It rained all day yesterday, and I wasn’t about to take down the DISH in the deluge or do the other outside chores. So, I left an hour later than planned this morning, but I was on the road by 10:00. After 13 miles, I turned east on I-10, and for the first time in my life traveled into Louisiana.
Just a couple of miles after crossing the state line, I pulled into the first Rest Area.
What a nice rest area it was! It’s located on the shores of a lake. There is a boardwalk that is closed at the moment, but what a pleasant walk it would be when you have the need to stretch your legs on your journey. This section was still open, so Emma and I walked around before and after lunch.
The trails are paved and all the picnic tables are under roofs. It’s one of the best rest areas I’ve ever seen. :)
Many of the trees were fairly dripping with moss. I used to know the official name of that moss, but I just can’t seem to get it out of my aging memory banks tonight. I suppose I’ll wake up at 3:00 in the morning with the answer to that. :) After spending three months in a marsh in Texas, this will be the memory I think of first of Louisiana… moss in America’s Wetland State.
After another 100 miles, I arrived at the repair shop outside of Scott, Louisiana. They will be taking care of a Workhorse recall that I was informed about, amongst other things. They had previously asked for the rig’s VIN# so they could check on other recalls for me, and sure enough, there was another one. It has something to do with the clutch and a water pump, but they already sent for the parts for the repair. I’m just wondering if this is related to my water pump going out near Boise, Idaho, last October? I had to be towed about 100 miles then, and the replacement of the water pump was covered, mostly, by my extended warranty. Hmmm. I never did get a notification of that recall.
After I unhooked the toad, one of the techs maneuvered the rig into this spot by the office. I’ve got full hookups, so this will be my home through the duration of the recall work and replacement of the frig. Because it was late afternoon before I was set up, no work was done today. The owner did come in to measure the space for the new frig, though.
I’m thinking Emma and I will be doing some sightseeing once they pull the rig into the shop tomorrow. In the meantime, we are in a gated community for the night. The owner said he wouldn’t turn on the laser tonight so I can take Emma out without setting off all kinds of alarms. :)
Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later, Judy
Well that was a bit of a marathon travel day!
7 hours ago
Glad you had a pleasant and uneventful trip. And, now you have ME trying to remember the name of the moss....
ReplyDeleteDeanna
I believe it's Spanish Moss but I could be wrong.
ReplyDeleteHope you don't have too long of an extended stay in the parking lot this time. ;-)
That's pretty nice, to be able to stay in the rig during repairs.
ReplyDeleteI never knew the Latin name - we just called it Spanish moss. I grew up thinking it was a parasite, but just learned that it doesn't harm trees at all. Is that a Live Oak?
I'm glad to here you made it safely to your new state, Louisiana. I've never been there, either. I reallly like that photo of the Louisiana sign with the water in the background. Good luck with your repairs.
ReplyDeleteGlad you made all safe and sound. I love the look of the trees with the moss hanging down. We love Louisiana. Hope you enjoy your stay.
ReplyDeleteWe've always called it Spanish Moss too. Sounds as though you had a pleasant trip. Hope all your repairs go smoothly and that you are on the road again soon. Enjoy the Po'Boy search!
ReplyDeleteKerri in AL :-)
Yes, that part of the country, in fact, most of the deep South, is rife with Spanish moss, so that would be my guess, too. I love Louisiana. I couldn't live there with the mugginess in the summer, but it is one of my favorite places to visit. Cajun country is so fascinating!
ReplyDeleteHow long will you be there? I hope it's a shot time, given the restrictions of your movement.
It's Spanish Moss I think. We have lots of it up on Vancouver Island.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your trip went well and I hope the repairs do to!
This is probably a good time of the year to be in Louisiana, Are you much into touring plantation homes? Seems like there should be some there.
ReplyDeleteI think we stopped at that very same rest area you did just after entering Louisianna back in late 2004. I do remember the Moss.
ReplyDeleteSuire's south of Kaplan, LA had some pretty good Po Boy sandwiches when we were there. Don't let the look of the place turn you off the food was great.
ReplyDeletehave fun in Louisianna!!!..even though you are parked in a service area!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice rest stop. When we toured the new RV's on display at Indio alot of them had regular full size refrigerators. All that room will be nice.
ReplyDeleteHope the repairs go well and quickly.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had pleasant and safe travels Judy. I hope your repairs go wells. From your description so far, it seems like you are in good hands.
ReplyDeleteJohn
relaxedrush.blogspot.com
I think you will fall in love with Louisiana...The beauty of the bayous, mossy trees...history..seafood...and great birding...Can I just say...I LOVE LOUISIANA!!!!
ReplyDeleteGodspeed to you, my friend! I hope these repairs go smoothly. Bring up the other emergency repair issue in ID--maybe there is a connection. I think the freezer on the bottom makes more sense.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a great rest stop? We stopped there on our first trip to LA, too - and took a photo of the sign warning about alligators in the little lake. I just couldn't wrap my head around the notion that alligators exist outside of zoos and Disneyland!
ReplyDeleteYou're lucky the rest stop was open, many have been closed for a couple of years following the hurricanes that came thru. Great state to try some seafood gumbo to.
ReplyDeleteJan
Glad to see the rest area is open again. It's been closed the last few trips we've made between Austin and Baton Rouge. Sounds like Primeaux is taking good care of you. Hope it continues!
ReplyDeleteIt is Spanish Moss as everyone has said but don't expect to find it on Vancouver Island.
ReplyDeleteSpanish-moss is limited to Central and South America and the southeastern United States, from Florida to Texas.