Caught in "Betty's web"

A different kind of Louisiana

We changed our plans and needed to find a place to stay in Louisiana. We couldn't get into Poche's Fish Camp in Breaux Bridge until the 8th but had heard about Betty's RV Park in the small town of Abbeville. It was closer to a few places we wanted to see even if it seemed crowded and Betty had room for us for 10 days. We had no idea what kind of place this would be. But we always know that it will be alright or we can leave if it isn't.

 Betty's is different than any RV campground we have visited. When Betty retired from working for the court system, she wanted to add 4 spots for RVs in her yard. Over time it grew to 14 spaces. Everyone squeezes in and occasionally has to move to a new space if a bigger RV is arriving. She seems to wing it as she goes. Our space is around the back and no move needed if we liked it.

Happy hour is every day at 4:30, BYOB and appetizers. Everyone shows up and shares their adventures of the day. 

Before arriving in Abbeville, we started getting emails from Betty.

Hi Everyone,

Cliff suggested that we should have a shrimp and grits breakfast, and he said he will furnish the shrimp for it.  So, we decided to do that Friday morning, 2/28.  I will put a sign-up sheet in the patio for all of you to indicate what you will bring to contribute to the meal. 

Thanks!

Betty

Betty Bernard
"Get Caught Up in Betty's Web"

We paced ourselves with the shrimp, grits and Bloody Mary bar before our bike ride. These people can cook.

 We found a 20 mile cycle route on country backroads but missed a turn which made the ride a 27 miler. The bonus miles were into a head wind. Not having mountains to keep us oriented as to which way we are going is confusing to us Colorado people. Thank goodness for smart phones to get us home.

 We rode by many seasonal crawfish farms that are rice fields in the summer. This boat is used to harvest the crawfish twice a day so the raccoons and egrets don't steal them all.

Another email from Betty.

Hi Everyone,

We will have a band here tomorrow afternoon about 4:30 pm.  Joe, Kristy, Dave, Dan, Gail & Brenda and anyone else who will play music for us.  Come join the fun!

Betty

Betty Bernard
"Get Caught Up in Betty's Web"

 We manage to avoid eating most of the appetizers every afternoon.

We got together for Zydeco and  jam sessions. They have percussion instruments if you want to join in.

The accordion gal made the band for me.

Another email from Betty.

Hi Everyone!

Donna & Calvin (from Touchet's Bar) called me to say that they would be coming this Sunday, 3/1 to cook a meal for us here.  Calvin will do his delicious jambalaya, blackeye peas, cole slaw, and they are bringing plates, forks, etc.  They usually do this for us to show their appreciation for our support.  What a nice surprise!  If any of you want to bring desserts, feel free to do so.

As most of you know, several of us here go to Zydeco dance lessons in Lafayette from 2:00 till 3:30 pm on Sunday, but I told Donna we should be back around 4:15.  They will come here about 1:30 or so to start cooking, so if any of you want to 

Thanks again everyone!!

Betty Bernard
"Get Caught Up in Betty's Web"

 You haven't seen the real Louisiana until a Cajun has cooked Jambalaya and black eyed peas for you while talking Cajun really fast.

 Looks like everyone is heading to Touchet's Bar for Zydeco and a Jam session on Saturday.

 Lots of stories about growing up in the bayou were shared.

 Four hours of cooking, Betty serving up some good eating. We are trying to pace ourselves and not get too carried away eating. 

  Rice and sugar cane are grown here. The rice mill is closing this year due to the low price for rice. The farmers feel that the sugar cane growers have fared better due to lobbyist representation in Washington DC.

We are glad that we found this funky town and experienced it once. Many people return year after year. All of this for $26 a day.