Things we learned today.

The Bayou Teche can often flow in both directions.  We were told that it can take water from the Gulf (if it needs it) and give it back to the Gulf (if it’s not needed).  And this could happen a few times a day (we’ve seen this).

Today was a relaxing day of sight seeing.  We first drove toward the Gulf of Mexico and stopped when we wanted to see something.  It was a day when the temperatures peaked in the low 60’s.  Within a half hour of where we are camped is Cypremort Point State Park, and next door to that are a number of private residences (cabins?) with boats for some serious fishing.  Many of these cabins have “legs” which are very high.  Some don’t have legs at all.  The boats are rather large and are also stored in the air.

Next we moved inland to an area called Avery Island, which is home to Tobasco.

We learned about the process of making Tabasco sauce.  Also, Paige learned not to sample any unknown sauce without her glasses on.  She dipped her pretzel into a red sauce, not understanding that it was the Habanero version of Tabasco sauce – very hot!

In the afternoon, we visited the Acadian Memorial and learned the history of the Acadian people who were forced to relocate many times.   Longfellow’s poem "Evangeline" is based (loosely) on their story.  People with this heritage have become known today as Cajuns.

Here is a King Cake:

These sugary cakes are a local tradition during the Mardi Gras season, coming from the French and Spanish influences.  Note the baby in the center.  Formerly, the baby was hidden in the filling of the cake.  Whoever got the baby was then responsible for providing the cake for the next celebration.  Apparently it was decided that it was too dangerous to hide the baby and now the baby is just set on the top of the cake.