Mountains, swamps, and hot-tubs, oh my!

EOM, LA, SFO

That’s a lot of letters, but it means some pretty cool stuff.

Night before- I’m packing. Which entails me grabbing a bunch of clothes and throwing them on the bed. The cat was amused by my antics…

Day 1- Thursday morning, off I go! Obligatory departure photo…

Left the house a little before 9am; I needed to stop at the bank on the way out of town, and they don’t open until 9am. Business taken care of there, and then I pointed the bike south. Jumped on the interstate and rode. Down into Kentucky before I stopped.

I like the parking and the restrooms at the Kentucky welcome center on I-75 there. I also proceeded to wet down the heat-off layers I was wearing while at the sink- hoping to stay cool. Venture on further down the interstate, and the GPS is saying there is a major delay on I-75 ahead. Oh, and I LOVE passing these trucks and trailers!!!

Anyway, the delay ahead is saying 1 ½ hr delay. Yeah, I’m not sitting in traffic like that. So when I pulled off for fuel, I looked at the map and found a way around the back-up. But when I got back on the interstate, I noticed the northbound lanes were at a standstill, and there was not a single car headed south. Except for me and the pick-up truck that got on with me. Not a single vehicle… it was creepy!!!

Come to find out, there had been an accident right after I got off for fuel. I was thankful it didn’t happen before I got to that point.

So anyways, I still have to maneuver my way around the other traffic back-up that was further south, down near Corbin, KY. So I got off the interstate and wiggled my way east and south. Found some nice roads! Also found a tunnel! Rt 25E, goes through a hill that is also the border of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Onto Rt 32, and found a beautiful overlook near Thorn Hill, TN.

Down the road, and I joined back up with Interstate 40. Passed a fleet of ServPro clean-up semis. I can only hope that they are headed towards the hurricane damaged areas on the Carolinas. Thank you!

At that point, GPS said I could be to the hotel within an hour. Well, I just wasn’t ready to get there yet! So I jumped off the interstate, made my way to Gatlinburg, and then detoured through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Rt 441 is just so beautiful! And hitting it in the evening- wonderful!

Down in the meadows, was a huge herd of elk!

Big guy sitting on the hill near the road! I did not stop, I merely slowed down.

And with that, I made my way to the hotel. Pulled in, met lots of people, and had a great time!!

Day 2, Friday- After talking riding plans the night before, Rob and Marie were kind enough to let me tag along on their adventure.

We made our way to a small town of Spruce Pine. There, they met with a realtor and we went and toured a house! We do a good job of parking 3 bikes into 1 parking space.

Lovely home, but the driveway was NOT motorcycle friendly. Lol.

Back into the town, Rob sits down and talks with the realtor. Marie and I walk across the street to see a cute shop. The man inside recommends to us to check out the doll exhibit next door. What amazing art!

Made out of brushes!

And one of my favorite childhood songs brought to life with dolls!!!

After that stop, we ventured on our way to Little Switzerland.

We stopped there for lunch. DELICIOUS!! I didn’t take a picture, but it was so good!

My first time riding this road!

And then we headed down the road! Rob and Marie are great riders considering they live in flat, straight Florida. Lol. I enjoyed watching them twist and turn and dip in front of me.

Marie eventually waved me past her, and I gave chase to Rob! What fun we had!!!

Stopped for fuel, and then headed north on rt 80, and made our way back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stopped at a scenic overlook. Got some pictures taken… Someone looks like this…

So I can look like this!

Adopted parents? Yeah, they’re awesome!

Marie posing for a picture while soaking up the serenity of the hills…

A weeping wall of rocks along the Parkway…

Back to the hotel, showered, and cleaned up. Then dinner with a group. Smiling faces and telling stories!

Waiter asks what I want to drink. Sweet tea!!!! After I downed the first glass rather quickly, he was kind enough to leave the whole pitcher for me!

Crayons and writeable table coverings make for fun entertainment while waiting on the food! HAHA!

Evening social in the parking lot…

T-shirts with words make for fun times…

And Tyler. Oh Tyler. She’s my roomie this weekend and next!!!

