Mon - Apr 23/12

Departed Cajun Country Campground in Port Allen, LA headed for the Natchez Trace Parkway's southern terminus in Natches, MS. We have taken the parkway previously (going south) by car. This is the first run in the RV.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history. Used by American Indians, "Kaintucks", settlers, and future presidents, the Old Trace played an important role in American history. Today, visitors can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. There are many areas that allow access; but, be careful if you are in a motorhome towing a car. Some areas are not RV accessible.

The speed limit is general 50 mph with a few small sections and the northern end (about last 20 miles or so) at 40 mph. The traffic density is very low with a car, bicycle or motorcycle encounter about once every 2-3 miles on average except near large cities where clumps of 5 or 6 commuters use the trace as a regular route someplace. Commercial traffic is not allowed (Hooray - no 18 wheelers). The road itself is well maintained; but narrow so large RV's  (Class A's) require that you pay attention as their are no shoulders. It is like driving on the top of a levee (earth dam) which has been built above the low lying ground.

An 8-mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway was closed to vehicular traffic due to a major safety hazard that developed near milepost 94.8 between Ridgeland, MS, and Clinton, MS. Engineers have identified the potential for collapse of the roadway due to instability in the embankment. The detour was well marked and it took less than 10 minutes to get back on the trace.

Much of the trace runs under a tree canopy that meets in the center of the road. A few areas open to lowland meadows with wild flowers just beginning to bloom. They should be out in full force in a week or two. This is a "Dream Drive"! We thoroughly enjoyed the trip which we broke into two days.

We got off the Trace as Canton, MS. Had supper at "Sizzler's" and pulled into Movietown RV Resort for the night. Many RV parks in the "Pre-Season" are open. After hours the protocol is to pull in and check at the office for posted instructions. You leave the required fee (honour system) in a deposit slot and take any available site.

Soon we were set up and watching cable TV and relaxing for the evening. Tomorrow - the rest of the Trace!

Sun - Apr 22/12

Back to NOLA today via the same route. We had reservations for the "New Orleans First and Only Movie Tour" for 1 pm.

Plans were to arrive and hour and a half early, park in the French Market lot, do the French Market then cross the road from Cafe du Monde to take the tour.

No such luck! After not being able to find a parking spot after trying I dropped Charlotte off at the NOLA Movie Tour rendezvou point across from Cafe du Monde. I then continued on to park the car - or so I thought. After several tries at all lots with a mile I was beginning to panic. Even all the street "No Parking and Loading Zone Only spaces were being illegally used. By 12:45 pm I knew I could not even get back up Decatur Street to the meeting location on time for the tour so I continued North to Chartres Street and turned East. At least this way I thought I might get there on time in the car to try an make arrangements to park at a location on the tour route and get picked up as they passed.

Luck was with back with me. I found the one and only parking spot left in the city! A "Handicapped Only" spot was available in front of K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen - probably only because it is not open on Sunday. Bonus: Handicapped spots are few; but free, in NOLA.

I had less than 10 minutes to make it nearly half a mile to the meeting place. I hurried as fast as I could on the crowded sidewalks and arrived at a minute to 1 pm at the rendezvous. There was no van in sight! I was again in a panic!

Then - my phone rang! It was Jonathan Ray (tour owner/operator). Charlotte had given him my phone number and he was calling to check on my status.

Charlotte should have know! She often calls to see when I will be home when I am either turning the corner or pulling into the driveway. I answered the phone standing on one side of the corner of the building while they stood only two feet away around the corner. Now - that's funny!

I was so happy to get in the van which was around the corner. I needed to sit in the air-conditioning. Charlotte had already bought a soft drink to cool me down upon my arrival. It certainly helped. Soon we were on our way on the tour accompanied by a great group of knowledgable movie buffs.

