WORKING ON MY TAN

This morning after breakfast I loaded up the beach cart with our chairs, ice chest, beach towels, fishing rod, and Xi Shi Quan.  We took off for the fishing pier on the east end of the island.  We followed the shoreline instead of going on the asphalt road behind the park.  I covered Xi's head with a towel, not exactly to hide her but to protect her from the sun.  Her skin is so white that she will get a sunburn if out too long in direct sun. 

Before getting to the pier we stopped and set up our chairs near the water and I enjoyed reading my magazine while she enjoyed the wind in her face.

I let her run around the beach for a few minutes off leash then put her back in her chair.  We met a few people walking the beach and enjoyed their company for awhile.  One couple was from Canada.   Our gentleman friend with the electric bike came by to say hi.  He's been having a blast riding up and down the island on the beach side.  He said they would be coming back in the fall.  I told him I'd be here and will have my own electric bike by that time.  I then did a little fishing but got bored with that real fast.

I packed the beach cart again and we headed for the stairs that led to the pier.  It was really difficult climbing up sand dunes to reach the stairs while pulling about 50 pounds of weight in the beach cart but it was worth it.  I took Xi out of the cart and let her walk to the end of the pier off leash.  I set up our chairs again and finished reading my magzine.  We ate some chips and drank our water and watched the dolphins playing in groups as they swam past us.  It's really hard to get a photo of them.  Every time I hit the button they would go under the water again. 

I let my imagination run free and imagined that we were on the deck of a large ocean ship that was cruising us down to the Caribbean.  It really did feel that way for a second or two as I looked out on the water from our perch.

I didn't realize the time and before I knew it we had been out in the sun for 4 hours.  I'm feeling it tonight.  I put sun block on but obviously not enough and I got burned.  I made sure Xi stayed in the shade so she is fine tonight.  No sun for us tomorrow.

It was a great day.

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IT'S A SMALL WORLD

Had a good night and didn't have the cats to wake me wanting to play.  I left them at home on this trip.  They can handle a week without me and I enjoy not having them spreading their cat litter all over the coach.

Took a walk to the pavilion this morning and Xi walked a few feet on the sand.  We didn't stay long.  Hung around the campsite and read most of the day.  Played fetch with Xi and tried to keep her entertained. 

My friend Pat came by and brought me some spaghetti.  We had a nice visit.  As he was leaving, the park ranger that checked me in came by on his 4 wheeler while making his rounds. 

With a smile on his face he asked, "So have you been going around the park and breaking the rules with your little dog?" 

And I said, "Yes, as a matter of fact, I have... twice."  We both laughed and I explained how my little doggie just loved to go swimming and run around the beach and how much I enjoy seeing her have fun. 

He then asked, "Can you carry her?"  I wasn't sure why he was asking that but I answered, "Not really she's a bit overweight." 

He then explained why he asked, "If you can carry her on the beach to the end of the park then she can run and play on that area of the beach." 

I said, "Well, I do have a pet carrier that attaches to my bike and I could ride her there if only bikes were allowed on the beach." 

He looked at me funny and said, "Bikes are allowed on the beach." 

I explained that the gentleman a few doors down who rides an electric bike was told that bikes were not allowed on the beach.

He then replied, "If anyone gives you any flak about bikes on the beach, you just tell them to see Nick.  I'm the new park manager."

I was surprised to hear this.  I thought he was just a park ranger but he's the boss.  So in amazement I asked, "You mean I can ride an electric bike on the beach with my dog in the basket and not get in trouble?" 

"That's right."

"Well, you have made my day."

He then asked where the gentleman with the electric bike was parked and I showed him.  He rode to his campsite and explained to him that it was OK to take his bike onto the beach.

Later that gentleman came by my campsite and thanked me for helping in this situation and then took off with fishing gear in tow for the beach with a big smile on his face. 

