from our picnic table.

Our good morning drinks (Erwin with his coffee and Edith with her fruit smoothie)

After breakfast and biking we left Lake Bruin campground at 9:25 am, took right turn then right on 604 left on 605 to LA 8971. GPS told us to turn to Pash Road 420; however, the pavement is covered with gravel for 1.4 miles. Gulp! And, the pavement got narrower and narrower, so we decided to turn around and go back to where we made a turn, but got lost! We think the GPS was confused with the way we wanted to go and tried each time to get us to the fastest routes, NO, NO and NO! GPS does not understand "The Meandering Routes"

Getting lost is the best way to find secret spots that very few people see!

Telephone poles leaning in one direction from hurricanes or strong winds?

We had to stop and ask passerbys for directions. The lady gladly led us to the right road (Plank Road - 128)

On Hwy 15 S we are driving along the levee!

Rough bumpy roads, the views is good but so much of sameness it was driving Erwin crazy!  He kept asking Edith when we would ever get out of this route. "Sorry honey, it is 12 more miles of it". This route would probably be great on a motorcycle. We would not recommend this route.. At least, we can mark it as visited but not go back there again.

Saw first working oil well pump

Finally got on I-49 at 1:05 pm.. A long drive from Lake Bruin, LA

Speed limit is 75 mph!  Not going that fast...Remember, we are exploring, sightseeing and in no hurry! We are meandering along in vacation mode! :-)

At Exit 18 off I-49 we got gas at Murphy USA  for $3.33 per gal.

Had lunch at Raising Canes. Chicken tenders were very moist and delicious. The dipping sauce was outstanding! The lemonade was good, too!

Back on I-49 S. (I know, Interstate route, we try to stay off it as much as possible but at times you have to use it!)  Arrived Lafayette, LA @2:15 pm. Roads are ROUGH!

Erwin wanted to stop at Racetrac to get a free cup of coffee with a coupon that we got in the mail before the trip.

Now on NW Evangeline Hwy (167/90)

Got off to LA 182/96 turned left now on LA 182 

Arrived New Iberia, LA at 2:55 pm 

Checking into Konriko Company Store - america's oldest continually working rice mill. Arrived just in time to join in the tour. Started with a movie that lasted about 10-15 mins, then went inside the old mill where we can see the equipment used to process rice.  Only 13 employees, many of them working 40+ years. Operates Mon thru Fri. Not operating on Saturday when we showed up, Dang! 2 owners since 1912. 

                                                  

Davis is the current owner after he bought it from Conrad. Bought 8 wild pecan rice boxes for gifts, plus one big bag of it for us. 

                                   

Aftr picking up groceries at Winn Dixie we continued on S Lewis st to Koc Campground on Avery Island Road (90) to spend the night.  

May 2, 2014 (11th Day)

Last night we spent the night in Denham Springs, LA

Up at 6:15 am. It was sunny and pleasant.

We both had good sleep, but it was little chilly inside the van, and Erwin did not feel like getting out of the bed to get sleeping bags. Getting out the van we were greeted with nice sunrise colors.  Edith went outside to get her 2nd sunrise pictures.

No biking this am, but hope to later in the day.

After checking GasBuddy app to see what gas prices are like in Miss that we will be going to we decided to fill up here. $3.37 vs $3.55

Went by The Outdoor World store that is not far from Flying. J, took pics.. Beautiful building. Interesting outdoor decors.

Stopped at Starbucks on Range Ave (3002), so Edith can get her favorite morning drink - a tall caramel macchiato.

We finally hit the road at 7:25 am.  Uh oh, RUSH HOUR. Bad timing, but it did not take long to get out of the crunch. This was nothing like Washington D.C. when we lived there.

Saw bison in fenced pasture in Zachary, LA along hwy 64, they look scraggly as compared to the ones we saw at Yellowstone Nat'l Park!

Now on. Hwy 19 N

Entered MS line at 8:50 am 

Left on Hwy 33 at Gloster, MS
Saw lots of blue jays near the gas station

Vine covered chimey and water tower in Crosby, MS as seen from MS 33 road

Hwy 33 norh of Crosby, MS is a very, very pleasant drive

Detoured to Main st (61) in Fayette got on Harriston Road (553) . Visited Folk Art Frog Farm, which was interesting. (Roadside America attraction).  

For information on visiting roadside attractions here is the link 
www.roadsideamerica.com

Edith had some Frog Juice, said it tasted like Caramel Macchiato! 

Continued on Old Harriston Road

Spotted vine-covered silo off Morning Star Road (61) near Lorman, MS

Stopped in Port Gibson, MS to check out the Golden Hand Pointing to Heaven at First Presbyterian Church (another Roadside America attraction)

Stopped at Atwood Chevrolet delership for oil change, but they would not let EH sit in the van while the oil is being changed, so we left.

Stopped at Cracker Barrel for lunch

Got to William Day's house after 1 pm.  Got a nice surpise from William - a scrollsawed lighthouse for me! Very nice of him.  

Erwin gave William two coffee scoops and a Rosewood bowl.

William was so thrilled to get a box of oak burl so he can use them for woodturning or penturning.  He showed us his beautiful pen collection.  One of them has grits inlay with oak burl and he gave it to us!

Erwin showed William how to make a coffee scoop using the unfinished piece he brought from home.

We bid William goodbye around 2:45 pm. Went to 61 North Superlube for oil change.

Took I-20 W to Richmond, LA, crossing Mississippi River. 

Exit 171 to US 65 S.. Pleasant drive on Bienville Trace Scenic Byway

Left to LA 605 for Lake Bruin State Park, but decided to stop at a corner store to check if the park has a campground. The clerk said there is, so we got on Route 604

Arrived Lake Bruin campground at 5 pm. Went biking immediately.

Erwin fixed omelettes for our supper. Very yummy!

 

Beautiful sunset. While I was taking pictures I was approached by a lady who had a camera bag, and she pulled out a fancy Nikon camera that cost $5k... Wow! Yes, Edith was jealous, BUT when she and the lady took same pictures Edith's pictures came out far better than hers, she was beaming with pride and trying not to show it!  No kidding!