And with that, the night was over.

Day 3, Saturday- I wake up and make it my goal for the day to go and snag South Carolina. So off I go!

Fog burns off to reveal the beautiful countryside.

Went down rt 276 and stopped at Looking Glass Falls.

Then made my way into a new state!!!

Drove by a parking lot, wasn’t sure what it was. Could kinda see a clearing. So I turned around and went to check it out. Glad I did!! Turns out to be Bald Rock Nature Preserve.

Wacky helmet hair, don’t care! I’m happy to be living life!!

Back on the road, and I venture through Pumpkintown. And I didn’t see a single pumpkin…

Make my way to rt 178 and turn north. And see this sign. Yeah, this is gonna be fun!

Jump onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head west. Stop at the high point.

Come across these bicyclists. Followed them for quite a bit- they were moving at a brisk pace!

Back into town, and headed to the hotel. Pass this trailer, with a pony in it!!!

Showered, and cleaned up. Group picture time! Thanks to Gerald for the drone- that way Tyler can be in the picture too!!

Dinner was family style. And that chicken was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!!!!





And these keychain fobs that Designflaw did are so cute!! I was having fun playing with them…

And that evening’s social time was quite a fun time… HAHAHA!!! Inebriated Jason reading a brochure on woodworking…

And Bob and Jason trying to mount the bike so they could go for a ride… oh, good golly gentleman…

Let’s call it a night with that.

Day 4, Sunday- I couldn’t sleep that night. Too much on my mind. So I packed my bags and headed out about 6:15am. It was dark. I had my all my lights on bright. I could see!!

Made my way to rt 28, and rt 129. Got to the north side of the Tail of the Dragon, and stopped at the overlook.

Back down through the Tail, had a good run. Not much traffic on it at 8am on a Sunday…









Made my way to the Cherhola Skyway.

And had a blast on the long sweepers!

Fuel in Tellico Plains, and then jumped on the interstate. I-75 to Chattanooga. Then I-59 into Alabama. Horse butts!!!





Stopping at a rest area for a break and for food…

And then another rest area for a nap. The lack of sleep was catching up to me.

Then when I really started getting drowsy on the road, I knew it was time to find an end to the day. And get some real food in me. So I stopped for an early dinner at a Cracker Barrel just outside of Birmingham.

And then made a reservation at a hotel about an hour and a half away. Crossed into Mississippi. Another new state for my map!

Hotel in Meridian, MS. Sleep came easily and quickly. But I did manage to stay awake long enough to make plans with Redfish for tomorrow.

Day 5, Monday- Breakfast in the hotel- they have biscuits and gravy!!

And off I go on an adventure through the countryside of Mississippi.

A website, roadsideamerica, brings attention to some weird and wacky stuff in the area in which you wish to travel. Found a town named Hot Coffee.

Found a giant watermelon! In front of a shoe store. On rt 49, near Sanford, MS.

And a military tank and helicopter. In Sumrall, MS.

Passed a few cotton fields…

And then I started coming across blotches of rain. Wet roads and sunshine anyone?

Or how about pouring rain for 6 minutes?

Followed by completely dry roads?

And then LOUISIANA!!! Another new state for me!!!!

Stopped at the welcome center, rest area.

Jumped back on the road and was looking like I was going to get pounded with rain…

But only got a bit of a drizzle, as I was able to beat it. (check out the sky in my mirror!)

And then I found a gas station… that had another FJR parked there!!

Oh wait, I know him!!! It’s Redfish!! And he’s SMILING!!!!

2 FJRs eagerly awaiting the next adventure…

Off we go, Redfish has a plan and I plan to follow along!

We stop at Tickfaw State Park.

Shows me a water line from the flood of August 2016. Holy crap. It was taller than I was…

Then we get off the bikes and take a walk through the woods. A swinging suspension bridge!!! And yes, I got to the middle and started jumping up and down and side to side to make it move…

Didn’t see any large wildlife… but Andrew did find it entertaining to point out every spider along the way… eww, cringe!

A very old Bald Cypress tree…

And a whole bunch of signs from all over! I sat there for a while, and I couldn’t figure out the reasoning behind all of them… but they are cool!

