27 Happy New Year

   As we arrived in San Antonio several local vendors tried to direct us into their Fireworks sales lots.  What's the deal?
     We arrived at our niece's home in a suburb of San Antonio.  After getting reacquainted ( they had been in the service for several years and the last time we had visited them was when we rode to the North Pole in Alaska.)  we joined them in visiting their neighbors for a New Year's evening celebration.   We met JW and Carla, and friends of theirs.  As it turned out they both rode motorcycle so the conversation was comfortable.  We had a very nice time and had snacks that prompted us to gather some new recipes.  Unfortunately it didn't look like we were going to see the new year in.  As the evening wore on the ride that day took it's toll and we excused ourselves to walk across the street and retire for the evening.  At midnight all hell broke loose.  We found out why the firework outlets were putting on their big push.  It seems that Texans celebrate everything with fire works and the biggest is the coming of the New Year.  Their were explosions in every direction, I got up and looked out the window and it is quite diffeent from being an observer you feel like you are immersed in the battle.  The concussion, the sights and even the smell of gunpowder.  You live the event here.  Took a while to slow my heart down and get some rest.
      It was a relaxing few days not thinking about travel plans or lodging.  We helped Tanya with the children and caught up with the family and their busy life.  One of the things they like to do in their new surroundings is spend the time to travel and learn the local culture and sites.  Bill mentioned that he had heard that a lot of  Texas towns were so spaced for a stage coach stop and represented the distance a horse drawn stage could travel in one day.   I believe he mentioned 26 miles.
     The night we visited the river walk area Bill and Tanya let us use their vehicle so we wouldn't have to ride the trike back in the dark.  We were very fortunate as the river walk was still adorned with their holiday lighting. With plans to take the canal cruise at dusk we decided to walk it first.  Construction and walk maintenance made it more difficult for Ruthie with her knee,  we would be exporing an area and then we would run into a section blocked off for upkeep..  Retracing our path to one of the bridges we would cross over to the other side.   This happened several times so Ruthie was getting her steps in.

Yes, we took you on the river walk cruise, don't you remember?

     We then stopped at the Texas Steak and cattle company for a great meal.  Loved the decorations in there.  Saddles and western gear everywhere.  By the time we finished it was dark enough to take the river boat cruise.  As always the tour guide can make or ruin the tour.  We had a great one full of fun and interesting tidbits.  A few notable facts he pointed out to us.  We went past the spot where in 1906  the Fairmont hotel was built.  In 1984 they were going to demolish it instead they decided to move it. It is listed in the Guinness book of records as the largest structure ever moved on wheels.

      The other is also hotel related.  It is the Hilton Palacio del Rio, the 21 story hotel, 500 rooms were built in modular sections off site, completely furnished down to the color television.  They were then transported to the construction site and lifted into place a helicopter tail section was attached and controlled the placement.  Completed in 202  days.  Amazing, I thought, for more information click "here"    Ruthie liked the spot where Sandra Bullock appeared in the film Miss Congeniality.
      The Christmas lights were draped over the trees and hung almost to the ground.  We were told that it took two months to complete the lighting and men actually climbed each tree to place the lights.
     On the trip here the road conditions had been wet and I had caught myself thinking about the condition of our front tire.  It spent the better part of a day trying to locate the tire I wanted.  Since we are on a trike the main concern is mileage and safety for the front tire.  We are not concerned with cornering characteristics, since the tire no longer leans on it's side. 

The Alamo

 Sorry, for some this must be terribly boring however Wes and Tom are probably happy to see I'm replacing the front tire.  (you can spend your time looking at the neat carriages above.) We had been using a Michelin, however I had unusual wear with the last two as well as some low speed noise and vibration.  One of the Gold Wing forums I read had been praising a Bridge-stone.  I forgot to mention that because of our different requirements a lot of us trikers take a tire designed for the rear and put it on the front.  They have a lot more rubber, hence more miles between replacement.  At one point I would have been happy to find anything that fit. 

   

26 Busted!

     As I published the last post Ruthie said I think we went to that Diner before Crockett and of course she was correct.  So on paper here, we will do a little U-turn and catch up.

