Swamps and accordions

Yesterday morning it looked like rain, but we decided to go on a "swamp tour" anyway. Lake Martin was separated from the Bayou Teche by a levee, and has an extensive flooded forest area - a swamp. A local guide took us out as part of a group of about 15 people in a crawfish skiff. We saw all kinds of egrets and herons and kingfishers in the maze of flooded cypress. We also saw plenty of alligators, relaxing on logs. The gators varied in size from little ones, only a couple feet long to larger ones in the 5 or 6 foot range. Our guide had extensive knowledge of both the animal and plant life. He pointed out both native and non-native plants and how we used them. The two-hour tour went by in a flash. The swamp was so beautiful, as you will see when I can post a bunch of pictures.

After lunch at Cafe des Amis in Breax Bridge and some shopping in a local antique shop, we drove to Eunice, home of master accordion builder Marc Savoy. Mr. Savoy was there and we had the opportunity to chat with him for a while and do more shopping for books and cds in his shop. Marc Savoy makes some of the best Cajun style single-row accordions you can get, and for me it was a real treat to meet him.

This morning, we're heading for New Orleans....