Left Dallas after work on March 9th and arrived in Knoxville Monday morning, March 13th. Happy Birthday, Conner!!! Drove down through Louisiana, took a left through Mississippi along the gulf coast into Alabama. Another left, diagonal northeast up through Alabama and crossed into the northwest corner of Georgia into Tennessee. Phew!
Louisiana – First night stayed in a town I cannot pronounce - Natchitoches. Was a quick over-night stay. Was going to see a plantation near there but couldn't find it and was on some pretty narrow back roads looking for it. After trying to make a u-turn, failing to make it, blocked the entire road, I just gave up. I do have to say, people in Louisiana are SUPER nice and several people asked to help me. I was so embarrassed I said no. It took me less than 10 minutes to clear the road and thankfully there were only 5 cars that had to wait for me. Sigh!
Kept driving until I hit Poche Plantation in Covenant, LA, right along the Mississippi. Cajun Country Poche Plantation Bed and Breakfast (B&B) and Camping RV Resort in Convent, Louisiana between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA Bed and Br
Wandered around the campgrounds and nearby buildings that evening. Ate at their little café and had fresh catfish. Was a little leery as the first time I had it, I was in Missouri and about got sick with my first bit, it was so nasty. THIS catfish however, was a whole different story - fresh as can be and was very tasty indeed!
Check out the ceiling fans in the cafe, so cool!
In the morning, I drove Sparky south 10 miles, down along the Mississippi River, up over a huge bridge only to drive north another 12 miles, up the Mississippi River, to tour the Laura Plantation, known for sugar cane. Was a huge eye opener to slavery, living conditions of the planation owners, their attitudes and lifestyle vs. the living conditions of the slaves and their daily struggles. I was very humbled. It’s one thing to read about slavery in books but quite another to see things with your own eyes.
On a lighter note, I learned that to be Creole you need to have been born in Louisiana, be baptized Catholic and speak French, no matter race or gender.
Went back to grab the camper and dogs and headed further south. It started to rain when I hit Baton Rouge. I wanted to go see the old state capital but couldn't find parking anywhere so I just drove by it and kept heading south, skirting around New Orleans. Been there-done that.
Mississippi - Eventually I hit the Gulf of Mexico, such pretty white sands. Toured the Jefferson David house in Biloxi. Not what I had thought it would be, the confederate flag should have been a warning, but I did learn that there was once a confederate president, Jefferson Davis. It was a very pretty house that has survived hurricanes. Kept driving along the gulf and just had to grab a picture near sun set. The puppies did pretty good job staying still while I captured that shot.
Alabama - It wasn't long before I hit Mobile. It was dark and I had to go into a tunnel under the water and then a very long bridge that just kept wrapping around. Wish I was a passenger vs. a driver, I could have taken more/better pictures!
Headed northeast for a long time until I hit Atmore. Stayed the night at a casino RV park. The site itself was nice but the bathrooms were not casino quality, they were national park quality. Was disappointed and had to fore-go a shower until my next campsite!
Sunday morning drove for about 2.5 miles until I hit Cheaha State Park. Still rainy and chilly, but very pretty.
Headed to Birmingham, only to find out the Civil Rights Institute is closed on Sunday, so pressed on into Georgia.
Georgia - Spent the night at a KOA in Trenton, just south of Chatanooga. Trenton, Georgia Campground | Lookout Mountain / Chattanooga West KOA Holiday
(I will be back at this campsite in a few weeks with Conner and Sydney)
Tennessee - arrived Monday morning March 13th. Got the camper semi-settled in while Conner and Sydney headed my way. We were going to Top Golf for lunch to celebrate his birthday!
That's all for now folks!
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