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Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana
We went for breakfast and gas in Henderson. The people there were true Cajuns. It was really hard to understand them, but it was great to hear the thick French-Canadian accent again. I kept finding myself with this huge smile on my face as I was listening to them interact.
We asked about getting down into the Atchafalaya Basin and were directed to the Welcome Center under the I-10 bridge.
The Welcome Center was really very nice. It had the feeling of a miniature museum. There were many displays and videos; enough to keep you busy for hours. One display consisted of Cajun-speaking, animated, Louisiana wildlife. After watching their mini show, they direct you into a dark room where you can watch a video about the wetlands and its inhabitants.
We were disappointed, however, when we inquired about seeing the swamp and how people live out there, up close. We were told the only option to get down in the basin was a swamp tour, and that no one really lived out there anymore. The lady said any neighborhoods we might find would be pretty much like anywhere else.
We took her word for it and gave up on the idea. We didn't want a tour. We wanted to explore on our own. So we drove on to Lafayette. We stopped at their tourist center, which was also beautifully done.
We went to Magnolia Park in St. Martinville for a bit and let the cats run. A lady pulled up beside us and parked. Her girls got out and played, while she sat in the car, watching them. The next thing I know, she is screaming! Elrond had jumped in her car and she was deathly afraid of cats.
I quickly rescued her from him and then took all four cats to the other side of the fence. Three of them stayed with me at the picnic table. Haldir ran off to play with Alex. Her girls were also playing with Alex and they had the same fear as her. They came screaming back to the car. We coaxed them back out there, assuring them that Haldir would not attack them. By the time they were ready to go, they had overcome some of their anxieties and were able to pet the cat.
We decided to give camping another try. I found Lake Fausse State Park on the map. It was located right on the edge of the Basin. On our way there, we got to see lots of boat houses. The road was really tricky, though, so I couldn't sightsee as much as I would've liked. We got to the park just before dark. When we pulled up to the window to check in, the lady told me they were full.
I asked about another park and she said, "Just a minute, let me check something." She came back and said one person with a reservation had not shown up and she would give us his spot. Phew!
next - Lake Fausse State Park - Who are these boys?
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