Passed a few of these big trailers… had no clue what they are used for. Later Andrew informed me they are for Mardi Gras parades. Cool!

And then rain. Lots and lots of rain…

Smile, chuckle, and stay positive is the way to do it!

Luckily, we were getting closer to home base. I was able to pull under the carport, while Redfish pulled into the garage.

Pops was manning the cooker… boy did it smell amazing!!

Out of the cooker, and getting sliced was Cajun injected pork. YUM!!!

Nate and Lauren came over for dinner, along with Andrew’s parents, and wife and son. A feast was had!!

Even with dessert…

Socializing was done, and tentative plans were made for tomorrow.

Day 6, Tuesday- Wake up, and mount up. Off we go on the bikes. Andrew had a couple things in mind for us to do… and I eagerly will go along with anything! I love these trees…

Now, I was given a fairly extensive tree lesson… but do you think I can remember any of that now? Not really. Whoops.

And then he takes me by the place where he works- WOW! We don’t have places like that where I’m from…

And cemeteries where the graves are above ground!

Original plan was to take a ferry across the Mississippi River. But, the ferry was currently not running. So we turned around. Headed for lunch. Trying something new! Boudin.

Boudin balls and boudin in a casing. The balls were the best!!

And because it looked like rain was coming in, we headed back to the house, and left the bikes and got in the truck. That made it nice. I could look around and not worry about driving. And Andrew and I could talk and he could tell me lots of things! So we headed to a bridge. Sunshine bridge?

Wow! Look at the length of that!!

I like bridges…

Rain. Right there! And the barges and boats on the river were cool to see!

Turned around and made our way to the Houmas House Plantation. It had stopped raining in time!

Beautiful! Trees!!

Inside was gorgeous.

Look at that wood!!!!

Mural on the wall, and an old map of the plantations from way back when.

Spiral staircase…





Old bit! And the mechanics don’t change much, we still use bits like that to this day.

Rooms are filled with old relics and artifacts…

Cool chairs!! The one is for soldiers to sit on with their weapons at their sides. And the other one is where you straddle it backwards so you can read or do whatever on the easel attached to it.

Outside, the ponds and landscaping is beautiful!! I call this my Tyler picture, because I bent over to get the flower in the shot. Lol.

And because Andrew had taken Tyler here when she was visiting, he knew where there was a Chihuly sculpture!

Lovely Japanese gardens.

And then the squirrels. A weird fascination with squirrels led Redfish to stand there and talk to the squirrel in the tree…. Lol!

But I can’t say much… I made us walk around the entire grounds again so I could find the graves of the married dogs… (another roadside America finding…)

And then dinner! Andrew, his son Todd, and I went to Don’s Seafood.
Had Jacked Up Oysters…

Fried Alligator…

Double Stuffed Grilled Shrimp…

And Catfish and beans and rice…

YUM! Everything was delicious! First time for me for oysters and alligator.
Back to the house, hanging out, and thinking about tomorrow.

Day 7, Wednesday-

Today, we left the bikes sit. Threat of rain was right there, so we decided to jump in the truck and explore. Pops came over too!

We head out, and we stopped at a bridge. It’s a spinning bridge! If a boat needs to pass, instead of lifting up, it will twist sideways. I couldn’t understand when I had inquired about the bridges the other day. So today we stopped and walked out on it. Sure enough, there is a way for it to do it!

And grating… which is always fun to stand on!

And we go to a boardwalk into a swamp. Taking a hike.

Trying to keep quiet, and keep our eyes out for wildlife…

Such smiling faces…

And though we did not see any wildlife… it doesn’t mean they weren’t there!! I can just imagine what it’s like under all that duckseed.

Back on the road, and we come into Ponchatoula. I recognize this town name from roadside America! There is a giant strawberry somewhere in town! So, I find it on the map, and down a street or 2 and we find it!

We also find a Tesla plugged in…

We head to lunch in Madisonville. All you can eat shrimp and catfish. None of us got refills because the first plateful was plenty!!!

