No, the Mississippi River is not smaller than it appears in the pictures. There are reasons it is called the mighty Mississippi. Just a few months ago, the water levels were above flood stage and walking on the leave was prohibited.
Baton Rouge
Do You See?
After many days of heavy rain, the sun finally came out. I parked my car in front of a fence and noticed animals peering from the soaked fence.

Bear

Deer
Do you think the home owner would let me cut them from the wood?
Last one, eye.
Walking Baton Rouge – No. 1
My favorite place to walk in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is the Cohn Arboretum. There are walking paths, trees and more trees, bamboo, a pond, grapevines, and lots of flowers. It is usually not busy, except when the workers are there. It is well maintained and peaceful. It is also on the way to the my No. 3 spot, so I usually catch both on the same day.
This is Baton Rouge, so remember wherever you go; your bug spray and water. However, pests have never seemed to be a problem here.
Walking Baton Rouge – No. 2
My second favor place to walk in Baton Rouge is the Highland Road Park. It is located south of downtown, south of LSU, south of the Mall, but north of the Ascension Parish line. The 2/3 mile walking trail is located on a hill. Yes! This area of Baton Rouge has hills.
But, don’t stay on the concrete walking path. Go for an adventure. Take the paths the cross country athletes use for training, or walk the area the disc golfer use. It will take you into the trees, over bridges, to the tennis courts and splash pad. Beware, their are two dangers here: one rolling down a hill; and two to getting your shoes wet with dew if you are out early morning.
Walking In Baton Rouge – No. 3
My third favor place to walk in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is the Baton Rouge Zoo. In the mornings, during the summer months, it was not overly crowded. You could keep up a good pace. You may have to deal with the animals staring at you. Also, keep a eye out for the 5 to 6 foot tall hooded homo sapiens wielding a garden hose. They can be spotted in the early morning hours in many of the enclosures. Another plus to walking in the zoo, is you get see monkeys and tigers showing off their lounging skills, and giraffes and rhinoceros demonstrating their eating skills while you are exercising.
Drawing at Chick-fil-a
My goal is to draw something everyday on a 3 1/2″ tile. The something does not necessarily has to be good, just something so I am putting pen to paper everyday. Which is difficult when you are traveling. I have found that drawing and breakfast at Chick-fil-a is a great way to start your day. Here are some of the drawing that were created at a Chick-fil-a between July 6 and July 25 in South Louisiana. I can’t tell you which location, because there were four locations that were convenient to my daily activities.

July 6, 2018

July 10, 2018

July 11, 2018

July 16, 2018

July 19, 2018

July 23, 2018

July 21, 2018

July 24, 2018

July 26, 2018
Why Chick-fil-a verse the other options? First, I don’t drink coffee or tea, so no coffee house. Second, the service is good, the food is decent, and the restrooms are clean. Third, some of their customers have the best conversations.
Views From Atop of the Louisiana State Capitol
The current Louisiana State Capital building was built during the depression era to create jobs by Governor Huey P. Long. Long was later shot and killed inside the building.
It is the tallest capital building in the United States. The observation tower is located on the 24th floor and the elevator go to the 30th floor.
The view of the Mississippi River shows you just how mighty it is. LSU”s tiger stadium can be seen from the tower.
Before you plan your visit, keep in mind that I don’t think that the government wants you to visit downtown Baton Rouge. Security is so tight around the capital building you can no longer park near it. Almost every other parking spot is 2 hour paid parking unless you want to park in a garage and walk. Be prepare to have your possessions scanned and walk through a metal detector.
Traffic in Baton Rouge is horrendous and don’t even attempt to cross the bridge during the hours surrounding rush the hours.
Independence Botanical Gardens
Baton Rouge has made a lot of improvement to their Botanical Garden since my last trip. I will need to make another trip for better pictures.
None of my trips turn out how I expect.
Baton Rouge Zoo – 2018
This is my first visit to the Baton Rouge Zoo since Bill Black, a.k.a. Buckskin Bill, passed away. He was a local celebrity that hosted a children show for decades. In the 1960s, he encouraged children to collect pennies to purchase an elephant because Baton Rouge needed a zoo. The kids collected enough pennies to buy two elephants. One of the elephants was named Penny.
The zoo no longer have elephants because the habit is not up to the new regulations. This has upset all the children that collected pennies.
Highland Road Park
Nice day for a walk in the park.