This is a big relief for me as I was about to make a rather large purchase until this upsetting news and red signs everywhere about pets on the beach.  So now I am planning to go ahead with my purchase of a three-wheel electric bike and cargo carrier with ramp.  I'll be able to ride the beach all the way into town and to the grocery store and to my friend Pat's house.  I'm really excited about this.

During our conversation I also asked about staying for longer than 14 days and he explained that this is something that is at the discretion of the park manager and he personally has allowed folks to stay in the campground for months at a time.  So, that answered my question about being able to stay a month without having to move.  Having an electric bike to get around will certainly be helpful if I decide to stay for a month at a time.

Before leaving, he informed me in a joking manner and a smile on his face that he was going to be leaving the island tomorrow for a week so there will be no one to patrol the beach till Friday.  I laughed and said that sounded great to me.  So tomorrow we go to the end of the island by the fishing pier and Xi can go swimming.

So... today was a great day.  Tomorrow will be even better.

IT'S A SMALL WORLD 

This is the gentleman and his wife who can now ride their bike on the beach.

The funny thing is that I met this couple in North Toledo Bend State Park back on April 3rd and didn't realize it until after I had been talking to them for awhile.  Then I remembered.  Xi Shi wanted to go for a ride on her bike and was following her.  When I reminded the lady of this she paused and then said she did remember me and my dog and that we spoke a long time about her electric bike.  I told her that she was the reason I was now thinking about purchasing one for myself.  Here is the photo I took on that day.

Yes, it really is a small world.

 

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IT'S ISLAND TIME - ONCE AGAIN

Spent the afternoon on the beach wrapped in a yellow towel after my swim.  Snuggled in my blue awning chair with my Coastal Living magazine.  I look over at Xi Shi who is sitting next to me in her brand new matching blue awning chair and I am a little cocoon of happiness. 

The stretch of sand is nearly empty.  I reach for my iPhone to see what time it is because who the heck knows what time it is down here?  The hot Louisiana sun is like a drug, making it hard to rouse oneself.  The island is prettier than ever... oh... wait... what is that new sign up ahead.  There's another one over by the pier.  NO DOGS ON BEACH.  What the hell...???

Then I woke up.

When I checked in today, I noticed the new, large, red signs posted everywhere.  I made my displeasure about this new rule known to all who would listen.  The park ranger told me to write to my representative and complain.  I said I would indeed.  The one place I could have fun in the sun and surf with my doggie and now that is no longer possible. 

I asked if my dog could still go on the fishing pier and the ranger said yes.  I joked with him and said, "If a dog falls off of the pier onto the beach and no one is there, is it breaking the rule?"  He laughed, "I can't advise you on what to do."  I continued with my joking and asked if the beach would be patroled during the week.  He replied, "No, but it will be on the weekend."  I smiled and he knew that I fully intended to take my dog on the beach.

This afternoon we walked to the new bath house which has a pier onto the beach.  Xi walked down the steps and onto the beach as she always has and I pulled her back up the steps.  She was confused but obeyed.  Tomorrow we'll go to the fishing pier which is further down the beach and a bit more secluded.  I'll let her go swimming there, if no one is close by.

Grand Isle State Park was the only state park that allowed dogs on the beach.  I'm not sure why they have decided to change their pet policy.  This island is 7 miles long and there are many places to take Xi swimming but I'll have to unhook and leave the park to do so.  I have looked into other RV parks along the beach but the cost is $40 a night and the sites are very close together.  So I'm going to make the best of the state park and their new rule.

We're here for 7 nights and the weather is cool but is expected to get warmer within a day or two.  I'm loving it.  Didn't have to put the A/C on today.  I love the beach when it's cold.

New pier just opened.

Poor little Xi Shi can't go play in the water.

Here's a shot showing the Gulf to the left and the park to the right.

The Palm trees are looking good.

Our little campsite for a week.

 

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Liz Earle (first impressions) & my skin troubles.

