Todays trip brought us to the Shadows on the Teche in New Iberia. The Weeks Antebellum home was the site of a re-enactment of the Civil War encampment from many moons ago. Ladies dressed in satin with hoop skirts and bonnets strolled along the bayou while youngsters hid behind live oaks taking aim with their cap pistols. 
Visiting with family that have crossed over to the other side, as they say, always seems like such a lonesome task, but once you begin to walk thru the sparkling white tombs it seem comforting in some way. My pilgrimage to the cemetery this year included my first cousin Gwendolyn, aka PooPay, and my sister Dawn Lyl, aka Joe. As we were guided to a who's who tour by PooPay I noticed the beautiful French names that are listed on the marble head stones. Names like Admar, Amaille, Favie, Inez, and Nadege. I thought it sad that these beautiful names would be saved for only the older generation, but then I learned that my younger generation cousin Curt had named one of his little girls after her grandmother Nadege. A Cajun tradition for the next generation, I love it. 
Our trip took us to the Southwest and after reading so much about the Turquoise Trail we just couldn't resist this adventure. We experienced a city full of history in Santa Fe and after driving over the purple mountains of Georgia Okeeffe's Ghost Ranch, New Mexico seemed just like a gift of poetry given only to us. The winding road to Telluride Colorado with it golden Aspen trees peaking thru let us know that fall will soon be here. As our travels continued It took just about all the nerve I had to make it over MC Clures Pass in a wind driven thunder storm. VIsions of a 1000 foot drop down a mountain's edge had my Louisiana soul crying out for land at sea level. We arrived at our destination and after we began cooking a pot of crawfish etoufee It seemed to calm the hurry in me to return home. The beautiful Mount Sopris greeted me with her first dusting of snow and I was once again happy that I had come to spend some time with my dear friend. Traveling home just had to wait a couple of days.
It seems that four o'clock is the hour of decision at my house. Should I or shouldn't I go. This morning's wind had a clip of about 20 miles per hour, and the current weather report called for stormy skies. On yesterday's trip out to the basin I noticed the wide expanse of sky surrounding a lone oak tree sitting in a sugar cane field. Some times you should trust your instincts, but I didn't and I missed a beautiful sunrise. Today's ride on Banker road offered only grey overcast clouds.
Gus said it was a good day for hunters. It seemed that every pickup truck we crossed had a four wheeler parked in its bed. This is the time of year when every father, son, brother, cousin, and uncle heads out to a deer hunters camp.. These holy grails are situated throughout the Atchafalaya Basin area. Their locations on a GPS list them as Buffalo Cove, Cow Island, Bayou Cocodrie or Grand Lake. They are as elegant as a six room lodge or as humble as a small house boat. What ever it may be its the deer hunters dream location for the weekend. Tonight every camp will be filled with the aroma of seafood gumbo or wild game stews.
After we returned home I started my own traditional first blue northerner-cold front gumbo. Chicken, Oyster, and Andouille Sausage fills my own black pot. Fresh and simple with no shortcuts, its a tradition that is passed on to me by my mother. Tonight as I sit down to supper I'll be visualizing all of those black pots simmering on the camp stoves. Pots filled to the brim with whatever the basin can provide. This is surly a hunters dream weekend in the Atchafalaya Basin.
After an early morining stop at the local bakery we drove down the levy road to Bayou Benoit Landing. As we topped the levy the sun was just coming up over the house boats docked their. As I set up the camera I swore I could smell the aroma of strong black coffee coming from the nearest camp.
Fall is such a beautiful time in the Atchafalaya Basin. The spectrum of light is amazing. The rust and reds of the cypress tree leaves gives Lake Faussey Point a coffee colored look. Kind of like caffe au lait. Seems like I'm really missing my cup of coffee this morning
We watched and waited for the perfect light and thats when I heard the hum of a motor boat approaching.
Sugar Heaven can be found at the annual Sugar Cane Festival this coming weekend in New Iberia. Southern family traditions will be passed on from mother to daughter as sweet treats and yummy homemade cakes are brought in for the cook-off contest.
The sounds of the swamp really comes alive as the evening sun sets. As I waited to get this photograph a group of Ibis flew past me headed deep into the swamps. Their birds eye view of the Atchafalaya Basin leaves me wishing I could be with them as they head out tomorrow morning for another day of feasting on crawfish.
I decided to try and market a few of my greeting cards at the state park today. The morning breeze left me feeling that fall can't get here soon enough.
The park's staff were dressed in costumes and as I walked through the vendors I noticed that Jerky was the only food item being sold. The crafters had displays of cypress wooden bowls and carved iron herons. I thought where is the cajun buffet. Someone must have a link of boudin or hog cracklin hidden away some where. I ended up with trail mix. Good but not exactly cajun fare. No pecans, no cracklin, not a boudin balls in sight.
You'll love the atmosphere of Le Petit Paris Cafe' located on main street in St. Martinville. The old world charm of the painted mural invites everyone to sit back and relax.
I arrived for an early morning cup of coffee and visitors were already enjoying the cafe's delicious savory quiche. The scent of fragrant coffee fills the cafe as I make my way over to the dessert case. Not your average anytime desserts here. Goodies fill the glass case with an offering of Southern Pecan Pie, Red Velvet Cake, and Coconut Cream Cake. 
The courtyard at the rear of the cafe is an ideal area for couples to sit and enjoy a quiet weekend breakfast.
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