Visit Natchitoches Louisiana and Enjoy a BBQ Cook-Off

I have driven highway 49 in Louisiana many times from Baton Rouge to Shreveport and always wanted to stop by this little town and take a look. It was a wonderful experience that left me wanting to return to spend an entire week or at least a long weekend. Not only did I enjoy seeing this little town, but there is a fort and beautiful southern plantations in the area too! What a great little town on the Red River. This quaint little town offers the enjoyment for locals and visitors of lovely Lake Sibley. To my surprise, when I arrived there was a Bar-B-Que cook-off fundraiser for some local ball teams, and everyone was settling up. What fun and what delicious food! 

Here are a few of my favorite B-B-Q Teams in the fundraiser cook-off competition:

More pictures around town:

Never Fired a Shot

I am not against guns, but I have never shot a riffle, and in a way have been a little afraid of the noise and the kick back. Anyhow, I am not promoting guns with this blog, but just wanted to try it out to say that I had done it. I had the help of one of our finest retired US Coast Guard members. If you say you want to shoot a gun, you better be prepared for what he might just bring for you to shoot!

David gave me a brief lesson on gun safety and how to use it properly. It took me a bit to be able to locate the target through the telescope that is part of the gun, but once I could see it I took my first shot. I had on protection for my ears and it was still so loud! The kick wasn't too bad for this riffle, but it still scared me! I was all nervous and it took me a minute before I could continue. Yeah, I guess I shook for a bit, but in my defense it was loud. I took two shots and hit my target both times (the first time I just nicked the edge) and from 50 meters away I thinks that's not too bad. By then I was shaking too much to even see the target, so I figured I was done. Okay so twice was enough. I might try this again sometime, because at least I will be better prepared for what happens when you do pull that trigger.

Next time I want to shoot a gun for the first time, I might just try a "littler" one!