Spring drive in north La.

JerryS

Well-known Member
Last week it was three inches of snow; on Monday sleet and freezing rain. Today was balmy and beautiful, so we took a drive through north central Louisiana. Stopped by the lake, where the turtles were enjoying the sunshine.

Also went by the spot where Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down 80 years ago. The first time I went there, about 45 years ago, there was no sign or marker anywhere. Then about 30 years ago the Parish put up a granite marker, then more recently a bronze marker. Visitors to the site over the years have nearly obliterated the granite marker with gun shots, giving it a strangely appropriate appearance.

On that fateful (fatal?) morning, B&C approached along that long curving hill. The posse was hidden across the road from the markers stand. Nearly 200 shots later, B&C were dead. Years ago I interviewed people who came to this site or who saw the bodies in the car back in town.
a185669.jpg

a185670.jpg

a185671.jpg

a185672.jpg

a185673.jpg

a185674.jpg

a185675.jpg

a185676.jpg

a185676.jpg

a185675.jpg

a185674.jpg

a185673.jpg

a185672.jpg

a185671.jpg

a185670.jpg

a185669.jpg
 
Jerry,

Interesting story and great photos. Thanks.

Love the moss in the trees and the black spiny stuff on the one tree/pole.
 
The pine tree pics look way too familiar. Spent 6 mos. down there in cent. La. at Fort Polk and spent a lot of time out in the "pine tree woods"...not by choice. Apr-Sept. It was just like Northern Mi as far as the sand/pine forests. Just different wildlife (pigs/armadillos/snakes.)
 
I just hope your colder than normal weather does not effect the Ruston peaches.

They mention on the news last week.....
Our last normal freeze date (temp 32 or below) for my area in the southeast corner of the state is Feb 24.
Our latest freeze date ever is April 8th

It was 30; 26; 28 last Thursday; Friday Saturday. Was 47 this morning.

I should be outside planting sweet corn right now and getting ready for tomato plants in a couple of weeks.
This year I am just starting turning the dirt as it has been so cold.
Think I am gona give it another couple of weeks before I start planting.
 
I think the peaches are OK for now, John. It wasn't cold enough long enough to harm the blooms, which are still in their very early stages. It's those freezes that come later in the spring that cause the big problem. I really don't know the current state of the Ruston peach industry, but I think the number of orchard acres is shrinking. I heard a couple of years ago that the largest grower, Mitcham, was considering selling his land for development. I knew his dad many years ago. That was really an interesting business.
 
Mark, I'm only 40 miles or so from Caddo Lake, so I'll have to get up there and shoot some photos one of these days. It is a beautiful lake. We also share another beautiful lake with Texas---Toledo Bend.
 
When you view the movie, watch for the scene where they stop the car alongside a hay field...of big round bales. Yeah, in the 30s....Bonnie, Clyde, and the short chubby guy.
 
On the West end is a combination has all store with ramp; a Google Map should show you how to get to it. Good place to launch and get. As you probably experience with your lakes, a GPS would help you in getting home. Catfishing on the edges of the river with worms (they supply) works real good. Current carries the smell and they follow it back to you.

Have fun and yes the scenery is super.

Mark
 
I didn't realize B&C were taken down in Louisiana. They robbed the bank in Rembrandt in northwest Iowa and took the owner hostage then let him go down the road a ways. I live about 6 miles from Rembrandt and went to school there. I remember the banker well but I didn't realize he was their hostage till after he had passed away.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top