tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75077727408063140562023-06-21T00:03:06.952-04:00Wayfarer LensCapturing the journey...Cy Burhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671906000765385257noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507772740806314056.post-66246882062188340262010-12-13T19:00:00.000-05:002010-12-13T19:00:00.288-05:00Dallas / Ft. Worth - Balloons to Bullrides... Part I<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%20Balloon%20Race%202010/balloon303.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action at the Highland Village, Tx balloon festival 2010, image ©Cynthia Burkhardt</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Part I: Balloon Festival</div><br />
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After our stay in romantic little <a href="http://wayfarerlens.blogspot.com/2010/10/where-steel-magnolias-grownatchitoches.html">Natchitoches</a>, La. we headed for Texas. Our destination was the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, but since we were road tripping our way there, I just couldn't pass up the <a href="http://www.gladewaterchamber.com/">"Antique Capital of East Texas" ~ Gladewater</a>. I love antique hunting. I can look for hours...days...weeks...ok, enough. It's a tiny little town, but don't let that fool you. Go check out those shops!<br />
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Gladewater is home to some interesting history trivia, too.<br />
Elvis used it as a base during his early career, Johnny Cash wrote <em>Walk the Line</em> there, and on April 7, 1931, the first Gladewater oil well blew...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=Gladewater01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/Gladewater01.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladewater Texas image ©Cynthia Burkhardt<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=Gladewater05.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="325" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/Gladewater05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladewater Texas image ©Cynthia Burkhardt<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=Gladewater02.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/Gladewater02.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladewater Texas image ©Cynthia Burkhardt<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=Gladewater03.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/Gladewater03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladewater Texas image ©Cynthia Burkhardt<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=Gladewater04.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/Gladewater04.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladewater Texas image ©Cynthia Burkhardt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=Gladewater06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/Gladewater06.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladewater Texas image ©Cynthia Burkhardt</td></tr>
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After my Gladewater antique hunt and walk through history were over, we were ready to roll into Dallas. Since we've never taken the RV there before, we weren't sure where we could stay that would be close to the city, but still have that "peace and quiet" nature setting that we were hoping to keep. While planning the trip, we looked into several locations and decided that the Army Corps of Engineers' <a href="http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/lewisville/Recreation/Parks/Corpsparks.asp#HickoryCreekPark">Hickory Creek Park</a> on Lewisville lake sounded great. We were not disappointed! Almost all the sites are on the lake. Gorgeous views, great lake activities, and you could still see the stars at night. Loved it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=HickoryCreekPark02.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/HickoryCreekPark02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hickory Creek Park image ©Cynthia Burkhardt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=HickoryCreekPark03.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/HickoryCreekPark03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hickory Creek Park image ©Cynthia Burkhardt</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=HickoryCreekPark01.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/HickoryCreekPark01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hickory Creek Park image ©Cynthia Burkhardt</td></tr>
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Timing is everything and fortunately we got there just in time for the <a href="http://www.hvballoonfest.com/">Highland Village Balloon Festival</a> that was held just across the lake at <a href="http://www.highlandvillage.org/copperasbranchpark.html">Copperas Branch Park</a>. <br />
I've seen balloon races from a distance before, but never had the opportunity to get up close and photograph the process of getting them upacked, inflated and off!<br />
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I was hoping for good opportunities for shooting, and it was better than I had hoped for....what a fun shoot! I was able to get up close to the whole process! Unfortunately, the winds were not cooperating that morning, so the balloon teams were given the option to fly, or just do a "stand up" for the crowd. Most of them chose to do only the stand up that morning, but the opportunity to be right in the middle of them while they worked to get those balloons inflated was alot of fun, and I was able to photograph those who chose to make the flight.<br />
Here's a slideshow and some photos that show the process from unpacking to up, up and away! (I've posted links to more slideshows of the balloons at the end of the post.)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center; width: 640px;"><embed height="480" src="http://w691.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw691.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv275%2FCreativeImaging%2FTexas Balloon Race 2010%2Fe06eff03.pbw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" wmode="transparent"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; float: left;" /></a><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%20Balloon%20Race%202010/?action=view&current=e06eff03.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; float: left;" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%20Balloon%20Race%202010/?action=view&current=balloon501.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%20Balloon%20Race%202010/balloon501.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have too many photos of the balloon races to post here, so I am providing links to several slide shows, and my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiaburkhardt/collections/72157625466792219/">Flickr balloon festival collection</a>. Hope you enjoy these!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiaburkhardt/sets/72157625466648043/show/">Balloon 1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiaburkhardt/sets/72157625467367127/show/">Balloon 2</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiaburkhardt/sets/72157625467098913/show/">Balloon 3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiaburkhardt/sets/72157625467167463/show/">Balloon 4</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiaburkhardt/sets/72157625467229171/show/">Balloon 5</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cynthiaburkhardt/sets/72157625467273839/show/">Balloon 6</a><br />