     Just to make the trip interesting as if it wasn't already I had Googled the TV show Diners Dives and Drive Ins and sure enough they had a map of the locations.  I had been watching it and seen we were going to be close to the Hullabaloo diner.  It is just outside of College Station TX.  It is in the middle of no-where and almost a complex, the 1940's style diner came over 1800 miles from Albany New York.  They added a wrap around deck a rustic building that houses a pizza place and a separate bar.  With the A & M campus near by it is probably kept busy. 

  There weren't many in the diner so we were surprised at the long wait for our meal.  There were a couple of things that stood out for us.  One was the home made marshmallows in our hot chocolate.  Huge, it was like a desert!   ( maybe someday we will be riding in warm weather and not need hot drinks.)

and the unusual chickens that flew back and forth from the neighbors yard.

  
The road we were on took us past Kyle field, which the A & M people like to refer to as the home of the 12th man referring to the fans.  Of course with the latest Heisman trophy winner being from Texas it was all we heard about.
          The Christmas decorations in the lawns with no snow was still bothering me.  Even worse were the deflated decorations lying on the ground.  It looked to me like a Christmas nightmare.  They just look sad laying out there,  come on folks blow them back up or stow them.  It could be traumatic for a child.   I know I'm not far from therapy myself.

    And now for all you discerning shoppers, you have probably been to Bed Bath and Beyond.  Here is it's Texas cousin.  And we learned that if that Texas flag has the red stripe up, it is a distress symbol.
     There now I'm caught up and back on Ruthie's good side. 

Dec 30   At five AM the temperature is twenty six degrees with a promised high of 53 today.   We left Crockett TX it was an overcast day, by the time we arrived in Franklin TX we were hungry again,  This childhood habit of eating is such a bother.  Sometimes we try and get off the main road we arrived on and look and see where the locals go to eat.  Today it was the Lone star Burger Bar and coffee house.  It used to be a meat market and they kept some of the old advertising on the wall to rent a meat locker.  This was a great catch, it was filled with friendly locals anxious to talk to these strange newcomers with electric cords hanging from their jacket.  The ones near the front had seen us circle the block.  Their was a table in the rear playing domino's, The game was 42, I looked it up and  it is called Texas 42, evidently it was invented in Texas two fella's that wanted to play a trick taking game where cards were frowned upon.   The Sunday special was hamburger steak, garlic mashed potatoes, fried okra, cabbage, and peach cobbler.  They had three size plates, since we shared a plate we thought we should choose the large.  We could have gotten along with the medium. Wonderful meal. 

    By the way you know you are in Texas when you see a saddle in the bed of a pickup, at least half the patrons have western boots (some with spur's on) and the number one clue that you are in Texas!  Your morning waffle is the shape of Texas.  The rest of the day was just a pleasant ride.  Enjoying the scenery as we went.  We stayed in Bastrop that evening.  Our plan was to arrive at our niece's in San Antonio on New years Eve day. 

     New Year's Eve we were preparing to leave Bastrop,  unfortunately we had a light drizzle.  I had pulled the trike up by the office under the overhang for protection.  We didn't mind riding in the rain but would prefer not to get our luggage ( canvas bags.) wet.  We were taking turns carrying things from our room and guarding the trike.  A rather tall athletic man approached us and inquired about our trike and where we were from.  When he heard Minnesota he asked if we knew George Brophy  and then if we had heard of Rod Carew ,  It turns out that as a young man Gale had been recruited by George to play for the Minnesota twins,  he told us a little of his

 baseball experiences with Billy Martin and others, however he was sent down to a farm team and while there he threw his arm out.  Becasues they didn’t have the same corrective surgeries in those days. ( 1969) as they do now. His career was over.  He returned to Colorado and went into agribusiness.  With a feeding lot herd of 50,000 head of cattle and a passions for western and Native American collections.  It looks like he had turned an adversity into a successful career.  A credit to persistence and determination.  It makes you wonder if you have the fortitude to do the same?  Remember it's the places you visit and the people you meet.  Thanks Gale!

Even on a bale of hay!

