Adirondack Adventure October 2012

• Saturday, September 29th

I got an early 5:30am start with the odometer reading 47848
79 North to NY 90E then NY 86E and then began the back road adventure from Salamanca. The autumn color in New York is at about 50%. Ellicottville is a small trendy hamlet among the hills. I stopped at DJ’s diner for a late 10am breakfast. The small community of Arcade offers a scenic train ride to Attica. I managed to arrive at Arcade just as the train was departing the station for its noon excursion. I decided to chase the steam engine through the countryside. I was rewarded with a perfect image capture along its route. Take route 98N from Arcade to Chaffee Road and setup the tripod at Curries depot. One can hear the engines advance because the conductor likes to herald his approach with the steam whistle. As I chased the train, I could see it chugging along in the valley surrounded by colorful hills. The black smoke and snow white steam designating its position. Along the way to Letchworth SP, I had to stop at a roadside stand and purchase a jug of genuine New York maple syrup.

Letchworth State Park is a worthy stop with an $8 entrance fee. The Glen Iris Inn has a nostalgic ambiance and resides near the upper falls. The lower falls requires a challenging 127-step hike up and back in order to observe its full grandeur. The upper falls, which is the favored one, is not as demanding. An overlook is provided for easy viewing of the iconic upper falls across from the stone house. It is too early for the autumn colors at this location; another 10 days and it will be perfect. The upper falls is reminiscent of the Yellowstone Falls. It is nestled at the end of a long gorge with high cliffs on both sides with a stream snaking away from it.

Dansville is a laid-back community with a small main street offering a variety of shops and restaurants. I enjoyed dinner at the Sunrise.

Logan’s Inn is a convenient lodging selection near a gas station and 24-hour convenience store. The price is $70/night.

All and all, the first day was all that I could have wished for. The weather is cool and pleasant; the autumn colors are about 50%, and striking bucolic farmlands embellished the countryside all along the way. I have noticed in dinning and gas that cost of living is between 6% and 8% higher in New York compared with Pennsylvania.


• Sunday, September 30th

Departed Dansville around 6:30 am going to Naples - Naples is a significant town with a big local employer that manufactures farm equipment. Some type of huge street fair was going on but it was too early to explore. At the end of main street Bob and Ruth’s diner looks like a good place to stop for breakfast but I past it up. Route 21 north offers outstanding views of the countryside. It seems that pie is king around these parts and everyone has signs up selling pie.

I enjoyed breakfast at Patty’s Place diner in Canandaigua. Patty makes homemade blackberry jam and bread. I noticed a steady flow of patrons coming and going and the decision was made.

I decided to visit Salmon Creek Falls. From the hamlet of Orwell, take route 22 east for 2.5 miles then left on Falls Road for 1.2 miles. Parking is found on the roadside. There is a short and easy trail to the overlook. The falls are photogenic and worth the side trip.

Along route-3 is the community of Pulaski where countless fisherman were angling for inland salmon.
Watertown is a mid-sized town. The colors are at about 30% in this area. I stopped for lunch at Crystals Tavern in the town square. The building is a relic of the past with a working payphone hanging on the wall.
As I approached the Adirondacks, the colors improved dramatically about 30 miles out and all along the remaining route. At Raquette Lake, a bald eagle took flight across the lake as I stood watching at lakeside.
Drizzling rain was my constant foe all day long but I fought to overcome its malice. The autumn colors are at peak among the mountains. Deep rich crimson, cherry, and ruby hues adorn the mountains accompanied by a full spectrum of pumpkin orange and sunflower yellows. Some examples are too intense for the eye to endure.

The Tupper Lake region is blemished with several abandoned and run down properties but they merely distract from the spectacle of natures show. The aptly named White Birch Café served a surprisingly good spaghetti and meatball dinner; being raised in a predominantly Italian neighborhood; that is saying something. The Park motel ($63/night) was a poor choice but you get what you pay for. Alternative locations nearby, based on external appearance, might have been better choices.

• Tupper Lake Motel
• Shaheens Motel


• Monday, October 1st

A steady rain fell all night long. The morning revealed gloomy skies all around. The glory of the mountains surrounding me is obscured by a shroud of heavy mist and low hanging clouds. A curse is upon the day as punishment for my evil deeds. It is hopeless and I bare the heavy burden of defeat upon my shoulders. The potential is vaguely perceived through the gloom of what could be incredible splendor. Its 10am and the gloom remains but I fight the good fight and continue to seek photographic opportunities.