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Fun in Texas included a day of shopping and dining in <a href="http://www.ilovegrapevinetexas.com/Historic-Downtown-Grapevine.aspx">Grapevine</a>, too.<br />
Lots of fun stuff, including the farmer's market and wine tasting on Main St.<br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/?action=view&current=Grapevine01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Texas%202010%20summer/Grapevine01.jpg" /></a><br />
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Some of my fave places on Main include:<br />
<a href="http://www.holygroundsshop.com/">Holy Grounds</a>, <a href="http://www.gypsywarehouse.com/">Gypsy Warehouse </a>, Weinberger's Delicatessen, <a href="http://www.corkitofgrapevine.com/">Cork it!</a>, and of course all the clothes and antiques shops and boutiques ~ who could choose just one?<br />
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When the Dallas fun was done, we headed over to one of my fave Texas spots ~<br />
<a href="http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/">Ft. Worth Stockyards</a> for Texas Part II: Bullrides and cattle drives!<br />
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Yeeeee Haw, baby, see you from Ft. Worth!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cy Burhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671906000765385257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507772740806314056.post-86189834305407781642010-10-29T09:00:00.002-04:002010-10-29T09:00:12.901-04:00Where Steel Magnolias grow...Natchitoches, Louisiana!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
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Many of the images you see are available as fine art prints on photographic papers or canvas. Please visit my <a href="http://cynthia_burkhardt.imagekind.com/store/Images.aspx/3b3ef289-69ff-47fc-96e9-6f9c1ecf774c/Louisiana_AmericanSouth">gallery </a>for details.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
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370 miles up the road from Destin, FL, we rolled into <a href="http://ajaxcountrylivinrv.com/">Country Livin' RV Park</a> in Ajax, Louisiana. Ajax is just a few short miles from Natchitoches, La. via I-49. The owners, Denise and David are great hosts. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and the park is quiet, clean and beautifully kept. Denise was so helpful in recommending the "must see" spots of Natchitoches and surrounding areas. Thanks, Denise! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country Livin' RV Park</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=NatchitochesajaxCountryLivinRVparkGeorgetown.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/NatchitochesajaxCountryLivinRVparkGeorgetown.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country Livin' RV Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
There's a private lake on the property where you can fish or just sit and relax.<br />
They were even kind enough to lend us a fishing pole for a few hours.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=Natchitochesajaxcountrylivinrvpark08small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="284" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/Natchitochesajaxcountrylivinrvpark08small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country Livin' RV Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=Natchitochesajaxcountrylivinrvpark11small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="288" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/Natchitochesajaxcountrylivinrvpark11small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country Livin' RV Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After getting settled on the grounds and hearing all the inside scoop about where to go from Denise, I knew the first stop would be Front St. and Rue Beau Port, the heart of downtown <a href="http://www.historicnatchitoches.com/">Natchitoches</a> (pronounced NAK-ə-təsh) historic district, along the Cane River Lake. It took me all day to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twkCq2SuCyg&feature=player_embedded">say the name of the town correctly</a>. Apparently, I'm not the only one who has had trouble with that! I kept wanting to make it sound something like Nagodoches, TX, which, as it turns out, is Natchitoches sister city. <br />
<br />
The parish is the original French colony of Louisiana, established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis, and was named after the Natchitoches Indian tribe. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. The buildings are a mixture of Creole and Victorian architecture. Such character, culture and history!<br />
And I would be completely remiss if I forgot to mention that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098384/">Steel Magnolias</a> was filmed entirely in Natchitoches. The writer, Robert Harling, Jr., is a native and still resides here.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/">The National Trust</a> named the town one of the"Dozen Distinctive Destinations" for Historic Preservation in 2005. The <a href="http://www.caneriverheritage.org/main_file.php/historicdistrict.php">Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District</a> has much to offer. 33 blocks worth! <br />
<br />
The Cane River Lake area is also home to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cari">Oakland and Magnolia Plantations</a>, as well as several others we explore.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreetcarriages05small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreetcarriages05small.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet12small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="315" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet12small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
We were able to grab the perfect parking spot on Front St. in front of <a href="http://oldhardwarestore.com/our-story.php">Kaffie Frederick General Mercantile</a>, Louisiana's oldest general store. The store has lots of fun, nostalgic items like the old original working freight elevator, and a 100 year old cash register to ring up your purchase. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesLousianaoldestgeneralstore06small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesLousianaoldestgeneralstore06small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
