Aunt C's

PLAQUEMINE BAYOU

Several months ago, David attended a Save the

Black Bear banquet where an auction was held to raise

funds to aid in restoring the black bear population

in our state. He came home with the winning

bid on two nights at the Cajun Cabins on Bayou

Corne near Pierre Part, Louisiana.

We decided to use that win to take a little trip

for our anniversary. We took our time, traveling

the back roads on our way, and found ourselves

 passing through the little town of Plaquemine.

As we crossed Plaquemine Bayou bridge, I noticed this

contraption that appeared to be a drawbridge and wondered

why it was there. I looked up the bayou and saw that

it ended abruptly at what appeared to be a canal.

Strange...

 then I noticed a beautiful white building

next to the canal and we decided to check it out.

 Isn't this striking? It is covered inside and out with

 beautiful white glazed brick. It is built in the Dutch

style with round and arched windows and stepped roof line.

We stopped and took a tour with the nicest park

guide. We discovered that Bayou Plaquemine, at one time,

was an alternate waterway to the Mississippi River.

It was filled in just before it spilled

 out into the Mississippi River seveal years ago,

which I think is a shame.

From the balcony on the second floor, you get an

 amazing vista of the Mississippi. We watched tugboats

and barges navigate the bend in the river.

 I was totally in love with that view.

The building is wonderfully preserved.

Here is a picture of the original lock on

the windows. I don't think I have ever seen

any quite like these.

This little unscheduled stop turned out to be such

a pleasant surprise, what

we in Louisiana call laginappe,

meaning a little something extra.

I have more lagniappe to share. This trip turned

out to be one of the most interesting and fun

get-aways we have ever experienced.

I was reminded again and again of how

beautiful the southern part of our state is.

Till next time.......

           Carolyn