And then we start driving down a road. That’s slightly flooded. And full of potholes. I have no clue where we are going, but I’m still excited!! Oh, and I spotted an alligator in the ditch!!! YES!!! We eventually get to the end of the road, and all you can see is water!!!! It’s Lake Pontchartrain!

WOW!! So much water!!! And then, a dilapidated boat…

And what’s that there!?!?!? A LIGHTHOUSE!!!! I really like lighthouses…

Man your posts!!!! Everyone gets their own!! Haha!

Back in the truck, and we drive. At this point, I have no clue where we are but I’m enjoying every moment!! We end up at a house along a river. It is Andrew’s cousin’s home. Beautiful!

Andrew pulling up traps. Caught a tiny fish and a blue crab.

Stopped by a butcher house on the way home, and picked up some meat. YUM! Grilling steaks and asparagus…

My good golly, that was DELICIOUS!!

And with that, more socializing and the night was over. Oh, and I did get to meet Andrew’s sister too! What an awesome family!!

Now, I realize, that we didn’t take a group picture. Especially of Andrew’s dear wife, Amy, and son, Todd. They welcomed me into their own, and made it feel like a home. I was able to do laundry, and sit on a couch, and feel comfortable. Thank you for that!

Day 8, Thursday- After talking to Pants last night, we arranged to meet up at a gas station and head to SFO in Alabama together. Timing was perfect!

And off we go! I am following Pants, who may or may not have a plan…

Went through Tylertown! Oh, Tyler…

And more fun roads in Mississippi…

Came around a bend, and I thought there was a large festival or something going on! Lots of cars all lined up on the hillside!! Come to find out, no… it is just a junkyard place. Well organized though…

Stopped for fuel. Having a good ride!

More roads… fun fun fun!!

Stopped for lunch. Union Station Fish House. We both had burgers.

Crossing a bridge over a beautiful area!

Into Alabama, and when Pants wants ice cream… Pants stops for ice cream…

Ohhhh!! This looked like a nice place!!! I don’t really know where this was... but it’s pretty!

I think we might get wet…

Yeah… they had a blast of rain come through. Roads were flooded and water was running everywhere. Those red clay drives were running into the roadway. Not cool. But, we managed to keep both the bikes upright for the entire ride.

Pants and I split as we got closer to the area, he needed to head north to the campground, and I headed south to the hotel. My rain riding skills has improved tremendously over the past couple years. To the point now where I don’t like getting behind slow vehicles in the rain!!!

I don’t think I had ever been so happy to see a hotel with a covered driveway…

I think Marie felt the same way when they pulled in shortly after me! Hahah!

Taxi services were provided to get us from the hotel to the barn after we were all showered and cleaned up. Dinner was a chili bar! Spaghetti, chili, chips, cheese, sour cream, muffins, and toppings! Oh, and dessert was pie or peach cobbler. YUM!

Socializing in the dry barn…







That night, back in the hotel room… Tyler and I set our stuff out to dry…

Day 9, Friday-

Breakfast at Shoney’s! It seems to be a thing that we end up at the long tables in the back…

The bike stayed put today. Tyler, Wanda, Marie, and I all decided to not ride today. So we jumped into Mike and Wanda’s truck, which they were kind enough to offer to us, and for me to drive.

Off we go to Selma, Alabama. We had a good chuckle at this cluster of street signs… and so we actually turned around and stopped to take pictures of it.

We parked near the river, and bridge in Selma. Across from the bridge, was a National Park Service Interpretive Center. Very educational, and emotional displays.







So then we walked over to the bridge.

And walked across it.

What should be just a normal bridge, now stands for so much and has now been labeled a National Historic Landmark.

After our walk, we get back in the truck and drive the route that was marched in 1965. We stopped at another interpretive center.







And then we headed into Montgomery. To the state capitol. Where the march ended.

What a beautiful building!

And then there’s Tyler…

The 4 ladies- Wanda, Marie, Tyler, and me- who took an emotional adventure. We still had fun though!

So then, back in the truck, we stopped at a gas station for a small snacky lunch, and then up the road to a park. Love the trees!!!

Jackson Lake Island.