From there we walked down the steps from Front St. to Rue Beau Port, along the Cane River Lake to stroll and capture images of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/caneriver/roq.htm">Roque House</a>, the surrounding park-like setting, and the lake itself. Benches along the way offered great places to sit under huge tree canopies to enjoy the view.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesstepstoRueBeauPort11smalljpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesstepstoRueBeauPort11smalljpg.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesRoqueHousesmall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesRoqueHousesmall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesRueBeauPort07small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesRueBeauPort07small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiverLakealongRueBeauPort01smalljpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiverLakealongRueBeauPort01smalljpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiveralongRueBeauPort02small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiveralongRueBeauPort02small.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiverFrontStreettrolleysmall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiverFrontStreettrolleysmall.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesalongRueBeauPort13small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesalongRueBeauPort13small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiverRueBeauPortbench06small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiverRueBeauPortbench06small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiverRueBeauPort10small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesCaneRiverRueBeauPort10small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesstepstoRueBeauPort12smalljpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesstepstoRueBeauPort12smalljpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After our walk along the lake we headed back up to Front Street to continue exploring. The architecture along the street was decorated in beautiful wrought iron balconies and the street and sidewalks were brick. Colorful flowers were in bloom everywhere and a horse drawn carriage waited for a fare. The shops and restaurants had much to offer. A few shops that I found particlarly fun were: Hello Dolly, for clothes and accessories; <a href="http://www.natchitocheshdba.com/members/shops/dickens-and-company/">Dickens and Company</a>, for local and fleur de lis gifts; and the <a href="http://www.natchitochesartguild.org/">Natchitoches Art Guild Heritage Gallery</a> where you can view and purchase the work of local artists and artisans--always a must see for me! <br />
Our favorite place to eat downtown was <a href="http://www.thelandingrestaurantandbar.com/">The Landing Restaurant</a>. We made a point to be there on Sunday for their wonderful champagne brunch and live jazz. Great food, great time!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreetcarriages04small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreetcarriages04small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet08small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet08small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet10smalljpg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet10smalljpg.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet03small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet03small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet02small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet02small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet01small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/DowntownNatchitochesFrontStreet01small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natchitoches, Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Having enjoyed <a href="http://www.explorenatchitoches.com/attractions/historic-district/">The Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District</a>, it was time to make plans to explore <a href="http://www.caneriverheritage.org/main_file.php/index.php">The Cane River National Heritage Area</a> and tour the plantations...<br />
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The following photos of the plantations and other historical places have links provided so you can read about their histories easily as you view the images. Hope you enjoy these!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=CherokeePlantation02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/CherokeePlantation02.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The 1830's <a href="http://www.caneriverheritage.org/main_file.php/cherokee.php/">Cherokee Plantation</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/BeauFortPlantation01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=BeauFortPlantation03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/BeauFortPlantation03.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Early 19th century <a href="http://www.caneriverheritage.org/main_file.php/beaufort.php/">Beaufort Plantation</a>.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/StAugustineCatholicChurch02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=StAugustineCatholicChurch01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/StAugustineCatholicChurch01.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.caneriverheritage.org/main_file.php/pointsofinterest.php/22/">St. Augustine Catholic Church</a> built in 1803.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/StCharlesChapel01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=StCharlesChapel04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/StCharlesChapel04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>St. Charles Chapel is a mission church to St. Augustine Catholic Church.<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
<br />
The following set of photos are from the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/caneriver/oak.htm">Oakland Plantation</a>:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantation01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantation01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantation13.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantation13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantation03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantation03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantation04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantation04.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantation02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantation02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantation16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantation16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantation17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantation17.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantation15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantation15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationgrounds01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationgrounds01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationgrounds02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationgrounds02.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationgrounds07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationgrounds07.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstore01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstore01.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Plantation general store still open until the 1970's.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstore02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstore02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstoregaspump01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstoregaspump01.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstoregaspump02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstoregaspump02.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstore05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstore05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstore03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstore03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstore04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstore04.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