Color stage is best described with estimated percentage values:

20% leaf drop
75% peak color
10% Green – not including evergreens
15% past peak

Traveling east from Tupper Lake is Corey’s road. This side road is worth exploring for creative photographic opportunities. The Blue Moon Café at 55 Main Street in Saranac served a delicious late breakfast. The cuisine is of gourmet quality. The eggs benedict on homemade muffins is superb.

I arrived at Lake Placid around noon to find a commercialized tourist town. The heavy mist worsens and there is no proof that any mountains exist at all. Along route 86 on the way is an interesting place called Tail of the Pup, it is worth a stop for lunch. In Lake Placid, the affluent place to stay is Golden Arrow Lodge.
Route 73 between Keene and Lake Placid is difficult to believe that the colors can be so vivid; it is almost unearthly. Perhaps God has mercifully cloaked the mountains in mystery because he knew that if there full glory was shown it would stun me more than I could bear. The high peaks region is best and most of the time spent should be here. Lodging is all about but I noticed a place called Cobble Inn on route 86 that looked good with a tremendous view. The ill weather has frustrated me.

I decided to call it a day and enjoyed dinner at Lisa-G’s pub at 6125 Sentinel Road. It is a uniquely creative culinary experience. The Moroccan burrito filled with chickpeas, roasted peppers, onion, and then drenched in a savory cucumber sauce, was tasty.

Cascade Inn is OK and its proximity to a key photography location is important. Adirondack Loj Road is a spectacular 5-mile drive that offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It leads back to a parking area where the trailhead to Mount Jo is found. This road is located just east of Lake Placid off route 73.

My (what should be) award winning sunset image was captured along this road.

• Tuesday, October 2nd

With a touch of hope I rose early went outside and looked up into the night sky to see the moon and the stars. Glad and excited I made hast to take advantage of dawn light along Loj Road. The sun ascended slowly just behind a mountain and I captured it as it flashed rays of light across the lowlands. Fog, like a ghost, moved among the evergreens.

Continuing to the parking area the last 3 miles of the road is flanked by woodlands. An $8 fee is suggested and the trailhead of Mount Jo is unpretentiously hidden nearby. I might have given this undertaking a second thought had I known the level of challenge beforehand. At 7:30 am the hike began. Before the ascent is an observation area for Heart Lake. This alone is worth a visit as the lake is surrounded by mountains and brilliant colors. At first, the hike was not too difficult but with the increasingly heavy tripod on my shoulders and the angel of the trajectory becoming questionable, my faith began to slip. Nothing worth achieving is accomplished without effort and struggle. The pathway is rocky and muddy. At some points, the trail becomes lost in heavy boulders and undergrowth. This is the best stress test anyone might undergo and much to my surprise, my heart did not complain. That is not to say that my lungs were not complaining as they gasped for thin air near the summit. I was about to give up and turn back but the summit is so near we must continue. A passing hiker warned that malevolent clouds are beginning to march back into the mountains and that I had better hurry.

The last few feet leading to the summit were a crawling struggle. I heard the voices of a few others at the top and followed the sound. Once upon the rocky peak my efforts were rewarded more than I could have dreamed. Moses was not permitted to look upon the face of God but I am. Before me was a vision of mountain grandeur unmatched by anything that I have witnessed before. Kaleidoscopes of pigments emboss sweeping views in every direction. I did not view a single burning bush but endless burning bush. It is simply too much to explain. I stood silent as did the others and became reverential. The camera was put aside as a useless devise woefully inadequate. Nevertheless, after some time with cool winds caressing the summit I took up the instrument and made a best effort to capture images of what I saw but to no avail.

The decent was made reluctantly. It was almost as difficult as going up. I returned to the car at 10:30am. It took me a great deal of time to make the round trip hike being out of shape and 51 summers old. Therefore, it was a 3-hour tour and well worth it.

Sinister weather moved into the region once again. I followed the plan and began the day’s road trip to Wilmington. Wilmington has a great little deli supermarket that make a good sandwich. Whiteface mountain memorial roadway is a step climb. I paid the $10 fee and began but the ill weather worsened obscuring any views. The prospective for the fantastic was unrealized so I turned back and departed.