I must point out that this tour is not just for movie fans. It is a great city tour, as well. I will describe the tour concept; but not the content, as it varies and may include your "must see" locations upon request. Each tour has it's unique aspects that even include interesting input and anecdotes from fellow tourists.

We watched video clips on the monitors located in the seat headrests while visiting the actual filming locations. We also snacked on complimentary popcorn (what else) and bottled water as we toured.

Our tour included visiting locations in the Garden District, the Warehouse District and the Central Business District.

We also visited the French Quarter, The Treme, and famed St. Louis Cemetery #1 

and Lafayette Cemetery. In each location we viewed movie clips and then the actual sites in each of these areas. We experienced over 30 different locations while be filled in on "behind-the-scene" details, as well as city history. 

We viewed houses of movie stars and writiers, as well. Jonathan discussed the art of film making and everything that goes into creating movie magic. On completion of the tour we received a listing of the tour locations we had visited.


Hey! I even won a prize in the in-van trivia contest!


This was a great tour, It was relaxing, interesting, well-paced and fun. Jonathan made the tour come alive with his insight and comments. If you take any tour in NOLA - make it this one!

The tour ran an hour over schedule, due in part to the unusually heavy traffic. Jonathan commented that he had never seen the traffic this bad - ever! He thought it might be due in part to this being "Navy Week" in NOLA. The Air Show was cancelled (twice) due to the weather leaving many who came for the show massing at the River Front to view the Naval ships and the visiting "Tall Ships" docked in the harbour. No wonder there were no parking spots!

Jonathan is not only a great guide and host, he is an actor and extra in the local movie scene as well. NOLA is third behind New York and Los Angeles in the total number of movies produced. Over a hundred movies last year with a real possibility of that number doubling this year.

Jonathan did not have to return to the pick-up location. He was so accommodating that he was able to drop everyone off on the way back near a point that they requested. We were dropped off right at the car in front of K-Paul's. 

Anecdote: Last time we were at K-Paul's we met friends from our home town who were leaving just as we arrived - small world! 

P.S. The four of us (daughters - Kat and Liz) all shared tastes of each others meal choices as they were all so good!

We stopped at the Tanger Factory Outlet just off I-10 (Exit 177)   on the way back to the RV Park. A few purchases and supper at Chili's had us returning to the RV just as the sun set.

We will hook up for departure tomorrow morning. We will relax and watch TV before bed. It has been a hectic; but most enjoyable few days in Louisiana.

Sat - Apr 21/12

A light rain during the night left us with a cloudy and cool morning. We slept in a little before continuing our Louisiana adventure. We decided on Cajun Country RV park due to it's proximity to New Orleans and (of course) Cajun Country - duh! It is also 1/3 the price of the parks in NOLA (as New Orleans, LA is common referred to down here).

I met true Louisiana hospitality in the person of Gary and James when I went outside the RV this morning to turn on the water. I hooked it up last night but forgot to flip the lever on. Folks like these are what makes RVing so enjoyable. Being friends and neighbours in the park they were chatting over morning coffee (as I'm sure they often do) at Gary's RV and did not hesitate to give me a big Louisiana welcome which included some BBQ'd alligator sausage. (Can't wait for supper! - grin)

My theory on the loss of "socializing" in our communities is a direct result of developers after WWII seeking to maximize profits while making homes for the returning servicemen affordable by removing the sidewalks, front porches, picket fences and garages at the end of driveways from their new subdivision designs. Everyone migrated to the backyard or the "Rec Room" in the basement (or back of the house) to watch the newly arrived sensation - Television. The double garage under the house bedrooms or attached to the side of the house was not quite the same meeting place as the one in the back yard that housed the refrigerator with cold beer. People stopped communicating and kids no longer played in the streets. Remember when word about where you were or what you did got home (often over a (telephone) party line) quicker then you did.

Today if you wave and say hello to a total stranger in most cities you get a strange look and a quick departure which probably would also include (as Robert De Niro would say) - - "You lookin' at me?!!!"