Welcome to Alabama… "where we don’t know how to spell, but we love our goats!!!"

The Town of Spectre! From the movie Big Fish! Now, I’ve never seen the movie, but it’s on my list now!

There were goats!

On the church steps!!

My new friend!!!

Tyler taking our picture while the goats just wanted lovin…

This was a much needed relaxing and fun stop after the emotional roller coaster we had just come from!

My new friend wanted her head scratched…

And when I stopped, she forced herself farther into my lap to get the scratchies!!

Marie taking a goat for a walk…

And Tyler giving the goat what it wants!!

This is the truck I got to drive… wowshers!!!

Back to the hotel, and we picked up more people and headed to the barn for dinner. Shrimp boil.

And a campfire…

What an awesome location to have a hangout!

Great report, thanks for sharing.

I've missed seeing your fine and fun reports. Thanks for posting this up here.

Day 10, Saturday-

Breakfast at Shoney’s.

And then we hit the road. Crossed a river place with a dam.

And some Alabama twisties.

I was leading a group of 6. Me, Craig, Dan, Rob, Marie, Tyler.

Got stopped by a train… so it’s group selfie time!!

And I was so excited to see this fresh pavement!!!! I thought they had paved over the crappy road!!!!

But I was wrong. Though, it did look freshly chip sealed, and painted. So it wasn’t as rough and horrible as I remember, but the loose gravel in spots still made it unpleasant.

Stopped at an overlook on the east part of rt 281, in the Talladega National Forest.

And someone has to look like that…

So we can look like that!

And then we twisted our way on 281 to Cheaha State Park.

Went into the park, and stopped at the highest point of Alabama.

Walked up the steps to the top of the tower… “hey everyone! Look down at me!!”

Yeah…. Those are my friends…

Group selfie time!!

I have no clue what they were gawking at…

And then we made our way to another overlook. Down a boardwalk to a bald rock.

Craig sitting on the ledge…

And then we headed back onto 281. And I told them, “see you at the end! Ride your own ride, and if you want to stop at overlooks, go right on ahead.” Well, then Marie chewed me out for telling her what to do… of course, in that loving mother’s tone. Lol!

But ride we did…

I’m glad this Gold Wing didn’t have doors on it, because I would have blown them off! I don’t think he knew what came over him as I came up behind him and around him…

Got to the end of the road, and as I turned around and parked, Craig came over the hill. Followed by Rob.

Shortly thereafter, everyone had made it to the other end… and we were all smiles!!!

And then what do I hear down over the hill? 2 puttering dual sport bikes. Watched them pop up to the pavement, and low and behold- it’s Andrew and Pops!!! I yell at them, and they come and join us as we were standing around.

HAHAHAHAAHA!!!! Oh, this picture. It just might be the perfect snapshot of the entire trip!

That’s Tyler’s nose… by the way… She just had to photobomb our wonderful selfie…

And then, well, and then, I spontaneously, and not really thinking, just feeling goofy, asked Redfish if I could ride his bike. Well, I’ll be darned, he said yes!!! So before he could renege on that… I jumped on the bike.

And off I go down a gravel road!

And then off the gravel road… because that’s fun too!

I was having way too much fun! But I knew I should turn around before the others wonder…

And I blasted back to the group. Way. Too. Much. FUN!!! And you know what I saw when I pulled back up to the group?

A SMILE!!!

And a LAUGH!!!!! From Andrew/Redfish!!!! I broke the scowl!!!!!

Those 2 right there are amazing! Andrew and Pops. What a team!

So, they saddled back up and left.

And Tyler headed out ahead of our group, so she could photograph us. I get the text saying “bring it!”, so off we go! And we find her in a corner… camera in hand!

And then up the road a bit, I pull over and watch the group buzz by me! Craig was not far behind me, and I wasn’t quick enough with the camera to catch him. So he gets a Sena picture.

Rob was not far behind…

Followed by Dan…

And Marie…

And Tyler…

And me!

And after they were all by, I got to mount back up and give chase!!! Passed Marie who was pulled into the scenic overlook…

And then caught up to Tyler.

