.

.
Borrego Springs, CA

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Cranes, Eaglets, and Shrimp

Well, only four out of ten of the folks with reservations for this morning’s tour showed up.  That’s a shame because we had several more people that wanted to go, but there was no room in the van so we had to turn them down.  To me, common decency would have been to call yesterday to cancel their spot so we could offer it to those on the waiting list.  One of the couples that did show up drove all the way this morning from Baton Rouge, LA, to take the tour.  They left their house at 5:30 in the morning in order to get here in time for the 8:00 departure time.

_MG_6043

We only saw ten cranes today, but compared to last year at this time that was a good number.  We’ve been very lucky this year to see the high number of cranes that we’ve been seeing.  That will only last another couple of weeks before they all move into hiding to nest.

_MG_6045 _MG_6048

While doing the tour, we stopped to check on the progress at the eagle’s nest.  Two young had recently hatched, and if you click on the pictures and look closely, you can see some of the fluff of the young on the right section of the nest.

66 MS Sandhill Crane NWR 201217

Tonight for dinner, Jack and I headed to a place I’d heard good things about, but had never been to.  Bozo’s Seafood Market and Deli in Pascagoula.  There was an interesting variety of things available at this establishment, and I would guess that it isn’t exactly a place most tourists would even know about to stop at.  There were lot’s of spices, mixes, and the common (down here) pickled items like quail eggs.  Near the back was an old geezer sitting at a small table.  That’s where you placed your order, and he wrote it down and took your name.

66 MS Sandhill Crane NWR 201218While we were waiting for our order, I checked out the seafood market section.  You could buy your shrimp, crabs, or crawdads to take home with you, or they would steam them for you after mixing in spices to the hotness of your liking.  Considering this place closes at 7:00, quite a long line developed while we were there.

_MG_6063

We each opted for a fully dressed shrimp po’ boy and a beverage.  Not generally being a pop drinker, I bet it has been 50 years since I’ve had orange pop, let alone Orange’n Cream.  The po’ boys were very tasty, and very reasonable; only $5.99 for an 8” po’ boy. 

_MG_6064The seating and tables were pretty unique.  Each table had a painted 55 gallon drum for a pedestal with that square hole cut in the table top.  When you were done eating, you just pushed your garbage into the hole.  No wait staff necessary!  Another indicator of a good place to eat was the roll of paper towels on each table.  No fancy napkins here.  I really enjoyed this down home place.  Good food, oddball atmosphere, and as Jack told the folks back at the volunteer pads, “Judy’s a cheap date!”  Hmm… Jack has been gracious enough to pick up our dining tabs the last two days, and I’m thinking maybe it’s time to up the anti after that remark!  Winking smile  Only problem is, I’m not into those fancy-shmancy places to dine…

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy 

28 comments:

  1. What a neat place to eat, good company -- and baby Eagles too...life just doesn't get much better than that!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great crane pictures!! Bet if you charged for the tour ahead of time you wouldn't have the inconsiderate no shows. People really take advantage of free things and eventually ruin it for everyone.

    Looks like you had a fine time at a real life "greasy spoon".

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fantastic eagle pictures! Sounds like you are having a great time with your visitor. I've heard of shrimp po'boys and didn't think they sounded appetizing but, after seeing your picture, I have to rethink that. They look delicious.

    http://travelinglongdogs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like you had a great day. Fine looking Po'boy. We call those crawfish tables here in the South. Just dump a pot of crawfish, potatoes, corn, mushrooms, and/or whatever else the cook threw in; right out on the table. Pitch the shells, heads, and other waste into the barrel as you eat.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My kids would have loved that style of eating when they were young! As I was the one who had to clean up after them I would probably have loved it too.

