The Other Side of Louisiana--August 4-10, 2009

The title of this blog is the saying we see on the signs in this area. Bossier City is across the Red River from Shreveport. We don't know if it means the difference between the two cities or the difference between this area and the bayous of southern Louisiana.

We are staying at the FamCamp on Barksdale AFB in Bossier City. It is a nice area, but due to the nearness of a water, the mosquitoes are terrible! And did I mention that it is hotter than hot? Well, if not, let me say it one more time--it is hotter than hot. Bob connected our cord to the generator so we can fool it into thinking it is running so our second air conditioner will work. And to think on our year-long trip we hardly ran the AC at all!

We explored the area doing geocaches and of course, we visited some casinos. The casinos are built on 'river boats' like they were in Biloxi before the hurricanes washed them away. We had good luck at Diamond Jack's and not so good luck at Sam's. I sure did like the sound made when the machine totalled up 900 quarters! Hmmm.... I think that I am done with gambling for a while. I like the feel of being a winner--even if it was only $220!

Some of our geocaches took us along the trail on the north side of Red River. The trails were excellent for walking and biking. (We left our bikes home to have more room when Cathy, Christopher and DeAnna join us.) From this spot near a geocache, you can see the city of Shreveport in the background. The tall buildings to the right are casino hotels. The buildings to the left are office buildings.

Here is a different view with us in the picture. You can't really see it, but sweat was rolling off both of us. It was hotter than hot!

We are enjoying our stay at Barksdale AFB. We took an afternoon and did our laundry. We visited Louisiana Boardwalk (outlet stores, restaurants, clubs, movies).

Sunday we stocked the rv with food for the grandkids!

Monday we visited the Eighth Air Force Museum. There is also a museum with a similar name near Savannah, GA. The active 8th Air Force is at Barksdale.

We enjoyed the indoor exhibits and then went out into the heat to see the outdoor exhibits--planes and more planes. Several units donated benches throughout the area.

Every museum seems to have a C-47.

This plaque commemorates the Berlin Airlift.

There were quite a few planes on display in the outdoor area.

We leave Barksdale AFB Tuesday, August 11. Our next stop is Lake Ray Roberts State Park north of Denton, Texas.