Tuesday 12 February
Today is the first time we have seen rain since leaving San Francisco but unfortunately it is pretty heavy with thunder and lightning. We therefore have to re-think our plans for setting off to Natchitoches, and further, and just wait until the storm eases. Michelle very kindly lets us hang out at the Hardeman House but we know for certain that if the storm doesn't stop by late afternoon, we do have to move on as the B&B is full tonight.

At last, just after noon, it looks like the storm has done its worst and the rain is easing enough to head to Natchitoches, and then see what the forecast holds from there. Only slightly damp and a little cold, we safely arrive at our destination but not before saying goodbye to Texas and hello Louisiana.

Wednesday 13 February
The sun is out again so we decide to stay in Natchitoches to take a closer look at this very cute town, the location for the film Steel Magnolias. It is quite similar to Nacogdoches, with it's brick roads, but slightly larger and with beautiful buildings overlooking the river. Funny how quickly you get a different feeling as you leave one state and enter another, even if it is only through the accents as they get more "Southern", the scenery or sometimes the condition of the roads! For the first time on our travels we are being governed by the weather over the next few days as more thunder storms are forecasted for New Orleans and surrounding areas. Looks like tomorrow is going to be OK so a south easterly route is on the cards for Natchez, Mississippi.