In spit of the weather, I stopped at High Falls Gorge. This tourist attraction features a powerful waterfall that passes through a narrow gorge of solid rock walls. Several viewing platforms are built into the side of the rock walls. A particularly nice photo opportunity is had just as one crosses over the first bridge to the left. The stream presents an (S) curve as it flows out of wooded mountains in the background. At this time the mountains were not visible.

The rain stopped around 3:30 in the afternoon. Just south of the village of Jay along route 9N is country route 52. I took this road up a long hill where it levels off among striking mountain panoramas. This is a great road to explore. It branches out in several directions; I investigated each.

Returning to Lake Placid along route 73, I had a difficult time finding the public use area for Cascade Lake. It is a very sneaky little road off the main road. Once down in the parking area the lake is like a mirror reflecting the mosaic mountains. Cascade Falls, from what I was told, does not always run; only when it rains. They should do a car commercial on route 73 between Jay and Keene. Western landscapes have nothing on this stretch of road.

I stopped in Lake Placid and indulged myself with a Tex Mex burrito for dinner. The Down Town Diner was closed and only open for breakfast and lunch.

• Wednesday, October 3rd

I awoke to another good morning and decided to hurry so that the sunrise could be captured along Adirondack Loj road. As I arrived, Mark Bowie of the Adirondack Photography Institute introduced himself. He was in the field instructing a student. We discussed some of the finer points in photography. Again, the mist blanketed the lowlands and vapors created interesting designs across the high peaks. I think that a few of the image captures created here should be top contenders.

Unfavorable weather moved in once again. I stopped at ADK Café in Keene. The Café is operated by a family team. Mother brought hot bread from the oven out into the dinning area and placed it onto a ledge to cool. Soon afterward, she returned with a sheet of yet warm chocolate chip cookies. Well, I just had to purchase a few items.

Traveling down route 73 from Keene to Hudson is Hull Road where a waterfall can be found. I worked in the rain with the umbrella and traversed some of the mountain streams. Much to my chagrin by the end of the day I not only looked like I was rode hard and put away wet – I was. Fate demands that I curl up into a fetal position and wait for death but I deny it the satisfaction.

At noon, the rain subsided and at that time, I was traveling along Blue Ridge road to Elk Lake Lodge. This location is a secret gem among the high peaks and offers dazzling views of several mountains reflecting in pristine waters. The lodge is an exclusive place to stay while visiting and comes highly recommended even if for a single nights stay. By doing so, the photographer will be in the perfect location to capture both sunrise and sunset images. Warning signs are posted all along the roadway in an effort to keep unwanted people out and to secure the solitude and peacefulness. If every tourist passing through knew about the place, it would be overrun. It is kept concealed by design. ($150/night- includes meals)

Photographic opportunities abound between the village of Newcomb and Long Lake; the potential is out of this world, but heavy mist torments me.

Long Lake has many picturesque views. A Norman Rockwell-isc church reflects in the lake. The Adirondack Hotel stands proudly in the center of town at lakeside. It is a nostalgic structure. Several haunting examples of taxidermy decorate the interior; a large standing black bear, moose head, dear, coyote, and the like. I spent too much on dinner at there restaurant but the seafood-alfrado really hit the spot after a long hard day in the rain.

Sandy Point motel is the best place I have lodge the whole trip. It was right along the lake with an open screen option giving me the feeling I was sleeping out doors. I will most definitely lodge here again next visit.

• Thursday, October 4th

After a good nights sleep I spent the morning exploring the region around Long Lake. It is a great place to find photographic opportunities. Later on, my travel plan was altered slightly to adventure down to Indian Lake. The drive down was uneventful except for e few reflecting ponds along the roadside. Upon arrival around noon, my diversion was rewarded with a great lunch. Indian Lake Restaurant is operated by a trained chief and the lunch was outstanding. The potato leek soup was delectable.
Near the hamlet of Inlet I decided to explore a dirt road leading to the great unknown. It was a gamble and after some time of bouncing around I decided to turn back.