Plantation stables:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstable02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstable02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationstable01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationstable01.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Plantation quarters.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationoutbuilding02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="311" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationoutbuilding02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OaklandCreolePlantationoutbuilding.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OaklandCreolePlantationoutbuilding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
The following photos are from the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/caneriver/mag.htm">Magnolia Plantation</a>:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=MagnoliaPlantationHome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/MagnoliaPlantationHome.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=CaneRiverCreoleNationalHistoricalParkMagnoliaplantationstore01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="299" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/CaneRiverCreoleNationalHistoricalParkMagnoliaplantationstore01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://www.louisianatravel.com/magnolia-plantation-complex">General/company store and plantation slave cabins</a>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=CaneRiverCreoleNationalHistoricalParkMagnoliaplantationstore02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/CaneRiverCreoleNationalHistoricalParkMagnoliaplantationstore02.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=CaneRiverCreoleNationalHistoricalParkMagnolia02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/CaneRiverCreoleNationalHistoricalParkMagnolia02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=CaneRiverCreoleNationalHistoricalParkMagnolia01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/CaneRiverCreoleNationalHistoricalParkMagnolia01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane River National Heritage Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The following is an excerpt from the brochure/map, "Cane River National Heritage Area - A Cultural Journey" I thought it was worth repeating...<br />
<br />
"History is not always pleasant to recount. As we build our present, we should be mindful of our past... Injustice is part of history, but so are stories of perseverance, hope, community, and success. This area's national park, three state parks, and privately owned historic sites depict aspects of the difficult times that shaped this place. <br />
Explore the real America in the Cane River region."<br />
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Further along the road we drove by this great old piece of Americana and had to turn around to stop for a photo...<br />
<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=OldGasStation.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/OldGasStation.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We ended our excursion along the Cane River Trail by stopping by <a href="http://www.natchitochespecans.com/">Little Eva Plantation</a> in Cloutierville for some Natchitoches pecans! We had a wonderful visit in the Nachitoches area!<br />
<br />
<br />
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
Here are several images from the area that I have created using different filters and imaging techniques. Prints of images from Natchitoches and the Cane River National Heritage area are available for purchase from my <a href="http://cynthia_burkhardt.imagekind.com/store/Images.aspx/3b3ef289-69ff-47fc-96e9-6f9c1ecf774c/Louisiana_AmericanSouth">gallery</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/?action=view&current=NatchitochesCaneRiverDowntownRueBeauPortbenchBlackWhite01small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="300" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Natchitoches%20Louisiana/NatchitochesCaneRiverDowntownRueBeauPortbenchBlackWhite01small.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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See you next time from Texas!Cy Burhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671906000765385257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507772740806314056.post-2059401698013273722010-10-03T14:11:00.001-04:002010-10-28T17:39:18.463-04:00Destination Destin!<span style="font-size: large;">The next stop on our maiden RV voyage was Florida's </span><a href="http://www.emeraldcoast.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Emerald Coast</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinBeachCombingIIsmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinBeachCombingIIsmall.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/destin-beach-combing-ii-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prints of this image</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">fine art galleries.</span></a></div>~A late afternoon photo session, just before sunset, facing east. The sky is beautiful<br />
in every direction. The light just dances off the clouds opposite of where the sun sets.~<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This area was named one of "</span><a href="http://www.frommers.com/articles/6469.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Frommer's Top Destination</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">" locations for 2010. Nice nod!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinGulfView01small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinGulfView01small.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/destin-gulf-view-cynthia-burkhardt.html">Prints of this image</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/">fine art galleries</a>.</span><br />