What fun to be following a friend through a curve and having another friend in your mirrors!

And at the end of 281, it turns to narrow gravel…

I don’t know why they didn’t follow me. They were all just standing there looking at me when I turned around and came back… Lol.

Another social session in a parking lot…





And then back on the road. Rob and Marie broke off and went a way to find fuel, Craig and Dan headed their way to the campground, and Tyler and I went our way back to the hotel.

Crossed the river again and saw a different dam…

Pulled back into the hotel. If you walk in front of my bike while it’s running and I’m sitting on it… chances are I’m going to honk the horn. Lol!



And then we showered and drove the taxis to the barn. Pants was holstered and loaded ready for the festivities tonight…



Dinner was BBQ. And omg, amazing!! My plate…

Brian/Festar’s plate…

Max was trying desperately to get a piece. Brian wouldn’t share. Lol

Evening dinner arrangements…

Brian’s empty plate. Yes, he ate everything. And almost licked his plate clean!

Evening entertainment was a guitar strummin’ singer, and a campfire.

Said goodbye and my huge thanks to Andrew and Pops.

And then more fun was had that evening. It’s not going to be a “what happens at SFO, stays at SFO” thing... because, well, there were pictures. Lol. But I will say that it is probably one of those “you had to be there” things…

Day 11, Sunday-

Breakfast…

And this morning Brian noticed his rear tire was flat… again. So Mike pulled out his compressor, and him, Nate, and Brian checked the tire over. Eventually finding a small hole in it. Nate plugged it up, Mike filled it up, and Brian was good to go!

So on the road I get- somewhat late. Lol. 11:30am, I do believe. Up the road, making good time. Into Nashville. Traffic was heavier, and multi-lanes. So me being the impatient speedster motorcyclist… I cut to the far right lane. It was open, everyone was hanging out in the middle and left lanes!!

So I just about go to throttle it past everyone, when a car catches my attention up ahead. Well, lookie there, a police car. So I meander by slowly, only slightly above the speed limit- which is what the car in front of the cop was running. I get by, and shortly after I see the cop hot on the heels of another car! Phew, not me!!

I get into Kentucky before I stop for another break. The bike was begging me to take its picture… and I must oblige…

It’s almost 4pm. So I also pull up the map and decide where I want to call it a night. It’s Sunday, therefore I know Cracker Barrel has a wonderful meal of chicken as the dinner special. I find a Cracker Barrel an hour and a half up the road. Has a hotel right next to it. Good price for a room, and the reviews are positive. Reservation made.

Well, I’ll be danged! When I pulled in the driveway, I thought I surely had made a mistake! No way a hotel this nice looking has a deal that good on a room! The lovely front desk attendant even told me I could leave the bike parked right there- I didn’t even ask!

I explode in the room, shower, and chill on the bed for a bit watching TV. I then mosey next door to Cracker Barrel. Sit down, and excitedly order the Sunday chicken dinner. The waitress then informs me that they are out of that for the night. Well crap! Now I don’t know what I want to eat… so I decided on the roast beef. It was good, just not as good as that chicken!!!

Walk back to the hotel, and admire the bike sitting there…

Back to the room, and hit the hay. I was tired!

Day 12, Monday-

I slept wonderfully!! Woke up, walked down the hall for breakfast. And boy was that good!!! Biscuits and gravy just might be my favorite breakfast food….

On the road, through Louisville with no issues, and coming down the hill into Ohio. Cincinnati skyline is straight away and looking pretty.

Up through the metro area, and into Dayton. I veer off I-75, as I am making my way to another stop before I get home. Along the stretch of 675 around Dayton, my bike turns over 100,000 miles!!!!!

WOOO HOOOO!!!!!

I got the 2012 FJR on July 3, 2013 with 5,600 miles. Not too shabby, I gotta say!

Up to Richwood, OH where I stop and get some horseshoes and supplies that I will be needing for the next couple weeks. Run over to Waldo, and order up a bologna sandwich and fried pickles. Ride up the road to the rest area and have a picnic lunch.