I have been suffering terribly with my skin for approximately 16 months now. All through my teens and up until just before my 26th birthday I had perfect skin with just the occasional break out. I could use any kind of skincare products, very little makeup was required to look human and I was fairly confident in my own skin (quite literally).

Then all of a sudden I started to get sore red lumps and spots on my cheeks and round my jawline. At first I just had a couple of them and was able to disguise them with makeup, but eventually they took over most of my cheeks and chin and were very noticeable, even with makeup on.

I tried all manner of ways to make them go away and nothing worked, they just kept flaring up and down.

I tried PanOxyl from over the counter at the chemist which is designed to dry spots out and reduce the redness. It was quite effective at reducing the redness but left my skin so sore and dry that it didn't seem to be beneficial to carry on using it.

I increased the amount of water I was drinking and improved my diet which was already pretty healthy, but this made no difference.

I vowed to cleanse, tone and moisturise properly every morning and evening without fail. I tried Eucerin and Botanics products which were fantastic and made a difference initially, then their effectiveness stopped as time went by.

As a last resort I visited the doctors and was prescribed a gel to use which made little to no difference.

Fast forward through time and fortunately I no longer suffer with the red lumps and spots but what I am left with are scars and the occasional spot here and there. After hearing so many good things in the blogging world about Liz Earle products I decided to place an order for the Hot Cloth Cleanser and the Skin Tonic.

My order arrived really quickly, even though I only selected standard shipping, and it was so beautifully wrapped that it was a shame to tear open the packaging.

My first impressions are that I love both products and I wish I had found them sooner! After just a couple of uses my skin felt cleaner than it ever has. The cleanser works so well and removes every last scrap of makeup, so that when I dab some toner on to a cotton pad and wipe it round my face, the cotton pad is pretty much clean. Normally during this stage I would still be trying to remove some last traces of foundation and makeup.

These products are more expensive than others I have used in the past, with the exception of Eucerin, but I think the prices are reasonable taking into account the size of the bottles and their effectiveness. When I have used up these bottles I plan to place another order and continue to use this skincare routine.

Hopefully over time my scars fade and my skin continues to look clearer and back to its old self.

Have you tried Liz Earle products?

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THE BEST OF THE LOUISIANA STATE PARKS

MY LOUISIANA STATE PARK RATINGS

Here is my list of the 22 Louisiana State Parks I visited (as well as one National Park) and the rank in order of my favorite down to my least favorite. 

1. Grand Isle State Park - Grand Isle, LA
2. Kisatchie National Forest - Kincaid Lake Campground - Pineville, LA
3. Bogue Chitto State Park - Franklinton, LA
4. Jimmie Davis State Park - Chatham, LA
5. Lake Claiborne State Park - Homer, LA
6. South Toledo Bend State Park - Anacoco, LA
7. Lake Bistineau State Park - Doyline, LA
8. Lake Bruin State Park - St. Joseph, LA
9. Lake D'Arbonne State Park - Farmerville, LA
10. North Toledo Bend State Park - Zwolle, LA
11. Fairview-Riverside State Park - Madisonville, LA
12. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park - St. Martinville, LA
13. Hodges Gardens State Park - Florien, LA
14. Sam Houston Jones State Park - Lake Charles, LA
15. Palmetto Island State Park - Abbeville, LA
16. Fontainebleau State Park - Mandeville, LA
17. Chicot State Park - Ville Platte, LA
18. Cypremort Point State Park - Cypremort, LA
19. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park - Delhi, LA
20. Tickfaw State Park - Springfield, LA
21. Chemin-A-Haut - Bastrop, LA
22. Bayou Segnette State Park - Westwego, LA
23. St. Bernard State Park - Braithwaite, LA

Although Kisatchie National Forest is not a State Park, I've included it in my list. And as you can see, I liked it very much.