  




     We drove thru a few interesting towns on the way to San Antonio and slowed down long enough to get a few pictures in Lockhart Texas.

     Here is the answer I promised you from the last post. "It takes Sixty thousand cows to produce one days supply of  Blue Bell ice cream."

    

And of course there are always interesting tree's.  

25 Patriot's

Dec 28th
     We were on the road to Katy Texas to see the Forbidden Gardens it looked interesting and would give us a glimpse into Chinese culture without actually going there.  We were following the GPS ( blind faith) and we knew we were getting close.  We kept looking for a marker but must have missed it.  In confident voice the GPS told us that we had arrived  at Forbidden gardens.  Hmmmm we don't see it, must be on the other side of the road, sometimes it does that.  Or off the side of a ramp, done that before.  We made a u-turn and headed back, still no luck.  We headed into a parking lot and called them, no answer,  a quick Google search and Wikipedia told us it had closed in 2011 to make way for a highway intersection.   I guess Michelle was right.when she asked are you sure you want to go there?  We have since named it the misplaced gardens.
     On to the next travel destination, the Texas lone Star, foot ball and Blue Bell ice cream, we hear it every where we go.  So it seemed only natural that we head to the creamery in Brenham TX.  The creamery that was started in 1907 eventually started producing ice cream, I believe their motto was "we eat what we can and sell the rest."  On the way we made a choice that invoked a new travel rule.
  Never stop at a sonic when the temperature is below 60 degrees unless you are in a car.  The sun was out when we stopped and it wasn't bad.  By the time we got our order the sun was gone and the wind had came up.  Dinner on the Coleman again.

    At least our trip to the blue bell ice cream factory was a success.  Here is a trivia question for you.  How many cows does it take to supply enough milk for one day's ice cream production?  Answer in next post.
     It was a very interesting tour and they gave us free samples at the end. We stayed in Brenham for the evening.  We have to comment on our accommodations that evening.  We stayed at the  Coach light Inn  and for a modest priced motel we were so impressed we had to supply their link.  They are doing everything they can to compete with the big boy's including complimentary water and a snack on the table when we arrived.  Even a follow up email to check on satisfaction.  Our hats off to them. 
One of the places we would make it a point to stop at again.
    I believe. it was in the thirties the next morning when we headed out, a little chilly to be riding.
     We had made a u-turn to take a picture of a tree that was filled with mistletoe.
   As you can see we will make a u-turn for about anything.  Until I met Steve in Murfreesboro I thought all Mistletoe was plastic.  Fortunately we were pulled over to take the picture when we received a phone call from Deanna, a former classmate of mine.  She had been reading the blog and called to wish us well, a happy new year and check on our location.  Knowing that Gary is very interested in the civil war I mentioned that we thought of them every time we seen civil war markers along our route.  Well I guess I opened the spigot.  Did I get an impromptu civics lesson.
.  "Gary is interested in the history of what made America great and the sacrifices that brought us to that point of greatness.  We hope to visit all of the Civil War sites at some point.  It is love of country that lead men (and in modern day, women) to volunteer to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy.  Even those that were drafted and may not have chosen that path are to be admired and appreciated for all they gave of themselves so that we can enjoy the benefits of living in a free society.  We must always remember and hold in the highest regard those that laid their lives on the line to preserve America’s freedom and to honor them not only on Memorial Day but throughout the year.  Without their sacrifice, we would not be living in the America we know and enjoy.  They fought and died for the principals they and Americans believed in and still believe in.  Patriotism is extremely important and I hope we never lose sight of what a privilege it is to live in America, the land of the free, and TO BE AN AMERICAN. There I go again, Vern...I just get carried away.  I am proud of Gary’s service even though it was in a very unpopular war (Vietnam).  It still saddens me to remember that he and other returning soldiers weren’t welcomed.  It was difficult for me personally to see veterans of that war shunned, spat upon, and called “baby killers.”  Many were called to service and answered that call.  They served their country and the President.  I will always be grateful to every man & woman who served and continues to serve in the military today."
  Amen!  Deanna,  she took a breath, said "now where did that come from."  and went on to ask about our trip.  "Take care of yourself and each other, drive/ride safely, and return with all sorts of wonderful stories to share"   That phone call will be tucked away in my memory bank.  .One of the things that has been rewarding on this trip and blog is friends checking up on us to see where we are and how we are faring. 

