Baton Rouge Rally
February 25 - March 3, 2009

Co-Hosts: Bill and Geneva Waters and Polk and Linda Brian

Here we are in Baton Rouge at the Farr Park Campground for another Traveling Supremes Rally. We have travelled all of 55.8 Mi. (93 Km) to get here.

Lunch today comprised of leftovers from the rally in Breaux Bridge. It was warm enough for us to eat outside at the pavilion. Some of us spent a relaxing afternoon in the shade of the Cook's RV while Les and Ida's birds entertained us with their vocal expertise.

We had dinner in a private room at the Walk-On restaurant. A buffet was prepared especially for us with appetizers consisting of Boudin Balls and Chicken Fingers. We also had Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Caesar Salad, Fried Catfish and Crawfish Etoufee with Rice. It was truly enjoyed by all, judging by the empty serving dishes when we left. After the meal was over, Linda gave us a rundown on some ideas for sightseeing in the area. On the return to the campground some of the folks took a drive by the Governor's Mansion and the State Capitol, which were lit up at night.

On Thursday, breakfast was on our own then we took a tour of the Old Governor's Mansion, which was very well presented by our guides. Afterwards people went to various restaurants for lunch. Murray and I, along with Mary and Bernard Lang, went to the "Pastime" restaurant. It was a unique experience. This restaurant, in our opinion, makes the best hamburgers ever. They even had "Canadian bacon, eh!” on them. Afterwards we went shopping to the "Mall of Louisiana" where Mary managed to find some bargains but I didn't buy a thing. Can you believe that? People that know my shopping fetish won't. Another couple went to "Serops", a Lebanese restaurant. . Other folks toured the Old State Capitol building and said it was well worth the tour. The edifice had interesting architecture.

Tonight we had a "Chili Dump,” Hot Dogs and deep-fried String Potatoes (thanks to "Chef Paul" Rees) for supper. Some luscious desserts, baked by the ladies, topped off the meal.

On Friday morning our breakfast included French toast with all kinds of Syrup, Sausage, Juice and Fresh Fruit and then we were off touring again. Murray and I went to the State Capitol building with Mary and Bernard Lang since they weren't going to be here for the group tour on Monday. We took the elevator to the observation deck where the view was magnificent, to say the least. The architect used symbolism throughout the design of the building. Another couple visited the U.S.S. Kidd, a restored WWII Fletcher-class destroyer. Some folks had a personal tour of the LSU Rural Life Museum.

Dinner tonight was Fried Catfish, Hushpuppies, long string Potatoes and Chicken Drumettes cooked by our personal chef, Paul Rees. The desserts passed muster, once again, as shown by the near empty dishes. We've been most fortunate that the weather has co-operated for all of our outdoor meals in the pavilion up to this point.

On Saturday we travelled about 40 miles (64 Km} to the Gills Long Center-National Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Museum in Carville. The Curator of the museum was a very knowledgeable and interesting guide. While eating our lunch we watched a movie about the "Triumph of Carville.” Some of the pictures were a little disturbing and a few of us had to turn away from the screen but it was very informative.

Because the weather was expected to turn cold the next morning, Linda went knocking on doors on Saturday evening, passing out breakfast for the next morning which was four fresh eggs and four sausage rounds for us to do with as we wish. It was a good thing that she had the foresight to do this as the thermometer read 34F (2C) at 7:00 AM on Sunday morning.

After breakfast on Sunday morning, Bill Waters led us on a tour of the LSU Campus. The grounds are very picturesque. We also saw the LSU Mascot, "Mike,” the tiger. Mike put on a good show for us, strutting around his enclosure. Around noon, five couples headed to the "King Buffet" for Chinese food. It was one of the better Chinese buffets that we have eaten at. After spending a leisurely afternoon it was time to head to the pavilion for another meal. Linda had prepared a very tasty beef and vegetable soup. Along with it were crackers and corn bread. Of course, there were more delectable desserts to be had. Linda’s “souper” supper was just what we needed on a cold evening. Everyone was wearing their heavy jackets (even we Canadians!) during the dinner.

Monday morning was a cool 36F (3C) so we ate breakfast in our RV’s. Later on the group went to the State Capital building for the planned tour. Murray and I didn’t join them as we had already seen it. Instead we went to the Mall at Cortana to do some shopping.

In the early evening we gathered at the pavilion for potluck snacks and fellowship. Once again we donned our cold weather gear.

This morning Linda and Polk came knocking on our doors, with breakfast in hand, as it was too cold to eat at the pavilion. There were more sausage rounds, cookies and honey buns. Everyone said their goodbyes and then we were on the road with everyone going in different directions. This was a most enjoyable rally.

Hopefully we’ll meet up with y’all in the not too distant future.

Thelma and Murray Yandt

Note: Come back to this page as we will have more pictures coming!