The unexpected in a woodland walk

Just what is going on?

That was a question to myself on a recent walk in a wooded location in our community next to the city’s recreation department.

It's about a mile from where we live but in an area of high housing density. But this particular property is woods, about 150 yards across and 300 yards deep.

There are baseball fields to the north and housing developments to the east, west and south. 

It is what I consider an outdoor oasis in the middle of a city.

Upon traipsing along a trail which crossed the property, I came across a setting where someone had apparently met and had a party.

It was probably some local teen-agers trying to find a deserted area where they could sit around, blow off some steam and slug down a few brews.

The area was decorated with Mardi Gras beads with empty cans and bottles strung from tree limbs. I found it quite interesting that something like that would be found in that location.

And least it looked festive. Some people walk through the woods and end up finding body parts and other type of witchcraft items. Glad that wasn't part of this outing.

At the time I passed through it was in the middle of the afternoon, so I didn’t feel threatened. Teen-agers would have been in school.

It just goes to show, one doesn’t have to travel far in search of unusual experiences.

Next post: May 6, 2014

Historical setting along the River Road

Oftentimes an unexpected turn takes one to unexpected locations.

Such was the case when driving along River Road west of New Orleans.

Heading back to the Crescent City after visiting the Oak Alley Plantation, we took a turn, for whatever reason, and came across a group of older buildings.

It was the home of the St. James Historical Society Cultural and Heritage Center Museum in Lutcher, LA

We weren't able to visit inside the buildings on this particular day, but did walk around snapping photos of the historical sites.

According to a website concerning the location, “the museum is filled with artifacts that tell the story and life in the early days of St. James Parish - saw milling on the Blind River, the history of Lutcher and Moore Cypress Company from which Lutcher got its name.”

The area is also home to the 80-year-old Paulina Post Office Building, a working blacksmith shop, the Perique Tobacco Shed with displays of the processing and curing of tobacco as done by the local Indians 200 years ago.

Another treat visitors can enjoy at Christmastime is the (last year's schedule) of the Festival of the Bonfires along the levee of the Mississippi River.

Maybe we’ll make it over to that event this Christmastime.

Next post: April 29, 2014

A taste of Paris, down South

It is said that people find time to visit places hundreds of miles away, but never take the time to experience their local area.

Well, this past weekend, we did just that -- visited a new business locally, that is.

Our hometown of Ocean Springs draws thousands of tourists each year because of its quaint look, the overhanging oak trees, lively businesses and numerous festivals throughout the year.

If we drive through downtown, we are usually headed somewhere else.

But Saturday we decided to contribute to the well-being of a new-to-us

shop — French Kiss Pastries.

It is located on Washington Avenue on what is considered one of the two main roads through downtown.

Wifey had  her usual hot tea and a small croissant stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese, while I had a cup of coffee and a strawberry turnover.

There were numerous food offerings, all of which were very good. We didn’t take advantage of the wifi service since we were also headed to our other favorite coffee shop a little later.

French Kiss had a light and airy feeling to it, with about 15- foot ceilings and artwork displayed along the walls.

All in all, it was a very good outing, one which we plan to relive.

Next post: April 21, 2014