    Even though the majority of this trip is just wandering between a few scheduled stops we have been very fortunate by asking enough questions and keeping our eyes open to see more than we anticipated.  The next stop was one of those.  In the book my nephew Steve's wife Diana had loaned me I read about Washington on the Brazos,  I seen it was close so we decided to stop in.
   The first person we met was Jim, I'm not sure if he was a ranger or volunteer.  Immediately on learning we were from Minnesota, he informed us he was from Michigan,  that they had more lakes than us and more golf courses than any place in US.  It was hard to like him! (just teasing) We were about to miss the tour so he redeemed himself by sending us out and saying we could pay later.

    We were very fortunate to have Adam as our tour guide.  He was a ranger originally from St Louis Park Minnesota,  One of the things that made his presentation so interesting was the fact they he gave it as if the town was talking thru him. 
     The town of Washington was started while Texas was part of  Mexico.  In 1836 delegates from all over Texas met and drafted their Declaration of Independence.
  Because of a ferry located in Washington it prospered and grew to a city of  2000 people.  It was once the capital of Texas.  A bad decision by the city caused it to seal it's fate.  At that time the Railroad was asking $10,000 to be included on it's route.  They declined and the city vanished.  As people moved out because of the cost of materials, literally took the building materials with them as they pulled out.  Dramatic proof of  how our decisions affect others.
     Back on the road again, a bobcat crossed our path at 3:34 PM ( Ruthie is a detail person)   We spent the night at Crocket Texas, made a stop at the local Walmart and found a compact camera for Ruthie to carry.  Thanks to a gift from her Mayo Clinic Co-workers

24 Holiday's over

     I want to add a note to the Galveston post the Hurricane that hit there in September of 1900 was the deadliest natural disaster to ever hit the United States.  Killing between 6,000 and 12,000 people.

   We spent Christmas in Houston.  We are still being blamed for bringing the cold down with us.  Remember the family in Hot springs,  Here is a picture they sent us.  I had heard between 6 and 8 inches,  Biggest snow fall in 8 years, I'm truly sorry.  After what we did for Hot springs Jim called us and requested that we not go to Florida on this trip.  He is afraid of what we might do to the orange crop.
     And yes the Christmas holidays were cold, but we were inside where it was nice and warm.  My sister Etta was planning on coming to Houston to stay with her children however due to medical problems back home she was unable to make the trip at this time.  It was great seeing my niece, nephew and their families, and being able to really get to know them.  So many times holidays are limited to a meal, a football game, some presents and then that's it.  Carmen's husband arrived home from Saudi Arabia on Christmas day.  He has been working out of the country for 5 years.  It was a treat to see how her children jumped in and took care of the meal preparation while she made the trip to the airport.
    I rewrote this part several times and then deleted it to preserve a great marriage I will just say this.  Ruthie has a tradition of making eggnog for the Christmas get together.   Unfortunately today any thing that could go wrong, did.  I will challenge you to find out exactly what pasteurized eggs are.   We ended up using a recipe that required cooking the mixture, came out a little like custard,  cooled it, blended it, tasted OK.  There is always next year..
      I am almost embarrassed to add this but I guess if it interests, amazes, or causes us to think it might be of interest to you also.  We can't see everything from a motorcycle.

     We went with Carmen and family to a mall,  maybe you are already aware of a little but costly childrens toy called the American Doll.  I had heard of them before but just figured they were a walmart type doll.  Apparently not!    They have a store devoted to the "Doll",  clothes, accessories, matching clothes for the child owner, bedding, furniture any thing you want and can get financing for.  But the two things they set me back.  This picture is of the American doll cafe where you can have lunch with your doll.  The little people in the table booster chairs are not real.   I thought this was a Texas phenomenon but after posting it on fb I was informed we have them in Minnesota also.  How did I miss this?