Old Forge is a big place that comes complete with a water fun park. Plenty of motels, and other attractions. The south end of town has a few good looking motels

1. Adirondack Lodge

2. Country Club Motel that is near gas and convenience store

I continued to Remsen NY to lodge over at the Swing Inn Motel. The owner must have spilled a gallon of Febreez in the room. A dead decomposing body could have been under the bed and I would not have known it. It would have been better to lodge over in Old Forge.

• Friday, October 5th

A 6:30am departure took me down the road to a little place called Charlie’s Diner on route 5 west. Now that I have left the mountains, the sky is clear and the sun is shining.

Along route 13 is a little state park called Chittenango Falls. It features a nice waterfall. By the time, I arrived in Ithaca it was time for lunch and it was decided to try Indian. After lunch, the way to Watkins Glen was navigated. Watkins Glen is disappointing because the designated trail is high above the water features. This is a problem because it is not preferred to photograph such things from above. The shuttle does not operate during the week. Watkins Glen Lodging options might be, based on outer appearance alone:

1. Glen Motor Inn – good views of Seneca Lake

2. Villager Motel

I decided to take a self-guided tour of Seneca Lake wine country. The vast vineyards are reminiscent of the Napa Valley. Some of the winery estates are just as impressive as any in the Napa Valley. Endless rows of grape vines adorn the hillsides near the lake.

As I made my way to Dansville, several back roads were taken between Watkins Glen and Dansville. The region is home to Amish and Mennonite communities. The bucolic farmlands are picturesque but difficult to capture since the roadside is difficult to pull over. Very little room is allowed to get off the roads. The Amish are less conservative than PA Amish. Many use bicycles and power mowers as well as tractors. I arrived at Danville Logan Inn around 6pm the odometer reads 49296.

• Saturday, October 7th

The weather has finally broken into sunshine and blue skies now that I am heading home. I stopped at Jamestown for a breakfast break at a place called Lisciandro’s 207 North Main Street. The warm character of the small place made me feel like I was already home.

I decided to throw in the proverbial towel going home and did what the GPS told me to do. One thing that was noticed is that the colors seemed to have advanced significantly in a single week’s time.



Conclusion:

All in all any trip is a gamble when it comes to weather and other uncontrollable events. I would end up never going anywhere if weather reports made the decision and they are often in error. The photographer does not wish for clear skies but hopes for interesting clouds and subdued sunlight. Overcast skies would have been fine with me. However, the low hanging clouds covering the mountains with constant drizzle and bouts of rain makes practicing the art of photography exasperating.

I witnessed enough of the landscape to comprehend the possibility for outrageous splendor among the Adirondack Mountains. Based upon this visit I will most definitely return and hope that when I do the dice will come up in my favor.

After reviewing the images that I did manage to capture the trip was not by any stretch of the imagination a total loss. I managed to create a few whoppers in spite of fates demands. Any photographer worth his or her salt will do the same.

Louisiana Vacation June 2012

My sister, two nieces, nephew and I decided to enjoy our summer vacation in Southern Louisiana. I was happy to make an appreciated contribution.

Saturday, June 9^th

Our flight with Air Trans Airways was uneventful but the short window of time between connections caused a minor moment of stress in Atlanta.

My mercy and Dale Carnegie training helped me deal with a minor misunderstanding about the rental vehicle thus saving our vacation. A simple upgrade was easily arranged. The minivan proved to be comfortable and well appointed.

We arrived under an overcast sky that threatened inclement weather. The humidity and warmth was no worse than what Pittsburgh has to offer and was diffused with a cool breeze every so often. The weather overall was dynamic with clear blue sky’s one moment and a short rain storm the next. Navigating the city was interesting and southern hospitality greeted us upon arrival at the Quality Inn on the corner of 210 O’Keefe Ave.

The Zydeco and Cajun music festival was fun and many people danced around the stages. Three outdoor stages near the US mint building provided venues for many notable musical groups. The Creole tomato festival was also underway in the vicinity. Many different food booths offered flavorful samples of Louisiana culinary delights such as creole crawfish sausage Po-Boys.  Jackson Square and the French Market are festive. We spent a good portion of the day soaking up the music, food, and fun.