Thankfully, these old fashioned friendly values are alive and well today in RV parks across the country! In fact, I have met several folks who spend more time living in their RV than in their home because of this very reason (as well as the good fishing). Meeting nice folks is like real cream in your coffee - it sure enriches the flavour (of life).

Our first destination this morning was Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, considered the "Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road" in Darrow, LA. This is one of several plantations along the "river" that is open to the public either as a tour, museum or bed and breakfast. Houmas House; however,  is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. It is "The Sugar Palace" and displays the splendour of the south when "sugar was king" in Louisiana. The tour (16 of the rooms) is a showcase for period antiques and Louisiana artwork. It's 38 acres of lush gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley are beautiful to behold. Rumour has it that the signature southern drink, the Mint Julep, may have originated here. |(If not, I am sure many were served!)

Prior to our tour we had lunch at "Latil's Landing Restaurant". The were crowded and without hesitation squeezed in an extra table and two chairs to seat us. This is one of the three restaurants on the property. It is located in the French House, built in the 1770's by Alexander Latil and is now the rear wing of the Houmas House Mansion. The 230 year old house, complete with original beamed ceilings, cypress mantels, wood burning fireplaces, and original wood floors, is set between the Garden Carriageway and the Hampton Fountain and Gardens. We were surrounded with museum quality art and furnishings and served on replicas of the original "Houmas" French Limoge china and dinner service which was first created for Wade Hampton, a later owner, in the 1830's.

"Cafe Burnside" and "Le Petit Houmas" are the other two restaurants on the property. The Houmas House also has excellent reception facilities which were being utilized by two weddings parties that were now arriving by chartered coach. These restaurants at Houmas House are considered in the top 20 in America and feature the talented creations of Award winning Executive Chef Jeremy Langlois. After dining we can easily understood why.

Charlotte and I each enjoyed the Chicken and Andouille (Sausage) Gumbo and the Bourbon Shrimp (crispy sauteed jumbo shrimp tossed in a Jack Daniels Glaze and served over roasted potatoes and sweet peas).....mmmm good!

After lunch we self-toured the fabulous gardens while waiting for the next guide (every half hour) to ring the bell to summon us to meet.

Our guide, Susan, was dressed in period attire. Her wit,charm and knowledge, not to mention her southern accent, made the tour a step above exceptional.

I thought the Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, SC ("Tara" in "Gone With The Wind") had a tremendous free standing spiral staircase. The one at Houmas House spiralled up 3 stories - Wow!

Next we were off to NOLA. As in past visits I like to park in the French Market parking area accessed beside the JAX Brewery. This is long term parking that is close (relatively speaking) to everything. It is also less expensive than turning to the right even though both are labelled "Public Parking".

Once out of the car our first stop was "Aunt Sally's Pralines". The smell of sweet pralines bubbling as they are being stirred in an old copper pot then poured out to harden is one of our favourite sights, sounds and smells of New Orleans. The original recipe is now being made by 4th generation family members. We think these are the very best pralines, bar none! (Yes Girls - we are bring back some for you, too).

Next door, another "must" stop on our "To Do" list for every visit  to NOLA is "Cafe du Monde" - the "Original French Market Coffee Stand". There are 8 other locations; but only the original has such a unique atmosphere. This is the one to visit. Don't let the line on the street keep you away - it is worth the wait! The original opened in 1862 and is open 24/7 except for Christmas Day (and the occasional hurricane - grin). Each serving of it's signature "Beignets" (bay-nay: French style square doughnuts - no hole) comes with a heaping load of confectioners sugar. The dark roasted coffee and chicory only comes black or "Au Lait" (mixed half and half w/hot milk). Being veterans of this venue we come to the back entrance (take-out line area) and enter here. It is much quicker than waiting in line with a hundred or more others on Decatur Street. (Ooops! maybe I should not have said that?)

