Louisiana and..........Betty's RV Park

It was another bright, warm sunny day as I made my way to a propane fill station then to the highway out of New Orleans. Dec 10 and I wonder about the snow back in Canada, feeling very grateful to be wearing my sandals.
Traffic was very heavy at times and to make things worse, the exit I needed was blocked off. It took another 20 min to find another way to Hway 10 to head NE to Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana. With a pop of about 230,000 people, it is located in the Mississippi river delta.
The Cajuns of Louisiana are the descendants of some of the Acadians who were exiled and settled mostly in southern Louisiana. They speak a Cajun French dialect.

It was a thrill to drive on the long bridge over "the mighty Mississippi" which is "the chief river of the largest draining system in North Am . It rises in northern Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for 2320 miles to the gulf of Mexico." (Wikipedia)

Then #10 Hway continued west to Lafayette where I turned south to Abbeville and Betty's RV park, having driven about 4hrs The roads were good and the countryside quite flat with forests along the way with large, grand trees of all kinds.
Along the way I noticed gas here is $2.39/gal and diesel $3.19/gal! I'm relieved gas is such a good price. Now if only the Canadian dollar would get stronger (I have to add about 15% or more to everything I buy in $US)

Arriving at Betty's was a pleasant experience. she came to meet me and guided me as I backed up into my site between 2 large RV's, both about 40ft long. she told me about happy hour and I barely had time to hook up.
Betty's is a very popular spot for RVers that know of her.
(I heard about her from a couple I met at Mexico Beach.)
She retired a few years ago and decided to use her land in Abbeville to build an RV park. It is the friendliest park I've been to, like being a part of a large family. Every day, everyone gets together for happy hour in a room next to her office.People bring food and drinks and often stay for 1-2hrs, sharing stories of their travels and experiences with their RV's.
Most have either  large Class A motorhomes (the ones that are the size of a bus), towing a car or else they have a fifth wheel and truck. I'm probably the smallest "rig" here. The largest one here is a big semi with a fifth wheel trailer attached. That has a garage attached to it for a total length of about 72ft! I got a tour of it. The truck itself is like the ones you see on the hway. Behind the driver's seat is a living space that has 2 bunk beds, fridge, microwave, cupboards, sink and tiny bathroom. The fifth wheel is like a luxury home with a large livingroom, kitchen, separate bathroom, laundry area and bedroom.The garage is separate, on wheels and is for storage, a work area and room to park the car for when they are on the road- totally amazing! And I had been thinking that my 24ft RV felt big driving on the hwy.
I'm so glad I don't have to tow anything although it would be easier to get around an area with a car. Riding my bicycle or taking a local bus feels good enough and simpler.
Most people that are here come back here every year for a month or longer, developing many long lasting friendships.
They got "caught in Betty's web" as a sign warns upon entering her RV park.
I've been warmly welcomed and given many tips which are always useful. I was going to leave after 2 days but have decided to extend my stay after being invited to join them to watch a Christmas boat parade, listen to some cajun music and watch some fireworks. Perhaps I'll stay even longer??
Photos will have to wait.

From an article by Kay Peterson , Escapees RV club co-founder and director:

While traveling in Thailand, she learned that 
"Mi pen rai "   (pronounced My Pin Rye) means
"no worries"  or "it is what it is"

She shares some quotes RVers have written to her:

-- To have great experiences, you must be willing to take the risks
-- If you jump into a lake, don't complain about getting wet
-- The only limits are those you accept as being true
-- Life is a matter of perspective. a worm thinks digging is more fun than going fishing.

And finally a story you may have heard:
A man walks into a clinic and is asking to speak to the Dr.
He is told to take a number and wait.
He is finally called after about 15min, asked for his health care card and given a form to fill in.
A nurse then takes him into the exam room, tells him to change into a gown, and wait for the Dr
The Dr comes in and asks what his problem is.
The man answers that he has shingles.
"Where are they?" asks the Dr
The man answers, "they are in my truck and I wanted to know where you want me to unload them."