To see the previous posts from this trip, click here Land Trips | Cruising “C Ghost”

Today we travelled from Florida through Alabama, Mississippi, and into Louisiana, to our destination, Lake Charles.  Most of our drive was through rain, varying from light to heavy, with occasional lightening. Since it was so wet, we drove through Lake Charles instead of exploring by foot. We were surprised to see that much of the city appears depressed, with many abandoned businesses, homes, and restaurants. The streets too were in poor condition, with potholes, poor drainage, and broken paving. There were a few areas that looked more upbeat and prosperous on the streets surrounding the actual lake, Lake Charles, for which the town is named.

We had a nice surprise at dinner. The front desk clerk at our hotel recommended Steamboat Bill’s seafood restaurant for dinner (a Cajun local favorite). It was a large, casual eatery with a case of raw seafood in evidence and the cooking area visible and fragrant right next to the many tables. You ordered at the front desk, chose your own table, and dinner was delivered swiftly. Tommy had crawfish etouffee and Paula had the shrimp version. They both came with fresh-baked delicious rolls. By now the rain had subsided, making for a very nice evening.