Traveling down the East Coast and into Florida, we found it best to stay on the Interstates, which was a switch. We hate interstates, preferring the Blue Highways and backroads of America instead. But once we left Florida, it was like the skies and the roads opened up simultaneously, and we could breathe again. The backroads were once again our domain.

We moved past New Orleans, to check out Acadiana, the Cajun area of Louisiana. Thanks to the suggestion of fellow RVers on RV.net, we traveled along down rural Highway 82 from Lafayette to Texas, along a scenic route through farming territory and wildlife reserves.

We traveled through small towns like Abbeville, saw the effects of Hurrican Rita, and ended up spending the night at one of our fine Passport America campgrounds, Audobon Acres. The campground is just four RV sites with full hookups, on property owned by Joe Tessier, a native of the area whose Cajun family has resided there for generations.

Joe is one of the nicest people we’ve met on this trip, and truly represents all of the great qualities about the south. He not only made us feel welcomed from the get-go, but gave us a tour of his crawfish and rice farming operation, his brother’s farm, and the surrounding area.

Meeting Mr. Tessier is yet another example of how gracious and kind complete strangers can be to one another. This is something relatively new to us, for in our previous life, as jaded city folk, Jim and I tended to carry a “people suck” attitude toward the general population. Congested California can do that to even the most Buddhist-like residents. But, after so many good experiences like this on our journey, that ugly blanket statement we made about other human beings has slowly become a thing of the past.

Extended travel is one of the best ways to restore your faith in humanity.