    

    But I was yet to be amazed,  while inside the store I noticed a line of little girls and their parents.  Near the front of the line was this display.
  That's right you can get your "doll's" hair done in many popular styles. 

 

     A line of at least twenty patient guests waiting to pay $15-$25 to have one of the five trained stylists do your doll's hair.  Or perhaps have ear piercing.  ( somehow that seems cruel to me. )   I guess the economy is not as bad as I thought. 
     To good not to edit.  added ( Jan 28th)
    There were two experiences that left a lasting impression on me and I’m sure the little children involved.
     The first is Goat man.  As the story goes goat man hides under bridges and the children are told if they hold their breath while traversing a bridge there isn’t a problem.  However if you don’t, goat man jumps on the rear of the vehicle.  Now you might be asking yourself as the children do, how do we get goat man off?  Evidently the way they do it in Houston is speed up and turn.  I don’t know how fast or how hard a turn is required, I guess it must depend on goat man’s grip. 
          The second is a Christmas tradition called “Elf on the Shelf”  he usually appears just after Thanksgiving.  His job is to spy on the children and report back to Santa, sometimes he plays harmless pranks on the children, in the morning when the children wake up he is mysteriously in a different place in the home.  (seems harmless enough)  However Carmen’s daughter-in-law Mary has invented “Naughty” Elf on the Shelf.  A few things that have been blamed on him, one night he wrapped the room in toilet paper!  One morning when the children went to leave their room they were repelled by an invisible force field at the door.  It seems Naughty elf had strung saran wrap across the entire door way. ( I’m sure he was busting a gut from his new vantage point.)  The one prank I still think about the most and I have seen pictures to prove it was the morning the children woke and Elf was holding a note that said “go look in the mirror”.  When they did they seen their nose’s had been painted red.  I don't know about you but I’m sure therapists all over the world will be breathing a sigh of relief, future work. 
     We had a great time in Houston, the family had gave us many great suggestions on interesting Texas travel and historical markers.  We were ready to hit the road.  The forbidden gardens just outside of Houston in Katy Texas (great name)  was to be our first stop.  Daughter Michelle warned us not to go, after all they were "forbidden". 

23 Galveston

Dec 21,  45 degrees
    As we were packing up to leave Louisiana and head to Galveston,  we over heard a power line disaster crew comparing notes in the lobby.  Evidently the storm that blew in while we were in Nacogdoches was worse than we thought.  It was fortunate we hadn’t spent the night in our canvas shelter.   Later that day we met a army of power company trucks on their way to reset poles.  It was the largest assembly of line-workers I had ever seen.           

     ( copied from Ruthie’s notes) Vern sent me down a logging road!  Let’s talk about this a little, first of all she was in the drivers seat.  Second, I don’t think anybody makes Ruthie do anything.  My side of the story.  We were heading back on the same road and that didn’t seem productive to me. 

 I started watching the road signs to try and judge the quality of the side roads by the type of sign.  When I thought I had it figured out I asked her to take a left on a side road, then we would let the GPS redirect us along the shortest path. Perfect, we would see a new road and still get to our destination.  The following pictures depict the deterioration of road surface.                                                                                                            

 As the road worsened the commentary from the front seat also degraded.  We seen some interesting sites and scenery but the one that will stick in both our minds.  We met a truck coming toward us.  We still can see the look on the man’s face his hand was up to wave and his mouth never closed?  I’m sure he is still trying to figure out what we were doing on that logging road.   A few miles down the road we met a logging truck and Ruthie said he was trying to find our road,  She doesn’t forget easily.
     We were hungry and kept looking for a place to pull over.  We finally pulled over in a parking lot and had a bite to eat on the top of the camper.  A few minutes later we crossed into Texas and sure enough we seen a picnic table.  We took the ferry across to Galveston.  It had climbed up to 64 degrees.  Besides being surrounded by water the first thing we noticed were the houses.

    This one the salesman said it is a beautifull single level home with a private view of the gulf.

     That is once you climb a few steps.  May be a little tough bringing home groceries.

      But we can't see the gulf from the porch??