~Pelicans flying in formation in the breeze...~<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As we left the beautiful area around Indian Pass and St. Vincent's Island, we headed west along Florida's coastal highway 98 with an eye toward staying at </span><a href="http://floridastateparks.org/hendersonbeach/default.cfm"><span style="font-size: large;">Henderson Beach State Park</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> in </span><a href="http://www.destinfl.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Destin, Florida</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. We didn't have a reservation so we were hoping that the tropical depression that was lurking in the gulf had discouraged a few travelers planning to head to the coast. Henderson Beach State Park is located in Okaloosa County where the beaches were voted number one in a reader poll conducted by USA Today.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Another nice nod.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinSeagullsSoaringIsmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinSeagullsSoaringIsmall.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/destin-seagulls-soaring-i-cynthia-burkhardt.html">Prints of this image</a> on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my <a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/">fine art galleries</a>.</span><br />
~Seagulls appear to be dancing as they fish in the surf.~<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The short drive was very scenic. Great views of the gulf of Mexico and the beaches that the Florida panhandle is famous for. Along the way we traveled through places like </span><a href="http://www.visitflorida.com/mexico_beach"><span style="font-size: large;">Mexico Beach</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Panama City</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="http://www.seasidefl.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Seaside</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, and </span><a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach/"><span style="font-size: large;">Grayton Beach</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We didn't spend any time in these areas on this trip, but for anyone visiting this part of Florida for the first time, these are must see areas. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinSeaOats01small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinSeaOats01small.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/destin-sea-oats-cynthia-burkhardt.html">Prints of this image</a> on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my <a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/">fine art galleries</a>.</span><br />
~I've always loved how golden sea oats contrast with the rich blue skies on the coast.~<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The short distance between Indian Pass and Destin meant that we would arrive early...more of the day to explore! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our arrival at </span><a href="http://www.abfla.com/parks/HendersonBeach/hendersonbeach.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Henderson Beach State Park</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> was met with a sign that said "campground full". We'd heard that this park was really popular and that reservations were highly recommended, but we were winging it and hoping for the best. They did have a spot for us. Love it when that happens!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinBeachskyline02small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinBeachskyline02small.jpg" /></a><br />
~A view down the beach from Henderson St. Park at the distant Destin<br />
skyline.~<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At </span><a href="http://floridastateparks.org/hendersonbeach/default.cfm"><span style="font-size: large;">Henderson Beach State Park</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, white sugar sand beaches meet the emerald waters of the Gulf. If you are interested in a little bit of park history visit </span><a href="http://www.abfla.com/parks/HendersonBeach/hendersonbeach.html"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The park has 60 campsites that include water and electric hookups. There are also air conditioned and heated bath facilities. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The sites are big with a little space to breathe between neighbors, and best of all, you're just over the dunes and across the boardwalk from the beach.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The campsite side of the park has access to a separate part of the beach from the day use area and is like having a private beach.</span><br />
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~Boardwalk over the dunes that leads from the camp area to the beach.~<br />
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~More of a beautiful <em>eastern </em>sky just before sunset at Henderson St. Park~<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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~Crashing surf courtesy of a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico.~<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was as expected... a hot and humid August in Florida, but the tropical depression sitting south in the gulf created a pretty stiff breeze that was very welcome. Unfortunately, this also meant that very dangerous rip currents were present. A double red danger flag on the beach meant that swimming was prohibited. Beach combing and long walks sounded great so the disappointment about no swimming was small. It was more disappointing that our dogs could not join us on the beach, but those are the beach rules at Florida State Parks, so we walked them elsewhere in the park and around town.</span><br />
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~Double red flags mean that getting the water is prohibited due to dangerous<br />
water conditions.~<br />
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~Watching the waves roll is so peaceful and relaxing.~<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first walk on the beach that afternoon revealed that there had been oil from the Horizon disaster wash ashore a few weeks earlier, but thankfully there was no longer any sign of it anywhere. The only things on the sand were a few shells, a little seaweed and lots of footprints. The sand here is famous for it's bright white color and fine grain...."sugar sand". Very different and unique from the other beaches in Florida. It was such a relief to see it was beautiful and not polluted with tar balls. When I first saw the sign in the distance, I was holding my breath.</span><br />
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~Health Dept. notices like this concerning the Deepwater Horizon spill<br />
were posted at each of the boardwalks at the beach.~<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because of the storm brewing, the waves and surf kicked up, which made for</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">wonderful pictures. Just beautiful to sit and watch. I'm not talking west coast or Hawaiian surf, but any surf and crashing waves on northwest Florida beaches are noteworthy. The waters here are usually calm.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinEveningLowTide01small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinEveningLowTide01small.jpg" /></a><br />