    I'm glad you saw the cranes and eagles. What a lack of consideration to not call and cancel your spot so that someone else could take it. How do people become that way?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I jst drooled all over my key board over that sandwich. Thanks for sharing now I need a roll of paper towels. :0

    ReplyDelete
  7. Never had a shrimp po'boy but that does look tempting. So glad you and Jerry are having so much fun. Too bad you couldn't require a refundable deposit when folks reserve a spot on a tour. That is really rude to just not show up. I clicked on your eagle pictures and could see the fuzz of the babies. Must be exciting to be able to watch the little family in person.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Someday! Today I started a new 90 days of healthy eating. If I'm ever near that place I will ignore any and all restrictions! Looks great. We use paper towels around here all of the time.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree with Sherry ... people take advantage of free offerings. At least the common courtesy of a cancellation call would be in order. But I guess that's too much to expect from inconsiderate people I'm all for reservations so guides can plan for the day, but sometimes I wonder if first come-first served would work better.

    ReplyDelete
  10. That sandwich looks great. We have been disappointed with the Po Boy's here- not enough shrimp!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sounds like a great place and your food looked delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ohhhh... that po'boy is to die for!!! Did they have oyster po'boys as well? Great photos... I totally agree that the "no-shows" were inconsiderant. I hope the persons taking the reservations stress that it's a small group and there's a waiting list.

    ReplyDelete
  13. We keep hearing about Bozo's. Surely will have to get over there before we leave this area next weekend. See ya tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  14. People can be so inconsiderate! Love the picture of the eagle’s nest! Great job. ~wheresweaver

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looks like our kind of place, we do like our po' boys. That is sure eating where the locals eat.

    http://bobandjotravelblog.blogspot.com/ or "How to Love Where You Are and Eat Where the Locals Eat!!"

    ReplyDelete
  16. That is my kind of place to eat. The word pop apparently identifies where we grew up. When I started moving around and using the word pop, it got a lot of strange looks:)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yum yum! If one knocks their drink down & it falls to the middle, then no biggie huh? Looks like my kinda place :-9
    Too bad that people don't show up or call to cancel on the tours though.

    ReplyDelete
  18. That sandwich does look great and that's the kind of place we would like. Fancy schmancy is ok once in awhile but whole in the wall places with great food are the best. I'm starting to watch and Eagle cam on a nest in Decorah Iowa now and it is always fun to watch the progress of an eagle family. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I think we just might have to try a Po Boy! Looks good enough to eat! Thanks for the pictures, especially the eagles. I have w Armini eagles. It is too dangerous to set them in the motor home and one is way too large anyway. I may have to store them, but daughter is allowing only to storage bins in their basement. Sigh

    I love your photos...keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  20. When people make reservations does anyone ask them to please call if they cant make it and explain that their spot can then be filled by someone waiting? At the restaurant we have banquet rooms at no charge, unless you are a no show...then you pay. too bad you cant do that.
    free if you come. $$ if you dont show
    How big are those cranes...they look huge, like
    the size of an emu.

    ReplyDelete
  21. That Po boy looked great..huge!..I loved the ideas of paper towels and pushing your garbage in the hole....As for people that don't have the courtesy to call and cancel...as they say, "you can't fix stupid"....So, if your cranes are leaving soon, does that mean that the pair of Whoopers here will also migrate...??

    ReplyDelete
  22. You sure lead an interesting life ;-) Glad you are doing well and enjoying yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I adore your anole pic. And all that Zataraains is making me homesick. And droooool on the Po Boy pic. Can you send one this way? I'm thinking of applying there since they have housing and I haven't heard from Santa Anna yet.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yummmmm that looked great!!!!

    As for the Stewarts brand of soda, back on our first date, we had root beer floats at an ice cream shop that was featuring Stewarts. As a promotion, they served our floats in amber mason jars with the name Stewarts on the side. We still have those amber jars to this day......


    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  25. I competely agree about how inconsiderate it is not to cancel. What a shame.

    I have t say your reference to Bozo's has moved the Gulf Coast higher on my list of places to visit. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. butterbean carpenterFebruary 22, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    Howdy Judy & Emma,
    IT'S A FREE TOUR RUN BY VOLUNTEERS, WE DIDN'T FEEL LIKE GOING!! STUPID INCONSIDERATE SPOILED BRATS!!
    The food looked great and all of that Zatarains; we have maybe 1 in our store out here in West Texas.. Watch the eagles for the biggest will push the small
    one out; you may have to rescue it!! Give Emma a hug and an ear-rub!!

    ReplyDelete