  There you go!  Your own private view.
      We had our first run in with RV park snobbishness,  we don’t allow popups. So it was a motel for us this evening.

          Galveston home owners will do any thing to see the gulf, stilts, porches on top of the house, then the neighbor builds in front of them. 

     M-daughter had been in Galveston at a motorcycle selling her bandana's and suggested we try the Doughnut Palace and have one of their Kalache’s, of course Ruthie first asked if they were spicy?  They assured us that the one’s with the little sausages weren’t.  Evidently there had been a problem with the staff that morning and they all had jalapeno’s in them.  Ruthie had been outside talking with some men about our trike so I was able to intercept before she ate her’s.  To apologize for the mix-up they gave us two sandwiches,   .

     The next morning was 77 and sunny.  It was nice riding without all the warm weather gear.  We drove the length of the island.  Met a couple of trikers on the road. 

     We had a meal at the Fisherman's Wharf,  the setting was very nice however the meal was nothing special. 
     We started loading up in the morning to head for Houston to spend Christmas with relatives.  However when I carried my load down Ruthie was deep in conversation ( I know, turn your shoulder and avoid eye contact.  Evidently they hadn't heard.)  It turns out one of them had been raised very close to the Mexioco bordr and his mother had raised them bilingual.  So it wasn't until he moved into the Houston school system that he found out he was black and not Mexican.  We had just seen the movie Lincoln, so we were discussing it.  This was the first time we had heard about Juneteenth.  It was on June 19th 1865 that union solders landed at Galveston with the news that the war had ended and the slaves were free.  The irony of the date is that it was two and 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was actually signed ending slavery.   I'm glad we aren't on a time schedule, this is an education indeed.  We wished them well and headed to Houston.  The Vikings were playing Houston and they were leading, the sun was shining.  Christmas with relatives.  A few days to rest up.  It is all good. 

22 Natchitoches

Dec 20th    The picture is two-fold it provides pronunciation and proves to the folks on the other ( Texas) side of the river that it exists.  Every time we start to say this Nacka they correct us with  "Nacogdoches?".  Texans don't seem to know about Louisiana's side of the legend.

Some of the tree's are 500 years old

     We arrived at the information center downtown Natchitoches  around 12:30 PM and the first thing we found out was they believe the legend, the receptionist told us about the two braves that were sent out by the chief and established the two tribes.  She also told us of some of the things we should put on our travel list to see while in the city.   We had came for the river Christmas lights, but were open to suggestions.  One of the items I thought Ruthie might be interested in was a plantation tour and she had mentioned it started at one o'clock.  However Ruthie was visiting, ( I know hard to believe.)  Interrupting,  I mentioned the tour and the time crunch.  Ruthie agreed it sounded like a good idea.  We found out the plantation was 12 miles from the information center.  The first couple of miles were within the city limits so we couldn't do much to hurry but soon we cleared city traffic and kicked it up a notch.  We crossed the Cane river and headed out into the country.  We were running late when we started so we couldn't afford any mistakes in our travel plans.  Ruthie was watching for signs and following the pamphlet from the rear seat and I was pushing the speed as much as I could crossing bridges on at least two occasions, avoiding country traffic and trying to listen to instructions.  The instructions were probably adequate but our late start and lack of road side markers made us skeptical.  When we arrived at what we thought was the parking lot their was only one other vehicle.  There wasn't any signs directing us toward the tour.  It was then that we met one of the two people that would stand out today.  Her name was Nancy, she was helping at the plantation.  She was very helpful and told us she had sent one couple over to the plantation store for the tour and she didn't think the ranger had joined them yet. 

plantation store

It was quite a walk from the parking lot to the store and with Ruthie's recent knee surgery we couldn't hurry very well.  There was no one was at the store when we arrived.  Nancy joined us to see if we had made the tour OK.  She seen the ranger coming over from one of the out buildings and told him she had sent another couple over.  The other couple had been going around the porch of the Home and soon joined us.  It was then that we were introduced to Mrs National Park Stamp Collector.  (didn't know there was such an animal)  Evidently there is a passport book you can buy and then start getting it stamped as you visit the parks.  I found out later that some times they offer incentives like a National park Christmas ornament if you achieve some stamp goal.  It seems that collecting stamps in her book had turned Mrs NPSC into a tyrant and her husband seemed not to want to get in her way.  She joined us and inquired about the stamp.  The ranger told her that we were about to start the tour.  Evidently she had other stamps waiting for her and didn't have time for the tour.  The ranger started to say something and Mrs NPSC said "all I want is my stamp and then I'm leaving."  He said she could get it in the store.  Yup, we meet some interesting people along the way. 

