Cloud 9 Ranch

We are now at cloud 9 Ranch in Caulfield, Missouri. We left Hot Springs on Wed, Aug 15. We enjoyed our stay at Hot Springs. Gary was able to fish in comfort even though it was very hot. He is now out fishing in the stream here at Cloud 9. We will be here until Sept. 4. It is hot here also, but weather forecast for Sunday says 82.

Hot Springs National Park

This park is located in down town Hot Springs, Arkansas, (childhood home of President Clinton). We toured the park center is was
known as the Fordyce Bathhouse. We viewed a movie and toured the bathhouse. We thought about taking one of the hot springs
baths, but it was over 1oo degrees outside and sitting in a 100 degree or more bath just did not sound good at the time. We did
drive up to the mountain tower to enjoy the view.



This is the fountain inside the men's bath house. The The bathhouse had a gym as exercise was also stressed.
men would drink water from the fountain.


One of the private baths On the left is the sitz bath, on the right is the sit-down suana.

Los Adaes State Historic Site

Located in the Natchitoches area, one mile northeast
of Robeline, La. Cost $2 total. This was a Spanish
garrison in the early 1700s. This was also
designated as the capital of the Spanish province
of Texas. There are some exhibits inside the
visitor center.

Adai Indian Nation Cultural Center

The center is located in Natchitoches Parish, La. It cost
us a total of $5 to view the very small museum. We also
were able to view a film about the Adai Indians. During
different parts of the year, the cost is $6.50 per adult.
That is when they perform their traditional dances.
Below you can see some of the museum items.

Ft. Jesup State Historic Park

Fort Jesup State Historic Park is located in Many, La. Cost
was $2 total for both of us. In 1822 Lieutenant Col. Zachary
Taylor established and commanded the garrison. This was a
military post for 25 years. The purpose of the fort was to
establish law and order in what was known as Neutral Ground
as a result of the Florida Purchase Treaty of 1819. It is rumored
that some of the soldiers deserted the garrison to fight at the
Alamo and in other Texas independance skirmishes. We were
given a tour by one of the ladies who worked there. Our tour
guide was really great. When we arrived, she was busy helping
another lady with a quilt.


A dress with a decorated pocket. It seems that the dresses
in those days did not have pockets, so women made pockets
to wear outside of their dresses. If the woman was not married
she would decorate the pocket to draw the attention of men's
eyes. If she was married, her pockets were not decorated.


This shows the bunk arrangement that was used at the
time. There would be 4 men assigned to this bunk, two on
top bunk, and two on bottom bunk, sleeping head to toe.
During that time, most soldiers weighed between 130-140 and
averaged 5'6". And to think, most married couples think that
a regular bed is two small for two people.


This is the reconstructed officers' quarters. Inside you can
find exhibits and a gift ship.


This is the kitchen/mess hall. It is the only historic structure
remaining. You can tour the inside and see tables, cooking
items, storage bins, and iron and pewter utensils. The pillars
in front of the kitchen/mess supported the barracks. Each
barrack houses 50 men. The barracks were built upon
8' pillars.

Alligator Park, Natchitoches, La

We spent a couple of hours at this park. Cost was $6.95 per
adult. We arrived in time to see them feed the alligators.
They had some really big guys. Besides the alligators, they
have goats, snakes, birds, marsh area, and a snack bar where
you can eat some alligator meat. We bought some and it
tasted like???????? alligator of course. It was good.


Chicken anyone?

Country Music Museum

We visited the Lousiana Country Music Museum located
near Marthasville, La. Cost was $2 per adult. They have
numerous concerts in this area.


Homemade fiddle and bow





German made Zither- part autoharp, part dulcimer


1842 German Tiefenbrunner

Our last day in New Orleans

We visited the Civil War museum, cost $7 per adult.
Great museum, has lots of artifacts from the Confederate
soldiers. They have a lot of things from Jefferson Davis,
Stonewall Jackson, and other Confederate generals. No
pictures were allowed, so I cannot share what I saw.
We had lunch in the French Quarter and then took a carriage
ride around the Quarter. Great ride. We even ate the
French pastry Beinger (sp). If you haven't tried them, if
you get to New Orleans, be sure to have one.


Statue of Joan of Arc


Statue of Andrew Jackson. Behind the statue is the
Cathedral of St. Louis King of France. Pope John Paul
visited this church when he was in Louisiana. You can
tour the church except during mass.


Ceiling of church.

Flat tire equals

Had a flat tire today and while Gary was busy changing
the flat, I took a couple of pictures.

Insta-Gator ranch and hatchery tour

Great educational tour. Cost was $12 per adult.


Our tour guide is showing us an alligator's throat.


Tour guide pointing to an alligator's ear.



This is the runt of the litter.


These are alligator eggs the way they are found in an
alligator's nest. The line on top is placed by
those who find the egg. It represents the top side of
the egg. When harvesting the eggs, it is very important
that the lined side stays up, otherwise the baby alligator will
drown if th egg is upside down.

Our campground at Abita Springs, La.

We are spending 2 weeks at this campground. Gary
has been fishing in the lake and ponds here.








Our home.

New Orleans, WWII Museum

Cost for the museum was $14 per adult. Lots of information
about the many d-days (landings on different islands) in
WWII. The museum also shows 2 films about WWII which
were very interesting. Lots to see and read.


Landing vehicles.


"Rupert" D-Day's smallest soldier. This dummy
was dressed up to appear like a soldier and dropped
over enemy lines.



This clicker was used by a 22 year old private when he
parachuted behind enemy lines.