Bourbon Street and several adjacent streets within the French Quarter are polluted with all manner of wickedness. Saloons, pornography, Voodoo shops, and other unspeakable debauchery have corrupted the city. The single light that towers above it all is Saint Louise Cathedral; however it does not seem to have any appreciable effect.  Intoxicated revelers parade in the street stumbling past barely legal pornography displayed on outside walls. Virtually naked prostitutes, both female and male, exhibit themselves in doorways. The profane religion of Voodoo openly encourages fortune telling and tarot card readings in deplorable shops that proudly display desecrated crucifix. As we walked among this wretched sea of trouble I had the feeling that three angles would suddenly appear demanding that we escape away and that if we look back we would transform into a pillar of salt. Curiosity killed the cat so headlong we waded into it. I took a libation in an effort to experience the full effect. When in Rome do as the Romans do. I dared to tread where angels fear to go.

 It is not my habit to bias negatively so let me draw focus away from the depraved onto those things about New Orleans that charm its visitors. Jazz bands play music on the streets, performers show off their talents in hope to receive an appreciative coin, horse drawn buggies escort visitors on tours, the cuisine is exceptional, and artist can be found everywhere. 

Before returning to the Quality Inn we decided to appreciate a New Orleans must do, Café Du Monde at 800 Decatur Street near the River Walk market. The powder sugar was blown by the wind of the Mississippi River. The beignets and coffee were tasty. Along the river walkway one can see just how broad the Mississippi is. The wind gust felt exhilarating.

Our hotel suggested the Oceana at 739 Conti Street for dinner. The jambalaya, red beans and rice and other menu items were scrumptious; it comes recommended.

Sunday, June 16^th

I got an early start today and decided to visit the city on my own with camera in hand. The early light gazed favorably upon the city. I walked a loop down to Bourbon Street then to the Cathedral and back around to the hotel. Efforts are made by early morning work crews to clean the streets after a long night of debauchery. French bread delivery trucks make their rounds. Several diehards roamed the streets like zombies. I had just enough time to capture a few images before a tempest moved in.

After taking a few moments to appreciate the hotels complimentary breakfast we had enough time, before brunch, to explore one of the unique cemeteries of the area. Gothic, above ground, tombs are lined in rows with paths between them like a necropolis. The conditions of the tombs are hauntingly alluring.

The Court of the Two Sisters at 613 Royal Street is a landmark of New Orleans at which we enjoyed our Sunday brunch. Traversing the rain showers we arrived damp. The food selections on the buffet are both numerous and delicious but the highest marks must be given to the barbequed ribs and the bread pudding.

Since the weather was inauspicious we decided to depart the city across the shorter bridge over Lake Pontchartrain during the peak of the storm and find our base camp just outside Slidell. The property is named Jabberwocky. The bayou property is well appointed with swimming pool, boat, dock, four bedrooms, and several other amenities; although rough around the edges. Nevertheless, the accommodations are much better than a motel or hotel as they are secluded and among the natural ambiance of the bayou.  A large clan of turtles called the waters in the backyard home as did the resident alligator. After sunset, frogs and crickets made their presence well known with a symphony of music.

Monday, June 17^th

Early in the morning a stroll around the property revealed interesting observations of nature. Many oblong spiders with unusually long appendages have spun webs at strategic locations along the dock. Various wildflowers colonize the bayou and some have the appearance of hibiscus. The waters are patrolled by unseen aquatic life and on occasion a splash sends ripples across the surface. Tiny dragonflies hover precariously close to the water’s surface. Turtles, like submarines, allow the periscope of their heads to cautiously look around then dive away to their next observation sight. Reflections of flora dance emerald across the waters. Small snakes swim a zigzag pattern from one landing to the next.

A highlight of our visit was scheduled for the day and we rushed to make our appointment. The Honey Island Swamp tour set sail soon after our arrival and proved to be a rewarding experience. Our guide educated us about many details of the swamp. On call, great prehistoric beasts swim to the boat side for treats and stand tall out of the water much to the amazement of all. Various types of egret and great blue herons hunt for fish among the moss draped cypress. I captured several images.

We all enjoyed lunch at La Pines café at 1061 Robert Boulevard in Slidell. La Pines was recommended by a program called Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. It is an obscure place near the blue water tower.  All the menu items are good. I enjoyed the Prime Rib Po-Boy, red beans and rice, and cornbread. The cook came out to talk with us and was glad we stopped by. Maxine, our waitress, charmed us with her southern hospitality.

