I’ve wanted to visit Louisiana for some time now, and I can finally cross this off my bucket list!  When I was younger, it was my dream to head on down to Bourbon street and spend a month or so in the thick of the Mardi Gras season, surrounded by great jazz music and wild parties.  But at this stage in my life, I am looking for something a little more peaceful, and closer to Mother Nature.  Enter Lake Martin via Lafayette, Louisiana!

To my delight, I found the swamp and bayou to be a pleasant and relaxing experience!  The water was clean and a spring-fresh fragrance filled the air.  There was a vast showing of various waterfowl, turtles and alligators. Our swamp tour was provided by Champagne’s Cajun Tours.  It was two and a half hours, with a knowledgeable and attentive guide.  It was the best $20.00 I have  spent in a long time.

During our visit, we enjoyed some of the area’s culinary delicacies, such as Cajun seasoned crawfish, boudin, cracklings and local custard.

It was 72 degrees and sunny during our entire visit. The beauty of the area was intoxicating, and a nice break from the frozen Saint Lawrence River!