posted 04-28-2003 12:13 AM         

The route was fantastic and the stops were all a little unique or quaint from the Gazebo in the Plaza, Daspit Supermarket, Martin's Grocery (opened since 1935), T-Willie's, Sonic and back to the park. It was a superb cruise and beautiful scenery and settings. The New Iberia city park was our starting and ending location on Bayou Teche across from the "Shadows on the Teche" Antebellum Home. The lodge was air conditioned and we began the day with donuts & coffee and ended the afternoon with hot dogs, chili and drinks. Most of the route was tree lined with Moss covered Oak Trees and in many places they formed a canopy over the road... We traveled around 80 miles on the Poker Run route from New Iberia, Loreauville, Jeanerette, Baldwin, Franklin and back to New Iberia. Just beautiful and charming ride along and through this Cajun Country. Louisiana has many unique areas and it's wonderful to experience and see these sites while cruising around in a Vette, Prowler or other sports car. It just doesn't get much better than Cruisin' Country Roads...

While on the BSCC Poker run, our route took us in front of the Governors home (Oaklawn Manor) in Franklin on the way to one of our Poker stops (Martin's Grocery) to draw a card. As Roy & I were approaching the landmark, I see two other cars coming toward us turn into the drive. So, as we get there for some reason (not in the instructions & unbeknown to me), I turn into the drive and follow the cars right up to the mansion... Initially, I thought it was some other tourists going to visit the mansion. Well, low & behold as I pull through the gate toward the house (with two large dogs barking) Governor Mike Foster steps out from the back of the Black car. He's looking over my way and kinda looks a little startled at the Yellow Prowler in his driveway with a Red, White & Blue Stars & Stripes front end. I try to reach for my camera and by the time I get it, he's walking into his house. One of the three state troopers tells me you're suppose to stop at the guard gate. I say I'm on a Poker Run and I thought this was a stop. He says no, the stop is down the road at the Grocery we just saw all the Vettes. I don't think they'll let you in with this car. Than one of them ask if this is a Dodge. So, I clarify that this is a Chrysler Prowler. Than I tell him all I wanted to do was take a picture and he says go right ahead. So, I took a couple of pics one with the Kat in front of the Gov.'s limo and home. I was hoping the Gov. Would come out and I'd get a picture with him. But, I decided just to ease my way out and back on down the road to next Poker stop. Karen & Jeannelle had followed me into the driveway but, when they saw the dogs and the gate they stopped and backed up onto the incoming driveway.

On to Martin's grocery. Quite a store been there since 1935 and the owner is still operating the store. Mr. Martin asked if I would take a couple of pics of him by the Prowler. Of course, I said yes. He went in and got a camera and I took a couple of pics of him standing with Jeannelle by the Prowler with the store in the background. He told me as we were leaving that he will get one printed and posted in his store.... It was quite a day and one we will have fond memories of for a long time...

Thanks to all our BSCC Corvette friends for letting us participate (even with one Prowler). Our trip odometer said 373 miles (all smiles) for the day. In addition to the great route there were lots of door prizes and all the winners of the Poker Run redonated their winnings to the BSCC designated charity for their annual car show. Some beautiful country with people to match... .

Thanks again to Daniel and Glenn.

Prowler in front of Govenor's home...

Mr. Martin in Red shirt 90+ years old - Jeannelle & Roy

Martin's Grocery

T-Willie's - James, Tom, Vickie & Barbara

In the park along Bayou Teche ...

Prowler & Vette in front of Evangeline Oak

Some of the group on Martin's store front trying to get ready for group pic...

posted 04-28-2003 12:21 AM         

Inside the store

Vettes ...

more Vettes

and more Vettes

Daniel & Teresa - now all we have to decide is who won what...

Evangeline Oak

posted 04-28-2003 11:12 AM         

It was, even Karen was smilin' ...

Mike.

You mean like this ...