Mule Stables

We were happy that Mr and Mrs NPSC had left as we were given a personal tour of the plantation. The Oakland plantation was now part of the Cane River Creole National Park.  It gave us a chance to learn about life on a plantation and the lives of  the owners, free workers and slaves. Quite an eye opener for a Minnesota farm lad.
 Oaklawn was built in 1821 by the French Pru-done family.  The plantation itself was a small community with its own store for supplies.  It claims to be one of the first producers of cotton on a large scale and had over 100 slaves.  They can trace their family history back to the 1700's seems unfair that I'm not sure where my mother was born.

    Too wordy Vern!  For some reason this tour was very interesting to me.  I will try and finish this section.  .  The owners came from France, with their Code Noir ( the Black code) that king Louie had established in 1789 regarding slaves, removing a slaves ears, hamstringing and death were part of the punishments.  It also decreed that they must be baptized Roman Catholic.  One of the African families worked on the plantation thru six generations.  I have to stop somewhere, however if this interests you, I would suggest you look up "Lousiana's Creoles and Creoles of color" .

     The person in between the Master and the slaves was the overseer.  Responsible for the management of the plantations daily events and slave management he lived with his family in a home closer to the slaves quarters.   

     As we were ready to leave we had a surprise from Nancy, she had picked up a bag of pecans from the yard for us.  She had Family in Minnesota and we had a nice visit with her.   On the way back to town we stopped at the St Augustine Catholic Church that was used in the movie Steel Magnolia's ( In the movie it was Baptist, how things change.) .

     We returned to town, and found a place to spend the evening.  Then as dusk fell we returned to the river bank to view the lights.  The vendors lined the river bank and we purchased a meat pie from one of them, Ruthie decided it was too spicy so I ate this one,  a few feet further a vendor tried to sell her another, she said they were to spicy.  The vendor told her that his were not spicy (we are in Louisiana, ) and that if we purchased his we would like it so well we would throw his neighbors meat pie in the river.  I ended up eating two meat pies that evening.  

     Besides the display on the opposite river bank they had a bridge where the lights danced to the music.  We took a carriage ride around the downtown area, the main theme seemed to be the settings of the movie Steel Magnolia's.  This was a great side trip, I'm glad we took the detour, or maybe it isn't a detour when you are wandering.

21 NacaWhat?

     Legend has it that twin sons were born to an Indian chief that lived on the banks of the Sabine river, for one reason or another they both traveled one East and one West from that point to start their own tribes, thus Nitochesatch and Nacogdoches.  
     There are lots of versions of this tale, the point being that we arrived in Nacogdoches Texas at the home of  Keith and Patti,  motorcycle club members hosts for the evening.  Easy to find their place with the Santa Claus on a motorcycle.  We spent the afternoon visiting and I believe it was at this time we heard about the city 100 miles to the east along the El Camino Real or King's Highway called Nitochesatch.  They said it had a great river walk area and Christmas lights but it was in Lousianna and not on our path.  Of course that is where we would head the next day.  

     Their motorcycle has been converted to a stable vehicle by adding  a frame and two outrigger wheels  that still leaves the original  drive wheel in the center. If you look at it from the rear you will think they are pulling  a trailer.  A nice set up as they can convert it back to a two wheeler if they like.
     You might wonder what we talk about when we stay with complete strangers,  first of all we have something in common cycles and traveling.  It usually starts there.  Here is an example of how it went.  We were talking about the usual things, and then it  went from their camping trailer with the toy hauler ( a drop down door that lets you put your toy, cycle,  four wheeler  whatever right in the trailer and then when you take it out you have more living space.  Sort of like having a garage right in your camper.  Anyway we were all talking about camping and then Keith and I wandered off to bolt hardness as he has sheared a couple of grade 8 bolts on his cycle set up and soon I heard Ruthie and Patti's conversation  had went to Salivary ducts and how lemon would keep them clean, eww,   Keith and I went quickly back to bolt hardness.

