It was in Louisiana that I drove on the interstate the first time.
It was the most direct route to Lake Charles, where I’d planned to stop for my first official beignet treat. Also, I wanted a big state map, and picking one up at the welcome center seemed a good way to get one. Bonus? Beautiful grounds, and a safe, secure place to spend a night.
I headed out in the morning before dawn to be at Stellar Beans Coffeehouse shortly after opening. It was a good stop in that I met a few locals and spent time in great conversation. But I was disappointed in the beignets. I’d looked forward to them so much, but they were a bit heavy and doughy.
So on to Lafayette via back roads.
In Lafayette I’d have my first on-the-road housesit.
I got to my housesit right on time and was happily welcomed by the hosts. The cats weren’t exstatic, but they accepted me, and by the end of the sit, they were quite friendly. I also became friendly with the next door neighbor and donated one of my books to the Shelly Drive Little Free Library.
Cool weather and rain greeted me. Unfortunately, the cool weather stayed the whole time I was there.
While in Lafayette, I dropped down to Broussard to attend part of the Lao New Year Festival.
Emilie Vardaman 