Loo-siana

The most spectacular thing to me about southern Louisiana has been the sunrises and sunsets. It's almost like a different sun than I'm used to, it's such a different and vivid orange-gold color. I guess it's all the moisture in the air and the fact it's all reflected off the water from the lakes and swamplands (hopefully it's not also due to industrial air pollution....) This morning I'm at a Cabela's outside of Baton Rouge, and the sunrise was plainer-colored, but was made interesting by the light fog hanging down in the tree-filled swamp. I'm really appreciating the diversity of the landscape across the country. I know this wouldn't be the place for me in the summer, though, between the heat and the mosquitos. They all didn't die off over the winter, and I can't imagine how bad they are when it warms up and gets muggy.

Crossing into Louisiana I took the Creole Nature Trail along the beaches and then up through the swampland. This route required another taxpayer-funded ferry, where I had the front row, as you can see in the photo. It looks more like a view from a boat windshield.



Through each swamp, I've kept my eyes peeled for alligators, but I met up with my friend and former co-worker Cheryl for lunch yesterday and learned that the gators don't really come out of the mud during this colder time of year. 

Today I'm going to travel along the Mississippi and plan to stop off at a historic plantation. The one I have in mind is said to be the oldest in the lower Mississippi Valley. I'll end up in New Orleans for a few days, where I'm planning to take in one of the early Mardi Gras parades and watch the Super Bowl.      GO HAWKS!!!

Thanks for the Free Ride, Texas Taxpayers!

Right now I'm on a ferry from Galveston to Pt. Bolivar. Louisiana swamplands next!

Remembering

Today marks a year since Steve's death. I can't say how many times I've seen something that makes me wish we were enjoying it together, or that I could at least tell him because I know he'd get a kick out of it. People doing something amazing (or ridiculous); an old car, truck or tractor; people out enjoying the water; a restaurant where they cook shellfish right in front of you at the bar....

I miss him. We were fortunate to have many years together and a good relationship. He'd think this cross-country trip of mine is crazy, but he wouldn't be entirely shocked (except maybe that I quit my job). He wanted me to stop working early so we could enjoy retirement together, and we'd been saving so that might be possible. I'm sorry Steve didn't live long enough to get that. To me, it reinforces the idea that you should "seize the day."

In fond memory and with love,
Kathy

Galveston

Well, the view from my RV site isn't a gorgeous view, but it is a water view!

Almost at the Beach Again!

One reason I was in Austin so long is because I had some mechanical trouble with the motorhome (though I still didn't get to all the recommended restaurants on my list). At first it was thought to be an exhaust manifold leak, but then they realized the big problem was that the turbo had gone out. All fixed now.

I knew when I bought a 7-year-old motorhome and then drove it across the country, I'd better budget well for maintenance and repair. And this has been my reality. Almost the worst thing, though, is that I was in another Post Office parking lot today, and another vehicle almost backed into me! I had to honk to get their attention. I'm not sure what would have happened had I not been looking in my mirrors at the time. I'm going to try to stay clear of the PO parking lots from now on.

From Austin, I was headed to Galveston, but the weather has stalled me a bit. Yesterday and today have been rainy and windy, and more so at the Gulf. I decided why pay the premium RV site prices on the island only to have worse weather? So I stopped in Brenham, TX last night and on the edge of Houston in the Sugar Land area tonight. Now I'm looking out my little sunroof at the moon and should see good weather for the next 3-4 days in Galveston.

I've got my RV site reservations at a beach-side park in town where I should be able to walk to the sights, and I bought a ticket for tomorrow night's annual Oak Ridge Boys concert at The Grande 1894 Opera House (not usually my thing, but "when in Rome....") The weather forecast is for sun, and I'm ready for the beach!

If the Dog Could Create Heaven, It Might Look Like Austin

 

I think Austin might be my favorite city on the trip so far. Maybe it's because the weather has been good, and maybe it's because I was fortunate to get a spot at the Pecan Grove RV Park, which is close to so many things to do. One thing is for sure: it's been paradise for Charley.

I've seldom needed to leave him alone in the RV since getting to Austin almost a week ago. This many-acre dog park in the photo is about 4 blocks from where I'm staying. I'm not sure it's an official off-leash park, but don't tell the dogs that. There are a handful of restaurants and two food-truck villages right here within a couple blocks that have dog-friendly outdoor seating. And when I want to broaden my horizons, I can put him in a collapsible mesh airline carrier and take him on the city bus. We've explored all over the place. I've also stopped buying groceries temporarily because there's been so many recommended places to eat. I don't know if it's comforting or torture that I can smell the sweet, smoky BBQ firepits from two restaurants here from where I'm staying, starting when I get up in the morning.

State Capitol of Texas. Charley had to choose the lawn in front of the Governor's Mansion to do his business. (Of course I've always got pick-up bags in my purse!)

Austin is a beautiful city, with the capitol and the University of Texas downtown. The allegiance to the university is loud and proud, with even a section of the city's street name signs being burnt orange color with the Longhorn logo.

It was a fun place to watch the Seahawks for the NFC championship game. Through Google & Facebook, I found an Austin Seahawks fan group, with an open meet-up at a local sports bar. I can't even imagine watching that game alone - I needed to have some companionship for the pain and the ultimate elation. I told a friend that I talked to plenty of people during the game, but I hugged even more afterwards. I'll have to find a suitable place to watch the Super Bowl - not sure yet where I'll be.

After Austin, I'm going to plan to head towards Galveston probably sometime between Thursday and Saturday. It truly is nice not being on a set schedule!

Texas Bar-B-Que

I can't believe I've been in Texas eight days before finally getting to a place to have BBQ. Tonight I went to Salt Lick in Driftwood, TX, a bit outside of Austin. I learned about it after reading someone else's travel blog and it was definitely a good stop. There's even an old campground right across the highway so I was able to just stay and walk over.

Something I didn't know beforehand is that it's BYOB. Most people were prepared and you'd notice them bringing a small cooler in. For the unprepared or those who just like to try the local offerings, they have a winery on-site at a different building where they sold wine and local beer that you could bring over to the restaurant.

Charley's been a happy dog today. There wasn't anyone else in the campground earlier, so he enjoyed the run of the place, running through the dry leaves and down to Onion Creek. The rib bone that came back from dinner sealed the deal.

Next: Planning to drive in to Austin tomorrow and stay there several days.