This is Acadiana, also known as Cajun Country. As the friendly folks here say, “Laissez les bon temps rouler”~“Let the good times roll!”
This was our second visit to Breaux Bridge, a small town in the heart of Cajun Country. We knew we liked the area when we first visited several years ago. This time, as we explored further, we realized that we need far more than a couple of days here. Acadiana has a unique culture, cuisine, history, music, and natural landscape—next time, we’ll plan on at least a week.
Birding & Kayaking At Lake Martin
Despite our brief stay, we had a fabulous time. One entire day, we explored nearby Lake Martin and Cypress Island Preserve. We were thrilled to find hundreds of Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons, and Roseate Spoonbills nesting in the trees. In the morning, we walked the trails, and in the afternoon launched our kayak for a leisurely paddle through the beautiful and mysterious swamp.
Kayaking the bayou
Cajun Music & Community
Music is central to the Acadian way of life, and dance halls, cafes, restaurants, and bars are filled with the lively sounds of Cajun music. Saturday mornings are traditional times for music jams, and we discovered a charming coffee shop in downtown Breaux Bridge (aptly named “Joie de Vivre“) where we enjoyed a couple of hours of spirited music, song, and dance. We had a blast watching people of all ages enjoying the music and the community. Here’s a snippet of fun, Cajun-style:
Saturday morning Cajun jam at Joie de Vivre, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
About the RV Park
Both times we’ve visited Breaux Bridge we’ve stayed at Poche’s Fish-N-Camp. It’s a delightful campground with fairly spacious sites situated around fishing ponds. We happened to be there on Easter weekend, and the campground was filled to bursting with families and little kids running around with Easter baskets. Nonetheless, it was a relatively peaceful stay—we got into the groove of the zydeco/Cajun/country music of our neighbors, and just let the good times roll.
I had no idea the roseate spoonbills would hang out in a tree. I guess I’m not surprised. Beautiful bird captures as always.
I had no idea they roosted in trees, either! We lucked out, because evidently the nesting colonies had been much further back in the swamp in previous years. This year, they were easily visible.
I think I would enjoy this place. We really do need to explore LA at some point one day. It just never fits since we head west by going north to see family. But one day…
I think it is so interesting how the birds all nest so close together in those bare trees. MonaLiza had a similar photo. Boy are those roseate spoonbills ever pink! Beautiful:)
Having family in Florida and our home on the west coast has kept us traveling pretty much the southern route over the years — but there’s still so much to explore! I’m looking forward to reading about your travels as you head west on your northerly route.
Spoonbills! Your photos are awesome…so close to the feathered folk…and the blue of the bunting, wow. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures…feels like a teleportation to travel mode with you two…love it…love you….miss you and see you soon. A round of “ain’t no parties when you’re gone…and you’re always gone too long…every time you go away.”
We can’t wait to see you guys! Won’t be long now — get ready to party! That’s the only downside of this lifestyle — we miss all of our dear friends back home. xoxo
Nice blog. Loved your little video. Great pics, especially the decorated violin/fiddle. I think you summed up the life down there just perfectly. Makes me want to go back.
Thanks, Jo. Let’s meet in Cajun country — would love to experience Betty’s in Abbeville with you and Fred!
Your pictures are the most magnificent of any blog I read with apologies to everyone else and to myself. I just want to walk into them and be there. What a great place with both the music and the hike and paddling. Well what could be better. Nesting spoonbills, be still my heart.
Sherry, this is the highest compliment we’ve ever received — and you made me laugh at the same time! You would love this place — perhaps another spot to add to your list when you’re heading west next year? Be sure to get Passport America if you don’t already have it — Poche’s honors the discount. ;-)
I had no idea that the lovely roseate spoonbill roosted in trees. I am not sure when we are going to get to LA but when we do, we will certainly have to give ourselves ample time. It seems like another world to me, a fascinating one at that, with such diverse nature, foods and music. Thanks for this great post Laurel. :)
You’re right, LuAnn — it’s like another country — very rich culturally, and fascinating to visit. I really enjoy their approach to life! One thing we don’t enjoy are the roads, though. They’re terrible! Even the interstate is like riding on a roller coaster.
Wonderful photos of the birds plumage. I haven’t seen them looking so dressed up!
Aren’t they amazing in their “best” feathers?
We stayed at Poche’s as well and we liked it. For my exercise I would go around the park two or three times. Oh my goodness, I should tag along with you guys, those Roseate Spoonbills are amazing and did not know that they are also roosting in LA.
Having visited the Acadians in LA, you might want to visit Nova Scotia. I learned while there that as they the Acadians were removed from Nova Scotia some of them ended up in LA. They are proud of their heritage and Acadian history abounds in that island.
ML, you are an excellent travel and birding companion and we would be delighted to go on adventures with you anytime! We’re hoping to travel to Nova Scotia next summer, and it will be so interesting to learn more about the Acadian culture and history — and then to return to Louisiana.