After lunch we proceeded to Fontainebleau State Park where there is a venerable oak tree of remarkable form. The trees branches flow out from the base then hang down to the ground in spectacular fashion. My nieces and nephew find a sublime splendor in the tree and celebrated a return to it.

On our return to basecamp my nephew and niece joined me in discovering where the path across the small wooden bridge leads to. We found that an outer boat dock and platform is available away from the house further out into the bayou. This setting is superior to the one near the house. The natural environment out here yields a more tranquil place to meditate on those things that truly matter in life. Sadly, distant industrial noise and cars racing down the nearby road managed to slightly spoil the ambiance. 

We all enjoyed dinner at a nearby bar called The Boil.

Tuesday, June 12^th

I got up late, around 7am, determined to take a chair to the outer dock and meditate with nature. The natural serenity was rewarding. The alligator was patrolling his territory, egrets worked on fishing, songbirds abound, and wildflowers embellish the bayou. I felt contented among the flora and fauna gazing into the water clearly viewing the sky above on its glass like surface.

Later we decided to go on a road trip to explore River Road and its numerous sugar plantations. About an hour west on River Road along the Mississippi River are several famous sugar plantations. Among them is Oak Alley plantation where a long alley from the main gate to the front door, about 100+ yards, is sagacious oak trees set at equal distant positions creating a tunnel like pattern. Entrance fees are costly and we decided to turn away to explore a less costly alternative nearby.

The Saint Joseph plantation is less opulent but all the more authentic. Some of the original slave quarters remain. The plantation is 5^th generation family owned and operated and is still producing sugarcane to date. Sugarcane fields are as abundant here as are corn fields back home. Poignant reminders of slave conditions are on exhibit.  An ominous storm chased us back into the SUV and we proceeded to explore further heading back into New Orleans. Our goal was to try Parkway Bakery famous for Po-Boys for lunch but we found it closed on a Tuesday afternoon.  We optioned to patronize another landmark restaurant called Mothers at 401 Poydras Street.  Mothers Restaurant was unimpressive and the cost was an unfair trade. I will give them credit for the sweet potato pie as it was tasty for breakfast the next morning.

After our late lunch it was decided to explore sin city again. I always thought Las Vegas had exclusive rights to the label “sin city” but its sin is dwarfed by the Big Easy. Visiting the Voodoo shops again made me feel like I might be struck down by lighting at any moment but I dared fate and explored them nevertheless. I walked about the shop as if on pins and needles fearful to look or to touch but did so anyway.

Prostitutes beckoned in their G-strings as drunks stumbled around. Entertainers of all sorts can also be found in the streets. A youth painted silver performed along with jazz musicians. A four member singing group sang a song for us. A  Saxophonist plays near the cathedral.

Wednesday, June 13^th

I arrived at the outer dock this morning around 6am. Sunrise painted the sky with subtle hues of tangerine and magenta. These colors reflected in the still waters as crickets and song birds harmonized. Altocumulus clouds created an abstract masterwork above. I sat down and enjoyed Mothers sweet potato pie. Unlike midday the temperatures during the morning hours are pleasant. The alligator patrols for breakfast as he did yesterday morning. The ubiquitous red winged black bird proudly chants his familiar song in a cypress very close to me as if I was not present.

I allowed myself to be distracted by reading Steinbeck’s “Travels with Charley”. Steinbeck is a favorite ever since I read “The Grapes of Wrath”. The book is a narrative of his solo road trip across America with his dog Charley. It gives me a foggy insight as to what I might expect should I realize my dream of following his example one day.

The Spanish moss becomes illuminated by celestial firelight making them seem ethereal among the green flora across the bayou. Reflections are surreal because the water is so perfectly calm.

As the cosmic fireball approached height I retreated back to the shade of the house. The remainder of the day, for me, was fruitless. It is uncommon for me to spend even one day without a full schedule of places to see and things to do when on a photography vacation. Each and every day is well spent doing things that cannot be duplicated back home. My fishing prowess has been proven so I had little desire to fish off the back porch. Swimming in the pool was another option but for some odd reason it did not appeal to me this day. I finally decided to go on a short road trip alone and found little that was photogenic.