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~Low tide in the evening...~<br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinBeachSkylinesmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinBeachSkylinesmall.jpg" /></a><br />
~Sun setting behind the Destin skyline in the distance.~<br />
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~This 'wall' of high dunes and sea oats separate the beach from the rest of the park.<br />
Provides protection for the shoreline.~<br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=Destinsugarsandmoundssmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/Destinsugarsandmoundssmall.jpg" /></a><br />
~Close up of the white, fine "sugar sand" that the panhandle beaches are<br />
known for.~<br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=Destinsurfseriessmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/Destinsurfseriessmall.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the beach was explored, it was time to head into town and look into the shopping and dining possibitlities that were fun and unique to this area.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love antiques. I love to look more than buy, but...once in a while I find a treasure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While in Destin, I did find two antique dealers that have wonderful shops. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If in the area, go check out </span><a href="http://emeraldcoast-antiques.com/about17.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Antiques on Holiday</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://www.smithsantiquesmall.com/index.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Smith's Antiques Mall</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fun places to browse...a little something for everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The place not to miss for dining, water sports and entertainment while in Destin is </span><a href="http://www.emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village.aspx"><span style="font-size: large;">Harbor Walk Village</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One-stop, non-stop fun!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinHarborwalk01small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinHarborwalk01small.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinHarborwalk02small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinHarborwalk02small.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Harbor Walk has it all in one place: waterfront shopping and dining, water sports, boat and ski rentals, fishing, cruises, nightlife, fireworks, festivals, live entertainment...did I forget anything? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, Crab Island!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Just across the harbor from Harbor Walk Village is </span><a href="http://www.destin-ation.com/boating_crab_island.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">Crab Island</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. It's a great party island where people anchor their boats and spend the day swimming and playing on the island and in the shallow waters. During the summer a snack barge is in the area selling food and drinks. A great local favorite!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinHarborWalksandbar01small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinHarborWalksandbar01small.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinStormySkysmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinStormySkysmall.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This particular afternoon the clouds from the tropical depression were rolling in over Crab Island and made a pretty dramatic image.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinHarborWalksandbar02small.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinHarborWalksandbar02small.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Harbor Walk Village offers some fun, casual dining. One of the places to hang out and have a little seafood and enjoy some live music is </span><a href="http://www.thecrazylobster.com/destin/home"><span style="font-size: large;">Poppy's Crazy Lobster</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And since I'm just a little bit of an art nut, I kind of thought their signs were crazy and colorful enough to share. They just reach out and grab you! Well, me, anyway.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=crazylobstercollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="640" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/crazylobstercollage.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fun images :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And yes, the food was good, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And speaking of art... when visiting Harbor Walk Village, be sure to stop by the gallery of </span><a href="http://members.cox.net/dcsawyer/"><span style="font-size: large;">Don Sawyer</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. His work is bold, tropical and colorful! </span><br />
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"<a href="http://members.cox.net/dcsawyer/prints/content/_2037192870_large.html">Dewey-Destin</a>" by <a href="http://members.cox.net/dcsawyer/">Don Sawyer</a><br />
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"<a href="http://members.cox.net/dcsawyer/prints/content/_4205373889_large.html">Magic Beach</a>" by <a href="http://members.cox.net/dcsawyer/">Don Sawyer</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wait! Changing the subject (just a little) several friends asked if Bill really traveled with us to Destin. Yes! Here he is enjoying himself at the beach. (And you thought I'd forget to mention him.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He liked it so much that he stayed there. He did say he might join us again sometime, though. Never know when he may show up again. He and the dogs became good friends.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=BillCollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="640" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/BillCollage.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Destination Destin! The Emerald Coast has some of the best that Florida has to offer, and we really enjoyed our time there on the beach and around town.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=PerfectDayBeachDunessmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/PerfectDayBeachDunessmall.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/destin-beach-in-the-pink-cynthia-burkhardt.html">Prints of this image</a> on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my <a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/">fine art galleries</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinSeagullsSoaringIIsmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinSeagullsSoaringIIsmall.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/destin-seagulls-soaring-ii-cynthia-burkhardt.html">Prints of this image</a> on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my <a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/">fine art galleries</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=Destinsandpipersmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/Destinsandpipersmall.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/?action=view&current=DestinHendersonBeachsmall.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Destin%20Beach%20Florida/DestinHendersonBeachsmall.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/henderson-beach-state-park-cynthia-burkhardt.html">Prints of this image</a> on photo paper or canvas available for purchase at my <a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/">fine art galleries</a>.</span><br />
