A Louisiana Casino Tour

2-9 Mar. After having spent most of last year building the house, and then waiting an insufferable amount of time waiting on the rig to be serviced and repaired, we finally found ourselves in a position to get away for a short trip. The trip ended up being a mini "Shakedown Cruise" (old Navy term) to get some of the bugs out from having sat so long and for us to re-learn some essentials for RV travelling (such as proper stowage of stuff and what all switches need to be turned on or off). However, all that said, we were able to get on the road and head for the Louisiana Casinos. First stop is Roger and Jeanne's in Stagecoach (just north of Houston). Always a good stop to see our travelling friends. We spent the night and enjoyed a terrific meal and fellowship.

Next day we were on our way to Lake Charles. I did not take any photos while here (out of practice with packing the camera around all the time), but we did enjoy ourselves. We stayed at the Whispering Meadows RV park in Westlake. A new and small park run by Bob Woodward (a retired swabby as well). A good, clean, and simple park. Sites are level and concrete. Bob and crew were friendly and helpful. This park was within 6 miles of both functioning casinos, Isle of Capri and Lauberge. They were nice and we donated sufficiently to there operating costs. While in Lake Charles we toured the coastline and viewed the continuing effort to rebuild. One thing for fellow campers: it would seem that a new RV park is looking to build on the beach off of Hwy 27. 2 nights in Westlake was enough though and we were ready to move onto Kinder and the Coushata Casino.

We stayed 2 nights at Coushata and enjoyed our time there. The RV Resort at Red Shoes was, as usual, a pleasant camp site. Large level concrete sites with full amenities and shuttles to the casino every 15 minutes make this a very enjoyable stay. There is not much else to do in the area except visit the casino, but if this is your objective, I haven't come across a better set up. We did manage to squeeze in a lunch at Fausto's in Kinder. This is a cajun eatery with a little fame in the area. My crawfish po'boy was excellent.

Our final casino stop was in Shreveport. While here we stayed at the Diamond Jacks Casino RV resort. Small but well appointed, the park is within walking distance to the casino and a short drive to the rest of the casinos in the area. We stayed here for 3 nights and met up with my Aunts from Tyler, TX, who came to see us (and the casinos). We had a great time while here, Christa and I even took the time to visit Barksdale Air Force Base - Home of the B-52. Nice base. Tomorrow we head to Crockett, TX, for a short stay.

Crockett, TX

9-11 Mar. We have arrived at Crockett Family Camping Resort. Following a week at the casinos of Louisiana, a break in the country seemed in order. This park located just outside Crockett, TX is a great little family park for bringing the kids (or grandkids), or just go fishing. Sitting on Lake Houston, there are a lot of activities for the chidren as there is a well equipped playground and a beach to let them burn off that energy. For the older crowd there is a pear and a small boat launch (do not bring your 30' open water cruiser though, I mean a small launch). For big rig RVers this may or may not be your cup of tea. The sites aren't level and are dirt, maneuvering can get tight, "deluxe" pull thrus are limited. This is an older park, but has a lot to offer the family or the small boater. We were here to attend the "Ancesters" and so did not take advantage of the amenities. I should have brought the kayaks though.

Back Home

12 March finds us back home safely after having been deluged with rain in east Texas. Good to be back after the "Shake Down" trip. This sunset was a welcome sight shuning from behind our house that evening.