I visited all 22 Louisiana State Parks within 6 weeks of travel.  I averaged a few days at each park and based my choices for favorites on the following:
~ proximity of site to a water view
~ was there a swimming beach
~ amount of site privacy
~ how level the site was

~ beauty of the park as a whole
~ did it cater to the RVer

All Louisiana State Parks are located near a body of water but not all RV sites are near water views.  Some parks have their RV campground far into their park and away from any recreational activities such as fishing and swimming, where others seem to cater to the RVer and have easy access to beautiful views, fishing piers, boat launches, and beaches.  And still other campgrounds have catered to the kids with water parks and playgrounds at many locations throughout the park. 

There were few parks that offered privacy between RV sites and a few parks that  placed the RV sites entirely too close together.  All parks offered picnic tables and fire rings.

Several parks allowed many park rules to be broken, sometimes infringing on other's rights.  For instance, I could not walk my dog on the beach but boats could be parked on the grass and pets could be left to roam off leash.  These situations are posted as a rule throughout the parks but park rangers did not enforce them.

Only two parks did not have trash receptacles at close locations within the campground but instead had large dumpsters located near the dump station and campers had to haul their trash completely out of the RV park and onto the main park road to reach the bins.  To me, this is totally unacceptable.

Out of 23 campgrounds I visited, only 5 were level sites.  Nine campgrounds offered beach areas for swimming.

Sometimes the beauty of a campground can compensate for it lacking in other areas.  In my opinion, Kincaid Lake Campground was the most beautiful and scenic, and as you can see it is 2nd on my list of favorites.  However, nothing can beat the beauty of the ocean and a beach so Grand Isle State Park remains at the top of the list.

On the first part of my journey to visit all of Louisiana State Parks I visited 5 parks.  On this last leg of my Louisiana State Parks trip I visited 18 parks.  I have not counted the Grand Isle State Park in these numbers because I have visited there many times and didn't go again during this journey.  So the total is 23 parks in a period of 43 days.

My expenses for this trip were as follows:

FUEL ~ $643.49 (I traveled 1180 miles)
FOOD ~ $ 237.08 (my coach was well stocked before departure which is not included in this price)
LODGING ~ $397.50
--------------------------
TOTAL ~ $1,278.07 for 33 nights on the road

I averaged spending $39 a day on fuel, food, and lodging.

Here are some photos of the top 10 campgrounds I've stayed in as well as my favorite campground sites, and campground beach areas.  Photos are shown starting with my favorite on down to least favorite.

NUMBER 1 SPOT

Only a few steps over the dunes to the beach.

My favorite park is on the Grand Isle beach.

My Gulf

NUMBER 2 SPOT

NUMBER 3 SPOT



NUMBER 4 SPOT

NUMBER 5 SPOT

NUMBER 6 SPOT

NUMBER 7 SPOT

NUMBER 8 SPOT

NUMBER 9 SPOT

NUMBER 10 SPOT

Thanks for following along and for the nice comments left.  I really appreciated them.

I'd like to end with a tribute to my state.

