Streaked (probably not the best description) across most of western Texas and spent a couple of days in San Antonio. My longest day in the car. Was here for a conference a few years ago but it was July and very hot so didn’t venture too far away from the air-conditioned hotel.  Temp now is in the mid-60s so perfect walking weather.  Repeated the boat ride and strolled along the River Walk.  Also went over to King William, the old German neighborhood and toured one of the homes. Big difference from the Spanish-influenced architecture.

As I was coming thru Houston, was listening to a conversation about gun control just as the news broke about a shooting at a small college near there.  Police were everywhere. Lord help us.

Crossed over into Louisiana.  What a difference in terrain.  Ended up on the Gulf Coast Highway (part of the Creole Nature Trail) for a lovely ride along the water. Houses are up on 15-20’ stilts.  The area has been battered by 2 hurricanes but undaunted, they always rebuild. Sorta strange to see a Victorian, complete with turrets up on high heels.  What a change in feeling to get off the interstate and drive along the back roads – so much more relaxing.  Gulf waters are lapping the shoreline about 30’ from the road. Patience got her first ferry ride (and saw 2 porpoises) when we landed in small town called Cameron and stayed overnite at the lone motel.

 The following day we got back on the Trail and had to ride the ferry again.  This time there was a $1 charge.  Woman attendant said "we let you in for free but charge you to leave". So much different from the dry area I left – lots of water, reeds and birds – egrets and herons.  Drove into the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge which means the critters are safe unless they try to cross the road.  Actually, there are fishing and hunting areas set aside in it.

Met Bobby & Betty, two octogenarians from central Louisiana celebrating their 49^th anniversary by fishing and crabbing in the Sabine.  It’s an annual tradition and they were delightful. After watching her haul in turkey necks with crabs attached, she asked if I’d like to try it. Quite an experience to patiently pull them in and then convince them to hop in the bucket. 

Stopped in Lake Charles to see the collection of costumes at the Mardi Gras Museum.  Heard the story from a 6’ alligator named Devereaux.  The celebration began slowly in the late 1700’s and expanded exponentially until it became the ribald revelry it is today, lasting 3 weeks in some places. The costumes in the collection were beautiful – lots of pizzazz and sparkle – and each year the Krewe (crew or club) changes its theme and they start all over again.

My crabbing friend said I shouldn’t miss the northern part of LA so off I headed to Alexandria. (Got stopped on the way in Iowa, LA for crossing a white line to make a right turn.  Apparently, it’s a no-no).  My friend didn’t mention there was a pet show in Alexandria & I was lucky to get one of the last motel rooms in the city.  Not only that, when the people next door went out to dinner, they left a very unhappy pooch behind.  Also sadly, the two museums I wanted to see (the LA Political Museum and the Delta Music Museum) were both closed so I headed up to Natchez, MS.

Took a walking tour of the downtown area – some lovely homes and buildings but also some very neglected ones.  One beauty was the Eola Hotel whose interior had been renovated to its former elegance.  Also took a walk along the Mississippi and saw a riverboat. Met a woman from Baton Rouge in the motel parking lot and she said not to miss St. Francisville.  Made that my next stop.