The varied history of Louisiana...

Our first stop, Avery Island, where Tabasco Sauce is made! Avery Island is actually an Island, and is owned and operated by the same family who owns and operates the Tabasco Pepper Sauce factory, along with Jungle Gardens and Bird City. All of this has been in the McIlhenny family for generations.

They give you a short history of "who, when & how" it all came about and how it's made. Then they show you the bottling plant and send you on your merry way to the "Tabasco Country Store" where everything, and I mean everything you could even begin to think of, has the logo Tabasco on it! Along with all their fun merchandise, they give you free samples of all their other products that they make...did you know they make things like Tabasco mayonnaise? Or Tabasco Chili Starter? They are actually quite good (I bought one of each!) Or ice cream? Yep, I tried that too! We got out of there with just a small bag of goodies, not to bad considering all the tempting doodads they had!! ;-)














































From there we dashed over to Vermilionville, as we knew this place would take up the whole rest of the day, and we were already getting hungry for lunch (hot samples only gets you so far, you know!). As soon as we paid our admission we went straight over to their restaurant (we had read great reviews) as I was ready for some good Cajun food! I'm not a big catfish fan, or fried okra, which was the "special of the day" so I settled for a brisket po'boy and wasn't disappointed. I got sweet potato fries and they covered them with sugar cinnamon, um mm good!

Tummies full, so off we went to see what this place was all about. Since it's "off season", it was pretty quiet - up side, not to many tourists to compete with, down side not as many costumed historical interpreters around to talk with, but the day was nice and we could take our time. The historic village contains 19 structures, including seven restored original historic homes which are filled with artifacts reflecting life in the Acadiana area between 1765 and 1890.

The place was very interesting and very beautiful. We met some fascinating people who shared their interests with us and Jack actually was able to share some insights with a couple of them as well! At the woodworker's home, he noticed a wheel measuring tool and commented on it to the gentleman. He hadn't known what it was used for, so Jack explained it to him. He was thrilled to learn about it! In turn, he took Jack into the Blacksmith's shop that isn't currently being used (they don't have a blacksmith) and invited him to browse as much as he liked.

Walking along the bayou, looking at all the beautiful trees full of hanging moss, small docks out onto the water, it's just as I imagined Louisiana would be...I just didn't know I was a hundred years to late...






































































If you wish to view the rest of the photos from this trip, you can at my Flickr account at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74905158@N04/


...kicking back in Louisiana, Marie

Goodbye Texas, hello Louisiana!

Finally we leave Texas! Phew! That's one BIG state!! ;-) Our last night was in Beaumont. Didn't do much but spend the night, but we did make one small stop before we left...to the "largest fire hydrant"!! (You know we've just got to go see that sort of thing!) It's at the Fire Museum of Texas. It's 24 feet tall, and what a beauty it was too! Couldn't resist getting out and "posing" with it! ha ha Snapped one of Jack with the more somber Texas Firefighter Memorial. Then we hopped back in our rig and took off for Louisiana!




































Skies were gray and windy, but my "trusty driver" pushed on, undaunted! We sure spotted a number of rice fields along the way. I didn't know that was such a commodity around here, but quickly learned that it sure is. Guess they put all their water to good use!





























As soon as we entered LA, we stopped at their Visitor's Center to find out what we should see in the very short time we would have here (this trip). Very nice ladies there (and really good coffee!). It was decided that we would spend the rest of this day seeing Breaux Bridge, where we were staying, then all the next day seeing Avery Island where Tabasco is made, and Vermilionville which is a Cajun/Creole Heritage & Folklife Park.

So, off we went, with brochures in hand, to find our RV Park and get settled in, so we could go "sightseeing"!

...and went...and went...and went. Two phone calls, three maps and two very frustrated people, just about ready to "find another park" finally found the park! Ugh. This was definitely one of those times that GPS didn't help, and in fact, actually hindered the situation. Don't ask me how, but it did, that's all I know. Maybe the swamps confused it, who knows, but after an hour plus, we were about ready to throw it out the window. Oh well, you get the picture...

Once we settled in, we took the Toyota into town (brave, huh?) wandered around (all the shops were decorated so nice for Mardi Gras) and found a lovely French Cajun restaurant Cafe des Amis. Wonderful food and a much appreciated glass of good wine, and all was well with the world once again...































If you wish to view the rest of the photos from this trip, you can at my Flickr account at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74905158@N04/

...kicking back in Louisiana, Marie