Like going to San Francisco and not riding the Cable Cars would be considered gross negligence - coming to NOLA and not riding the (St. Charles Street Car would be equally as sinful. The RTA (Regional Transit Authority) Riverfront line runs between the French Market and the water. Get a $3 pass that is good for the day (12 hours?). Take the street car to RiverWalk/Harrah's Casino stop (Canal Street) then get off and walk to the Canal Street boarding area nearby for a short trip up a few blocks to St Charles Avenue. Get off and cross the street to the St Charles (Avenue) Line which runs down the grassy median through the historic section of New Orleans. The "Avenue" ride encompasses the great houses (and Universities) of New Orleans. At the end you get off, cross the street and catch the next street car coming back. Relax and enjoy the sights!

Our driver stopped to get a coffee at a convenience store. I couldn't resist the opportunity for a picture in his seat! How often can you do that?

After switching street cars and returning to Canal Street we walked over to Harrah's Casino to play the slots. Our limit is $20. We consider it an entertainment fee. Where else can you play video games for a few hours for so little?

Walking across the street from Harrah's to Riverwalk we caught the Riverfront Street Car back to the French Market. Our car was just steps from the stop.

An little over an hour later we were back at the RV.  Bed was soon to follow.

Fri - Apr 20/12

I did not plan to be in a hurry to leave this morning. I wanted to time my trip to get to Lafayette, LA after the dinner hour. The reason for this is that our plan was to eat a Prejean's Restaurant for what many consider the best cajun food available anywhere. Over the past 20 year's they have received too many gold medals to count. I used Google Maps "Street View" to check out to see if it was possible to park the RV and Toad (Car in tow) and I determined that if I arrived after peak times the chances would be good.

The best laid plans do get changed by circumstances. Travel was good until we hit construction on the bridge on I-10 at Lake Charles, LA. The need to funnel down to a single lane backed traffic up for miles. We lost almost an hour and a half in the stop and go traffic.

This may have been a benefit as we did not arrive until after 3 pm. Even at this time I just managed to find a spot large enough to squeeze into as they were still busy at this off-time.

There is a reason AAA Southern Traveler rates Prejean's "Best of the South"! Great Food! We decided to share Prejean's Seafood Platter which includes frog legs, shrimp, oyster, catfish, alligator, shrimp and stuffed crab served with rice dressing, cajun (spiced) fries and corn macque choux (which is like a corn relish served in a tart-like pastry shell). It comes either fried or grilled. We chose the fried (normally we do grilled) as this would be the preferred version of the locals. Even the oven fresh buns were exceptional. It was a good thing we shared - we could hardly finish this meal between the two of us. I don't think supper will be on the menu tonight either. What a tasty treat! It was well worth the little detour off I-10.

Located in the heart of French Louisiana, Prejean’s Restaurant captures all “six” senses in a culture of delicious flavors. Contrary to popular belief Cajun cooking is not really "Hot" - rather it uses spices to make the food really tasty. Prejean ‘s showcases the rich culture of Cajun French heritage. Antique relics grace the walls and rafters. “Big Al,” the fourteen foot alligator once a native of the Louisiana’s Grand Chenier swamp, sits in the middle of the dining room guarding the multitude of culinary medals, earned by Prejean’s chefs in various culinary competitions held locally, nationally and internationally. As I said - too many to count!

As we arrived at our destination (Cajun Country RV Park) in Port Allen, LA on the outskirts of Baton Rouge we hit another line of stopped traffic. An accident had just happened seconds before on top of an overpass on I-10. Both lanes were completely blocked and judging by the concern of those close to the accident it appeared to involve injuries. Traffic will be stalled here for some time. Luckily for us I noticed this was our turn-off and I was close enough to drive down the shoulder and exit. (Whew! That saved another hour or more delay).

