March 29 - Day 13: On To St. Francisville

We awake to something we have not experienced in several weeks: rain! It is coming down fairly hard. Happily, most of the path from our Loft to the Main House is covered. We sit down to another delightful Cajun breakfast. This one is just a bit lighter than yesterday's. But only barely. It appears to be the Louisiana version of Eggs Benedict: soft-boiled egg, biscuits and gravy. Very tasty.

Breakfast complete, we pack the X3 in the rain and take off for the town of Breaux Bridge. This town is small and old. Not a lot to write home about, we press on to I-10. Shortly after getting on the interstate, we drive on a part of I-10 that is built over swamp. It is straight and flat, a real engineering feat. At some point on this stretch, the rain stops and the driving becomes easier.

Noted for Magnolias and Mansions, St. Francisville, at the North-eastern edge of Cajun Country, is our next destination. We encounter a mild traffic-jam as we approach the Mississippi River crossing at Baton Rouge. We have enough time while trudging along to see the LSU Football Stadium to the south. Finally through the jam, caused by a stalled vehicle on the eastern edge of the bridge, we turn north onto I-110, then proceed to US 61. Odd driving along the River: the levee that keeps the river in its channel prevents us from seeing any water.

We arrive at the Myrtles Plantation B&B in St. Francisville before check-in time, so head to the Magnolia Cafe for lunch. Amy has the Roast Beef Poboy and I have the Popcorn Shrimp Poboy. Sated again, we decide to see Rosedown Plantation:

Rosedown is one of the best-documented plantations of the South. Established by the Turnbull family in the 1830's, it managed to last into the 1950's still owned by the same family. It's unique feature is 18 acres of ornamental gardens. Owned by the state of Louisiana, it is now a museum and well worth seeing.

We finish the tour and then check-in to the Myrtles. Our room is on the second floor, showing off the charm of these old, old buildings (charm == sloping floors and creaky doors, as well as interesting decor). We head to The Francis Southern Table & Bar for dinner. Amy has a steak while I opt for a burger. Both are good.

We head back to our room to retire for the night.