Later that evening we enjoyed dinner at a very busy place called Southside Café at 3154 Pontchartrain Drive. The place was hopping with bikers and locals. The food was good. We ordered the works, catfish, crawfish, alligator, and shrimp. It seems that each place we have tried has its own top rated food. At the Oceana it was the Jambalaya and red beans, Mothers had blameless pie, Two Sisters had appetizing Ribs and bread pudding, La Pines had savory cornbread and hushpuppies, Southside has delectable catfish.

Thursday, June 14^th

We all took to the road early on our way to Lafayette. We stopped at Baton Rouge to explore LSU campus. The university grounds are interesting.

On a whim, we decided to try out a nearby diner for a late breakfast. Louie’s Café at 209 West State Street is a rough around the edges greasy spoon but oh so good. The home fries are special and the cooks are fun to watch as they cook your food on open grills without any reservations when it comes to butter and oil.

Our goal in traveling a few hours west was to experience another recommended swamp tour. McGee’s Landing in Henderson was featured on Jamie Oliver’s American Road Trip. He featured them as he helped them put their place back together again post-Katrina.  The place was difficult to find because it is located along a levee were on one side is the road and the other side is the swamp & property. With the help of cell phones and the GPS we managed to find the place. The swamp tour was uniquely interesting in that it covered a vast area where all the red cypress were harvested allowing none to remain. The species is now extinct because of thoughtless human avarice. Although we recently fed, it was decided to partake of at least one or two menu items from McGee’s.

Lafayette was disappointing because we arrived after hours and neglected to arrange for a music festival. It seems that the location is famous for Cajun music festivals and down home Acadian culture but not at the hour or day of our visit. Lesson learned; sharpen up your research skills for next time. We had lots of time to kill before we went to dinner so we explored the area. As we journeyed down Louisiana roads we found full lots of empty government trailers that were used to help displaced people after Katrina. They are nothing but waste now because of toxic chemicals off gassing from the materials. They are like a trailer ghost town.

Just outside Lafayette is a famous eatery called Prejean’s and our plan was to have dinner there.  Prejean’s is a local favorite and was recommended by a recently visited roadside shop owner. A small Cajun music group played very close to our table. We enjoyed several different menu offerings and took our time digesting them as the music played on.

On our return trip back to Jabberwocky a vivid and stunning double rainbow appeared in the sky.

Friday, June 15^th

After a peaceful visit to the outer dock I decided to make the best of the day by adding music at poolside and jumping into the water. We had a fun time and then relished local pastry shop delights. The others spent time fishing and relaxing around the house. We later collected a plethora of leftover food we took home with us over the past week and warmed it up in the oven then selected bits and pieces for dinner; waste not want not.

Saturday, June 16^th

Our last day in Louisiana was spent cleaning up and packing up. We had most of the day and decided to visit La Pines Café one more time for lunch. We then returned to New Orleans and shopped for last minute souvenirs. Afterward a visit to another necropolis at the far end of Canal Street proved interesting.  Near the airport is the community of Kenner. A favorite eatery called Harbor Seafood and Oyster Bar adjacent to Fisherman’s Cove seafood grocery on the corner of 3201 Williams Boulevard is the place for our last dinning send off from the Deep South.  We all relished the crawfish boil, hushpuppies, and alligator bites.  The SUV was returned and our flight departed soon afterward.

Summary

Although Louisiana and the Bayou has its charms they are dwarfed in comparison to other regions of this great land we call home. Few high impact landscapes or imposing vistas only the sublime ambiance of nature in the bayou if one is lucky enough to discover a place of solitude to enjoy it.  Perhaps I have become spoiled by mountains and vast landscapes that stun rather than extend a subtle embrace. From what I could see, attractions other than New Orleans, swamp tours, fishing, eating, voodoo, and music festivals are not obviously available. I must credit the bayou to be a tranquil place to meditate nature, something that I neglect to do when on fast paced photography trips.

New Orleans is Americas Gomorrah with alluring charms of music and cuisine to entice the curious into its web. A sense of wrongdoing overshadowed my short sojourn. I will not make the mistake that Lot’s wife did in departing from it.

The renowned cuisine, in so far as I was exposed to it, was marginally notable. A Po-boy is a glorified sandwich, fried foods abound and are difficult to avoid, and many items are overly seasoned.

The Deep South was an interesting place to visit but I would not want to live there.