I fueled up the RV at Ninos Truck Plaza in preparation for our departure in a few days. This way I wouldn;t have to back-track to fuel up. Like Prejean's, I had checked out this location for ease of access on Google Maps Street View. I knew the pumps were in the correct direction. As I fueled two ambulances and several police vehicles zoomed by with sirens wailing as they headed to the accident scene. After filling I continued through Nino's Casino parking lot and exited onto the the next street which would give me traffic lights for turning back onto the road I needed. This was easier than trying to cross multiple lanes of traffic from the gas station. Thank You Google Map Street View!

Less than an hour after checking in the car was unhooked and the RV was all set up with the slides out (only 2 of the 3 when we travel) and connections (power, water, sewer and cable TV) made. The computer was up and running with a good Wi-Fi connection. Charlotte is watching cable programs of her choosing on the bedroom TV as I vview the Detroit Red Wings/Nashville Predators NHL Hockey Playoff Game while doing this blog and planning adventures for tomorrow in Cajun Country. We will be here at least until Monday morning before continuing our trip towards home.

P.S. Looking forward to a few thunderstorms and a little "rain on the roof" this evening.

Thu - Apr 19/12

Returned to Space Center Houston for our Level 9 Tour today.

We were part of the limited group (12) for the 11:45 tour. Folks on the tour where from a short drive away in Texas, elsewhere in the USA as well as Germany, Egypt and Canada  (us and a couple from Montreal. QC).

We all (14 with driver and tour guide) fit into a large van and departed after our pictures were taken and we went through a security check. We will travel on (and off) the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) which is NASA's (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) center for human spaceflight training, research and flight control. The center consists of a complex of 100 buildings constructed on 1,620 acres in Houston, TX. A workforce of 12-13 thousand employees work here for NASA or project contractors. JSC is home to the United States astronaut corps and is responsible for training astronauts from both the U.S. and its international partners which include Canada. It is often popularly referred to by its central function: i.e. "Mission Control".

First stop was the Rocket Building. We did this yesterday on the Tram Tour. Then it was we "look and took" (pictures). Today it included a wealth of interesting information from our guide (Irwin). We have now seen all 3 Saturn V rockets left in existence (Cape Canaveral, FL; Huntsville, AL and here in Houston, TX). This is the only one that is totally complete. It was ready to go as Apollo 18 when funding for the program was cancelled by Congress.

It was now time for lunch in one of the two JSC (Johnson Space Center) cafeterias. This was included in the price of the tour. We sat among (but didn't recognize) many of the scientists and astronauts. Our guide pointed out several including a Canadian Astronaut. I now can't remember a single name.

After lunch we travelled off the JSC campus to the Neutral Bouyancy Laboratory. This water tank is 202 feet long, 102 feet wide and 40 feet 6 inches deep and contains 6.2 million gallons of water. Astronauts (for the International Space Station) were training.

They work on life-size replicas of the ISS (International Space Station) modules to develope the skills necessary to perform repairs and maintenance tasks in space. Weightlessness (in the water) is achieved by pressurizing the actual space suites to 4 PSI (pounds per square inch). Training sessions may last as long as 8 hours with most being between 4 and 6 hours in length. Each astronaut is accompanied in the water by up to 6 Scuba Divers.

Two divers video (we watched actual live operations on video screens) to document and help in technique development and skill building. Two divers monitor all safety issues and two manage other aspects like the umbilical cord connecting each astronaut. Astronauts often train in pairs as they operate in space using the "Buddy" system.

Our next stop was "Mission Control". Unlike the Tram Tour we were in the actual room - not the viewing gallery.

What a difference sitting in the actual chairs at the actual control consoles. The wealth of information provided by our guide was phenomenal giving us insight into the history that we had lived through years ago. The American flag in the picture was a backup that was not used and brought back from the moon. It is an exact match for the one left there by Apollo 11.

On the wall is a mirror. The inscription reads: "This mirror flown on Aquarius, LM-7, to the moon April 11-17, 1970. Returned by a greatful Apollo 13 crew to "reflect the images" of the people in Mission Control who got us back!"