WHY I LIVE IN SOUTH LOUISIANA

• I may leave South Louisiana often and travel about but I will always come home again to Acadiana.
• Here are 65 reasons - one for every year I've lived in the state.
• We dance in the streets and don't need a partner. We talk with a "Yat" accent as well as a Cajun accent. We eat, drink, and dance at funerals. We talk too much and live too large and frankly, we're suspicious of others who don't. Can you say "N'Awlins... dawlin?"
• We call everybody "baby" and "darlin" and will greet you with "Where y'at?"
• We have Creole-Cajun cuisine ... widely imitated but never matched ... the best cuisine in the world giving you: jambalaya, chicken and sausage gumbo filé, turtle sauce piquante, crawfish bisque, andouille sausage, red beans and rice, Bananas Foster, beignets, shrimp Creole, crab merliton, chicken etouffé, catfish courtbouillon, muffalettas, Po-boys, thin-crusted French bread, and oysters - any way you like them. However, Cajun food and culture have no roots in New Orleans. You'll have to travel down to the bayou country to savor real Cajun cooking.
• We have shared our talent with the world with the likes of: Dr. John, Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, Erni K-Doe, Louis Armstrong, Professor Longhair, Pete Fountain, Al Hurt, Doug Kershaw, and the Neville Brothers.
• We don't hate cause we got "Gris Gris."
• We have the largest population of Cajuns.
• We have the "Big Easy."
• We're home to three million acres of wetlands, vital wildlife habitat and abundant hunting and fishing grounds.
• If you don't like the way we talk, hang around for awhile and you'll start to sound just like us.
• We have Native American tribes, the Houma Indians being the largest tribe in Louisiana, numbering about 10,000 and live in the marshes and along the bayous of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.
• Every day is a good day for a parade and we have lots of them.
• We have Zydeco, a distinctly black Creole music known for its blending of French songs and African/Caribbean rhythms.
• We have fresh seafood year round.
• We have the worlds largest steel-constructed room called the Superdome.
• We have "Cajun and Creole Folktales" which include our infamous monster "Loup Garu."
• We are home of the alligator as watchdog and also provides good eating. The alligator is the last remaining cousin to the dinosaurs.
• We have Café Au Lait with ground roasted chicory - the root of endive lettuce.
• We have more fortune tellers than lawyers.
• We're helping out the rest of the country by keeping an eye on Texas and Arkansas.
• We drink beer with our lunch.
• If you ain't quite right in the head you'll fit right in.
• We have corner convenience stores which boast a colorful selection of Voodoo dolls.
• Our politicians are crooked but at least they're honest about it.
• We have Terrance Osborne's fabulous colorful artwork. My favorite is "Hurricane Solution #3."
• The accordion never made a comeback here because it never went away.
• We got us a big ole river to keep the Mississippians out.
• Our climate allows us to wear shorts and a tee shirt almost year round.
• We have a much used mantra, "Laissez les bon temps rouler."
• We have the world's largest freshwater river basin, the Atchafalaya Basin which is in Saint Martin Parish.
• We got bragging rights to the longest bridge in the world, the Pontchartrain Causeway.
• All our roads lead to Jackson Square.
• We have no need to leave home for a taste of French culture.
• We have a dance called the Fais-Do-Do where children dance along side of their parents.
• We have pirogues, swamps, pelicans, seagulls, egrets, whooping cranes, spanish moss, magnolia trees, and live oaks.
• We have fishermen who still make a living "on the water."
• We have no legal penalty for eccentricity.
• We have the best boiled seafood in the world.
• We have high humidity which eliminates the need for moisturizer.
• We have flood waters often that also provide creative opportunities for boating.
• We have the Saint Charles streetcar line in New Orleans whose cable cars are recognized by our nation as a mobile national monument.
• We enjoy the smell of the sweet olives in spring.
• We have drive-through daiquiri shops.
• We have two kinds of hurricanes... both wet and wild.
• We experience praline-induced comas.
• We have the "Crawfish Capital of the World" which is in Breaux Bridge.
• We have more than 400 annual festivals and often called the "Festival Capital of America." We have more festivals per capita than any other state.
• We have swamp tours.
• We have river boats floating down the Mississippi River.
• We have over 100 bayous.
• We have Swamp Pop music.
• We speak Cajun French which is a distinct dialect difficult to understand for many speakers of conventional or Parisian French.
• We have lots and lots of sugar cane and enjoy a good chew on the stalks.
• We have names that end in "eaux."
• We have Sunday after-church Pig Roasts.
• Our Bourbon is so popular we named our most famous street after it.
• We're not just Ante-Bellum we're ante-everything.
• We have 20 beautiful Ante-Bellum sugar plantations.
• We have Cayenne pepper, Louisiana Hot Sauce, and Tabasco sauce used to season food and also clears your sinuses.
• We have rocking chairs on porches.
• We have a state law that everyone has to know how to fish.
• We have a great beach and the mighty Gulf of Mexico at the Grand Isle State Park.
• We have the best Mardi Gras season in the country.  

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