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To visit my online galleries follow these links:<br />
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<a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/"><img alt="Photography Prints" src="http://fineartamerica.com/marketing/BuyPrintBlue.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" title="Photography Prints" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://cynthia_burkhardt.imagekind.com/"><img alt="Buy my art at ImageKind.com." border="0" src="http://www.imagekind.com/images/buttons/buy_my_art.gif" /></a><br />
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If you would like to follow this blog or my work on facebook, you will find ways to connect at the bottom of this page. Thank you.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next stop ~ Natchitoches, Louisiana! Southern Charm! Can't wait to share it with you!</span>Cy Burhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671906000765385257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7507772740806314056.post-51121719385888389022010-09-09T20:03:00.004-04:002010-10-28T17:39:18.461-04:00A Little Piece of Florida's "Forgotten Coast"A travel photoblog is something that I've been procrastinating about for years. I've journaled my way across the oceans, promising myself I'd add blogging to my list of 'web-to-dos', and finally....I'm doing just that. <br />
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Florida's "<a href="http://www.forgottencoast.biz/">Forgotten Coast</a>"? How could any of Florida's beaches still claim that title? I couldn't pass up adding it to the list of 'out of the way' places I wanted to visit on our first adventurous RV road trip. <br />
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After the recent 2010 gulf oil spill disaster, I really wanted to visit some Florida panhandle beaches again to see what was going on with any oil reaching shore, so <a href="http://www.indianpasscamp.com/assets/images/Location_Map.gif">Indian Pass</a> and <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=41650">St.Vincent Island</a> at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apalachicola_Bay">Apalachicola Bay</a> would be the first stop on the way. We decided we'd stay at <a href="http://www.indianpasscamp.com/indian_pass.html">Indian Pass Campground</a>. <br />
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Arriving late in the afternoon meant the office was closed, and a list of available sites was posted. The office/store had alot of character and made me laugh. Although the grounds were located at the beach, the campsite itself was under beautiful (and welcome) shade trees. We picked an available spot, made our way to our site and set up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassCampgroundOfficeStore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassCampgroundOfficeStore.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This friendly guy greeted us when we arrived at the camp.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassCampRVsiteII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassCampRVsiteII.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A good site just a few steps from the beach.</span></td></tr>
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It was just at sunset when we were able to take our first walk on the beach and look at the island across Indian Pass. Wow, the beach there was so secluded and it was such a beautiful area to photograph...and I am very happy to report that there had been no oil problems on the beach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassandStVincentIslandDuskIIIsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassandStVincentIslandDuskIIIsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset at Indian Pass, overlooking St.Vincent Island NWR.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Visit my </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/galleries.html"><span style="font-size: small;">gallery</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> to purchase a </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/indian-pass-and-st-vincent-island-dusk-iii-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: small;">fine art print of this photograph</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
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</tbody></table><a href="http://www.gorp.com/parks-guide/travel-ta-prime-hook-national-wildlife-refuge-saint-vincent-national-wildlife-refuge-birdwatching-sidwcmdev_068513.html">St.Vincent Island NWR</a> is practically a stones through from the mainland campsite. Only a quarter mile across the pass, and there is a <a href="http://www.stvincentisland.com/">shuttle service</a> to take visitors over daily. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/StVincentIslandShuttlesignI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/StVincentIslandShuttlesignI.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">St. Vincent Island is over 12,000 sq. acres and 9 miles long, so taking a bike for</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">the trails can be a good idea.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here is a great </span><a href="http://www.fws.gov/southeast/pubs/facts/svncon.pdf"><span style="font-size: small;">fact sheet</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.fws.gov/southeast/pubs/svngen.pdf"><span style="font-size: small;">brochure</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> about this beautiful, wildlife rich</span><br />
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The next morning we were up early for some exploring and photographing. It felt like a private beach. What a great start to this journey! It's great to be able to travel with our dogs on this trip, too. However, dogs are not allowed over on St.Vincent Island because of the red wolves breeding program.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassBeachBruceanddogssmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassBeachBruceanddogssmall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bruce, Boomer and Boots. My B³</span><br />
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The weather was beautiful, I had the place practically to myself. Photographer's dream!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandSeaOatsIIsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandSeaOatsIIsmall.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my favorite beach images from the trip!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Visit my gallery for </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/indian-pass-st-vincent-island-sea-oats-ii-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: small;">fine art prints and cards of this photograph</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/StVincentIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/StVincentIsland.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heading toward St.Vincent Island</span></td></tr>
