Tabasco, Avery Island, Louisiana

Bayou Wilderness RV Resort-Carencro, LA

As the southern states head towards summer, the "snow birds" have headed back to their homes northward. The RV parks are at off peak times so we were able to go for an "impromptu" morning walk along this bayou.

Close to the edge of the bayou were these knobs which are actually parts of the trees.

A tranquil time of the day but we had to cut our walk short as the mozzies were breakfasting on us.

The McIlhenny Co. Factory - home of Tabasco sauce is located on Avery Island, Louisiana. Founded by Edmund McIlhenny in 1860s this hot spicy sauce is sold in 165 countries. It is thought the name Tabasco is from Mexican Indian origin meaning "place where the soil is humid". There is a token $1 entry fee to the factory and you are given 4 mini sample bottles of the sauce.

Usually there is no bottling on Fridays, but we were lucky enough to see the  production line in action for this special shipment of Tabasco sauce bound for Saudi Arabia. Guess, Tabasco sauce goes with lamb as well!!

As a side tour to the Tabasco factory, we did the Jungle Gardens, a 200 acre sanctuary on Avery Island. Tom caught this turtle laying eggs as we drove past it.

The Gardens abounds with "bearded" Oak trees. They appear to be pretty old, their boughs extending and entwining with neighbouring trees.

One could almost imagine these trees with eyes-the overall atmosphere whilst peaceful has a definite underlying feel of spookiness..whooooo.  A good staging for the next Harry Potter movie perhaps!

We were told there are alligators in the lakes.....I guess they didn't fancy Chinese that day!

A grand old Cleveland Oak.

Well I'm glad this bird sanctuary isn't near my fishpond!  If you look closely, you can see several young chicks being fed...puts a new meaning to "deep throat".  The parent sticks its beak down the chick's throat.

This sanctuary is home to 20,000 Snowy Egrets.

Another "bearded" tree.