Grace needs a technology makeover.  We set our destination and drove out of the Best Western thinking we were headed toward the newly constructed Audubon Bridge  that would take us over the Mississippi River.  Grace took us straight toward the ferry crossing.  We had to ask directions to get out of St. Francisville, population 1,700!

As we drove toward the bridge, Polly got a phone call from Mariann telling her that her beloved dog Shadow was gone.  Shadow was staying with Mariann and Seage while we are gone.   Apparently she followed the truck Monday morning and was hit on the Excelsior highway.  RIP Shadow.

Our first stop was in Morganza  at Not Your Mama’s Café.  Once again, this was a favorite stop on my 2007 trip.  We were in search of boudin balls, a delicacy of southern Louisiana.  The café was not open, but Jessie the cook graciously made some for us. 

One last memory of the 2007 trip was the memory of the Sportsman’s Lodge in Simmesport, LA.  It was not exactly a five-star accommodation then.  The only change I noticed was new locks on the doors! 

Wanting to avoid Dallas at all costs, we traveled toward Shreveport, LA, Texarkana, TX and AR, and across to Gainesville, TX, then up I-35 to Oklahoma City. (That is three state lines in case you are counting.) It was a very long drive, 480 miles.  When we pulled into the Springhill Suites just south of Oklahoma City, it was all we could do to get to the bed.   State line margaritas would have to come later!

While it was a grueling day, we realized that it would give us more time in Oklahoma City.  Sometimes you just have to suck it up and drive.

October 1, 2012