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This barrier island is home to many birds, including ospreys, bald eagles, Peregrine falcons, and wood storks . Also on the island you can find alligators, Sambar deer and white-tailed deer. The island is also a haven for endangered species including Loggerhead sea turtles, indigo snakes, gopher tortoises and the red wolf. <br />
For lots of great info about wildlife seasons and sightings visit <a href="http://www.stvincentisland.com/">here</a>. <br />
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We felt that finding St. Vincent was like finding a jewel in the gulf! Heading back to visit during cooler Florida fall/winter/spring temps for all day exploring on the island is a must!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandBeachIsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandBeachIsmall.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early morning light at Indian Pass...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Visit my gallery for </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/indian-pass-st-vincent-island-beach-i-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: small;">fine art prints and cards of this photograph</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassheronsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassheronsmall.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Great Blue Heron, wading and fishing...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassSeagullsondock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassSeagullsondock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Locals meet...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandBeachIIIsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandBeachIIIsmall.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visit my gallery for </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/indian-pass-st-vincent-island-beach-iii-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: small;">fine art prints and cards of this photograph</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">View of the Indian Pass, FL changing shoreline. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Lone palm still standing just at the water line.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Reminds me of how change comes to everything. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">St.Vincent Island in background.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassPalmFramed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassPalmFramed.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Framed by palms...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/StVincentIslandPilingsSeagulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/StVincentIslandPilingsSeagulls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More locals...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandSeaOatsVIIIsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandSeaOatsVIIIsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue skies and pink clouds contrast with golden sea oats.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Visit my gallery for </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/indian-pass-st-vincent-island-sea-oats-viii-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: small;">fine art prints and cards of this photograph</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandSeaOatsIsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandSeaOatsIsmall.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sea grasses in the breeze as rain clouds roll in from the gulf.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Visit my gallery for </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/indian-pass-st-vincent-island-sea-oats-i-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: small;">fine art prints and cards of this photograph</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandBeachIIsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandBeachIIsmall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A wonderful place for meditation and relaxation.</span><br />
<a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/indian-pass-st-vincent-island-beach-ii-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: small;">Fine art prints and cards of this photo</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandSeaOatsIIIsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPass_StVincentIslandSeaOatsIIIsmall.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More of Florida's beautiful gulf coast!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Visit my gallery for </span><a href="http://cynthia-burkhardt.artistwebsites.com/featured/indian-pass-st-vincent-island-sea-oats-iii-cynthia-burkhardt.html"><span style="font-size: small;">prints and cards of this photograph</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassCampPeacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassCampPeacock.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This guy ran the campground.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately he was not agreeable to having a free </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassbeachflowersmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassbeachflowersmall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These lovelies bloom every morning on the beach. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This is the stuff you need to slow down to appreciate.</span><br />
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Although we only spent a couple of days in the area, we enjoyed the quiet beauty enough to want to go back to the area again soon and enjoy more of the mainland beaches and the barrier islands. It's an area that is never "forgotten" after you've experienced it.<br />
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Before we left, we ran into Mr. Bill and invited him to join us as we head toward Destin Beach for our next stop along the Florida panhandle. He was at first terrified of our labs, but we assured him he'd be safe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassMrBill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" ox="true" src="http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv275/CreativeImaging/Indian%20Pass%20St%20Vincent%20Island/IndianPassMrBill.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bill being Bill. Another B on my trip... does this mean something?</span><br />
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Ok, Boots is ready to roll, so we'll see you next post from Destin Beach!<br />
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</div>Cy Burhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671906000765385257noreply@blogger.com5