As well as the historic "Apollo" era Mission Control Center to the area that is under construction and will be "Mission Control" for the upcoming Orion flights. Here each control area looks more like a home office desk than the "traditional" control center.

We also went to the ISS Mission Control. Here we watched the as the Space Station (left screen) as  it went from being in the darkness of space to being illuminated by sunlight. The ISS transitions from "day" to "night" every 90 minutes as it orbits the earth. 

We also got to watch over the shoulder of systems controllers as they worked. We could also see a laser experiment on another monitor as well as the position of the ISS on the huge center screen systems map.

From there we boarded the van and rode over to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (SVMF) which develops, operates and maintains the mockup and trainer facilities to support astronaut training and engineering activities. In other words, it is here that the astronauts train on simulators which include the Canadarm. 

Factoid: The Flight Simulator for pilot training was a Canadian invention. The world’s first flight simulator ride experience (1986) "Tour of the Universe" originated in Canada at the CN Tower. BTDT! (Been There, Done That).

The Canadarm, first used in 1981, was a mechanical arm used on the Space Shuttle to move materials from the payload bay to its deployment position. After the Columbia disaster it was also used to inspect the thermal protection tiles on the Space Shuttle. It has subsequently been used on over 50 shuttle missions. 

Since the installation of the Canadarm2 on ISS, the two arms have been used to hand over segments of the station for assembly from the Shuttle's Canadarm to the ISS Canadarm2. The use of both elements in tandem has earned the media's use of  "Canadian Handshake" in describing this task.

I am sure the remaining Space Shuttle trainers will be removed as it has been decommissioned. ISS training models here will still be used for training for the remaining life span of the Space Station.

There were also several mockups of the upcoming Orion MPCV (Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle) to be used in travelling beyond low Earth orbit into space. This module looks a bit like the Apollo module on steroids.

The most interesting devices were the several rover vehicle variations which even include an original sketch taped to a locker.

Wow! A 12 wheel drive ATV! We saw a video of rovers being tested in the Arizona desert which included the new space suit that is in development. Currently astronauts require a whole day of preparation to be able to do a "Space Walk". The new combo suit will only require 15 minutes to do an EVA (Extravehicular Activity).

One unit looked like a half-robot on wheels. It operates by remote control or programs and includes AI (Artificial Intelligence) allowing it to "Think".

They were also working on "walking" device that looked like C3P0 (a Star Wars robot) from the legs down.

We did not see; but were informed of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) that is under development. It is an electro-magnetic thruster designed for spacecraft propulsion that uses radio waves to ionize and heat a propellant. Magnetic fields are then used to accelerate the resulting plasma thus generating thrust. Costa Rican scientist and former astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz (Irwin said he often sees him around JSC in his yellow Corvette) created the VASIMR concept and has been working on its development since 1977. VASIMR is not suitable to launch payloads from the surface of the Earth due to its low thrust-to-weight ratio and the need of a vacuum in which to operate. This makes it ideal for use in space where it would function as an upper stage for cargo, reducing the fuel requirements for in-space transportation. The engine is expected to perform the following functions at a fraction of the cost of chemical technologies. A test on the ISS is expected by 2014. This breakthrough technology could reduce the travel time on a Mars mission from 2.5 years to 5 months. Wow! The future is at hand.

We started today's adventure at 11:45 am and returned to Space Center Houston a little after 5 pm. What an experience!

On the way back to the RV park I stopped at Lowe's (a "Big Box" Building Supply store) to pick up a 4 foot piece of 1inch galvanized pipe. The heavy load of clothes and a few hard bumps took it's toll on the wooden clothes rod in the RV's closet on the way to Houston. I fixed the rod and Charlotte re-racked the clothes.

We will depart tomorrow - destination - somewhere East of here. Update to follow.