     We mentioned the smell we had encountered on the roads by eureka springs and Patti said that is the smell of money "my Dear"..   This is a big part of their economy. Some day I will count up and list all the chicken based fast food places. 
House had 10 foot ceilings and was on the Azalia trail for the city..
Somewhere during the trip south the light switch location has changed, and maybe you notice it more when you have a 29 inch inseam, wandering around in the dark in a place you have never been before you expect the light switches to be where they  have been all your life.  ( I think 48 inches?)  Either they have lowered the floor, I have shrunk or they are now about 10 inches higher. What gives here?  Nice home, 10 foot ceilings and it is listed on the city's Azalea tour..
     During the evening a Texas nor'easterner or was it nor'westerner.  ( as Keith called them )  came in temperatures quickly fell to 21 degrees and 60 mile per hour winds, ( I slept thru it but no one else in the house did.)  we lost power and several of the schools were late because of power issues.   Didn’t realize how bad it was for two days.

     Here is what the deck looked like in the morning.  Do you recognize our friends from the sugar gum tree?   No bare feet here.  Thank you Keith and Patti. 

Will finish the other Naca?? later,  the rain has let up and it is time to move on.  

20 Marshall Texas

      This is a map of our wandering from Texarcan AR to Marshall Texas, or click on map for an interactive Map


Dec 18 th  
    We left  Bossier City and headed North ( I know, travel plan, heading South? )  Diane one of my High school classmates had sent us an email that she had a cousin that  lived just up the road in Plain Dealing LA that  was interested in our current ride and trikes,  that was good enough for us.  So North to Plain Dealing we met James, the James's on this trip seem to be very tall.  We had a nice visit, a cup of coffee, met his bulldog and two pugs and we were on our way.  Heading mostly East now  we crossed the border into Texas, it was in the seventies and so was the speed limit, even on a two lane road.  We had no reason to hurry, it doesn't give you much reaction time at that speed if something wanders out of the ditch or side road.  And my front tire needed replacing.    We seen only one motorcycle even though it had been 73 most of the day
     Our destination in Marshall TX was to stay with Harry and Tyna,  As members of the same motorcycle club we had met them in the summer when they were traveling and stayed with us on their motorcycle trip.  They have rode their Gold Wing to all of the continuous states.  Harry is a medical helicopter pilot.  We were able to store our cycle and camper in their garage and later that evening we went to town for dinner and then on to view the Marshall square. 

     They have an amazing light display,  the entire courthouse flashes to the music and they have Christmas entertainment in fornt of it.  Games and slides for the children, you can even get your picture taken in a full size snow globe.  Pretty nice, glad we could see it.   They then took us on a tour of some of the village lights.  We headed to a well to do neighborhood.  

  I think one of my favorites was not this one. 

It was the neighbor to the left. 

With a just a simple lighted sign in his
yard similar to this one.   Gotta love it.

  

 After a wonderful breakfast with our hosts we followed them to see the famous Marshall Pottery facility.   I have to admit not being an avid flower pot enthusiast that I had never heard of it.  I found out it is the largest producer of red clay pots.   It was founded int 1895 and probably would have went bankrupt, they were saved by prohibition and the making of moonshine.  Need a place to store that moonshine!  They have a 100,000 square foot facility and we were one of 500,000 visitors a year.  Guess others had heard about it before us.  

  As we exited the store Harry and Tyna surprised us with a beautiful serving pitcher that we will cherish.  

          

    
Dec 19 
We wandered Texas back roads on our way to our next stop.  Determined to see as much as we could and arrive at our next hosts at an appropriate time.  Along the way we ran into a familiar face.  We hadn't seen one of these since we were stationed in Pensacola Florida.   Just had to stop and check it out.  After a bite to eat and some phone calls back home we were on our way.