And then just a hop, skip, and a jump… and I am home. Pulled in the driveway, and shortly after that… my mom is on her way down with my cat and my mail. Lol. The perks of living just down the street from your folks means that you can walk to and from!

And here's a little video of my short ride on Redfish's DR650. The last minute of it is the moment I pulled back up to the group.... It just might be the best part of all of it...

Now, I usually do a decent conclusion to wrap things up... but, I can't think right now.

So some stats for the trip.
12 days
3,250 miles
2 FJR gatherings
6 vehicles driven
5 beds slept in
a few new stickers
9 states on this trip
3 new states to the map
45 states total now

And countless memories made...

​

Okay, I am just a little bit pissed off with you Young Lady.

1. Posting Pics of me smiling. That is Wrong.
2. You LIAR! You lied to me and you did so repeatedly. "I don't eat breakfast" you said. "I don't really like breakfast" you said. DAMMIT! I Love to cook breakfast and because my fat *** was trying to be nice to you I suffered miserably without breakfast. I bet your parents would not approve of you lying.

Okay, where to begin... I guess I will post some of my pics and tell a little bit of My Side of the Story.

I will not go into all the details of getting the house ready for a visit from a Forum Diva but I would like it to be known that I cleaned toilets and bathtubs and vacuumed and swept and mopped.

I have already said that it has rained Every Damned Day here for about 50 days now. Of course it had to rain on us when you got here.



I had moved the boat out into the yard so you would have plenty of room.





Your supper that first night was pork roast with Cajun Injector marinade and fried in a greaseless turkey fryer. I did not take any pics but your pics were pretty good. Mom was kind enough to take care of all the side dishes and desert. (Thanks Mom)

The rain was all around us but I really felt we needed some FJR travel. First the rain, then the damned Ferry was out of service, I was getting frustrated.



This was St. Gabriel Catholic Church. It was being built while the English Colonists were signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. I bet those Acadians were blissfully unaware of the war being fought a few hundred miles to the Northeast.



The boudin and boudin balls are a staple here in Ascension Parish. You can thank our friend BigJohnSD, he reminded me that this was something visitors should experience.

With the clouds gathering and rain all around us I went with my gut and we went home to retrieve The Truck. I am glad you got some decent pics of the Sunshine Bridge over the Mississippi.

As you already said, we visited Houmas House. I am not proud of what the Plantations stood for but it is History and we should learn and move forward.

It is a beautiful place.

That little Live Oak is probably 500 plus years old.





I was just thrilled to be there with you...



That evening's supper at Don's was fairly typical of a seafood restaurant in our area. I wanted to let you try some new things while still keeping you someplace you could get food your were used to eating. You were a Good Sport and my son and I really enjoyed your happiness that night. Of course he enjoyed that brownie and ice cream desert even more.

I REALLY wanted to take the boat out but I knew that was not going to end well with the current weather situation. That messed up My Plan. Dammit.

Fortunately Pop was able to join us and we just took The Truck.

Yes, the bridge rotates to allow marine traffic to pass. That was the Clio bridge over the Amite River BTW.





I hope you realize that you did not just "happen to accidentally" ride through Ponchatoula where that giant strawberry was located. I did not know where it was but you had mentioned it several times and Redfish does pay attention.



Our lunch at Orlando's in the town of Madisonville was average at best but that is still pretty good. I really should have tried to charm our waitress Ashley... Or not. BTW, you can see her arm tats here just in case you doubted my memory. She is in the purple shirt behind you.



We drove alongside the Tchefuncte River to the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. I had no idea you were going to like that as much as you did. That made my day worthwhile.



I never had a doubt that you were going to end up on top of that concrete sea wall.



Our stop at the meat market was a good one. The pic showing the water during the 2016 Flood was amazing, unfortunately we both failed to document that.

Supper before I screwed up and let the grill catch fire... (Yes, the asparagus was for YOU!)



Thanks for being a Good Sport while I tried to organize the Dual Sports and load the camper/toy hauler.



The worst part of this whole visit was when my 14 year old son Todd asked me, "Daddy do you think we will ever see Miss Julie again?"

Nicely done you two, looks like good times were had!

~G