{"id":586,"date":"2019-01-12T21:23:32","date_gmt":"2019-01-12T21:23:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/?p=586"},"modified":"2021-04-14T16:46:41","modified_gmt":"2021-04-14T16:46:41","slug":"usa-coast-to-coast-the-south","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/2019\/01\/12\/usa-coast-to-coast-the-south\/","title":{"rendered":"USA Coast to Coast &#8211; The South"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/caverncity-mesquite.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/caverncity-mesquite.jpg 985w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/caverncity-mesquite-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/caverncity-mesquite-768x491.jpg 768w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/caverncity-mesquite-422x270.jpg 422w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><figcaption>Crossing the great state of Texas<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We stayed that night at a Motel in Carlsbad, and the next day made our arrival in the grand state of Texas! It turned out to be almost as big as Texans like to claim it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-1\" data-gallery_id=\"4571\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-1\" data-gallery_no=\"1\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04511.jpg\" title=\"Loading 1MC\" data-rl_title=\"Loading 1MC\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04511-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Loading 1MC<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04513.jpg\" title=\"Taxiing for departure\" data-rl_title=\"Taxiing for departure\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04513-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Taxiing for departure<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04519.jpg\" title=\"Unhealthy ponds...\" data-rl_title=\"Unhealthy ponds...\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04519-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Unhealthy ponds...<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04523-1.jpg\" title=\"Texas oil wells\" data-rl_title=\"Texas oil wells\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04523-1-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Texas oil wells<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We stopped first at a small airport called Andrews in order to stock up on cheaper fuel. To welcome us to Texas, an angry prairie dog chattered away at us while we refueled; at least, until it was drowned out by a rude arriving helicopter that hovered right up to us forcing me to dive into the aircraft and stop the control surfaces being blown around. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-2\" data-gallery_id=\"4573\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-2\" data-gallery_no=\"2\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040350.jpg\" title=\"Texas oil wells\" data-rl_title=\"Texas oil wells\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040350-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Texas oil wells<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040354.jpg\" title=\"Texas dunes\" data-rl_title=\"Texas dunes\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040354-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Texas dunes<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04527.jpg\" title=\"Refueling at Andrews\" data-rl_title=\"Refueling at Andrews\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04527-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Refueling at Andrews<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040366.jpg\" title=\"Local at Andrews\" data-rl_title=\"Local at Andrews\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040366-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Local at Andrews<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We took off after a short stop, and headed for Mesquite Airport, Dallas, where we planned a visit to the Texas State Fair. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-3\" data-gallery_id=\"4575\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-3\" data-gallery_no=\"3\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040374.jpg\" title=\"Dallas\" data-rl_title=\"Dallas\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040374-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Dallas<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04539.jpg\" title=\"Downwind at Mesquite\" data-rl_title=\"Downwind at Mesquite\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04539-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Downwind at Mesquite<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Texas State Fair is an annual event that carries on for an entire month. It seems to be centered around livestock and automobiles, with both present in abundance. We attended the judging of the goats, and the finals of some kind of &#8220;best bull&#8221; competition, as well as a visit to the poultry building to view some of the USA&#8217;s finest turkeys. The Texans certainly know how to put on a fair! <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-4\" data-gallery_id=\"4577\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-4\" data-gallery_no=\"4\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04541.jpg\" title=\"Texas State Fair\" data-rl_title=\"Texas State Fair\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04541-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Texas State Fair<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04543.jpg\" title=\"Texas State Fair\" data-rl_title=\"Texas State Fair\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04543-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Texas State Fair<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04547.jpg\" title=\"Texas State Fair\" data-rl_title=\"Texas State Fair\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04547-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Texas State Fair<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04548.jpg\" title=\"At the goat show\" data-rl_title=\"At the goat show\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04548-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">At the goat show<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040404-1.jpg\" title=\"Texas Longhorn\" data-rl_title=\"Texas Longhorn\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040404-1-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Texas Longhorn<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Dallas we flew southeast, stopping at a small unattended airfield called Center Municipal to refuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/mesquite-batonrouge.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/mesquite-batonrouge.jpg 922w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/mesquite-batonrouge-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/mesquite-batonrouge-768x521.jpg 768w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/mesquite-batonrouge-398x270.jpg 398w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px\" \/><figcaption>Headed for the Gulf of Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At small airfields like this in the USA there is no control tower; instead, airports are assigned a CTAF, or &#8220;Common Traffic Advisory Frequency&#8221;. Aircraft in the area tune into this frequency and announce their position and intentions, so that everybody knows what&#8217;s going on. Because there are only a few frequencies, shared across hundreds of airports, many share each frequency; to avoid confusion, one begins and ends each call with the name of the airport that you are at. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-5\" data-gallery_id=\"4579\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-5\" data-gallery_no=\"5\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040420.jpg\" title=\"A tight fit in the back\" data-rl_title=\"A tight fit in the back\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040420-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">A tight fit in the back<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040419.jpg\" title=\"Fueling at Center\" data-rl_title=\"Fueling at Center\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040419-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Fueling at Center<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04552.jpg\" title=\"Fueling at Center\" data-rl_title=\"Fueling at Center\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04552-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Fueling at Center<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Approaching Center, another aircraft was giving approximately the same position reports as me; but despite my best efforts, I could not see him. When we both called final approach at about the same time without being in sight of each other, I declared that I&#8217;d go around; and still could not see any aircraft on finals. I queried him again, and after a moment&#8217;s pause, he came back and admitted that he&#8217;d been absentmindedly copying the name of the airport I was calling, rather than the name of the one he was at, which was about 50 miles away and happened to have runways with the same number designation! We landed quickly, refueled, and set off again for Baton Rouge. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-6\" data-gallery_id=\"4581\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-6\" data-gallery_no=\"6\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040428.jpg\" title=\"Back across the Mississippi\" data-rl_title=\"Back across the Mississippi\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040428-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Back across the Mississippi<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040433.jpg\" title=\"Mississippi\" data-rl_title=\"Mississippi\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040433-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Mississippi<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040435.jpg\" title=\"Into Louisiana\" data-rl_title=\"Into Louisiana\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040435-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Into Louisiana<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040436.jpg\" title=\"Migration time\" data-rl_title=\"Migration time\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040436-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Migration time<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Baton Rouge is an industrial city located on the Mississippi, and one of the top ten busiest ports in the USA. It has a strong French history, and a beautiful central district with a number of colonial buildings. On a Sunday, it turns out, it also has absolutely nobody around. Hannah rested at the hotel while my father and I went for a walk, and we hardly saw another person until coming to the State Capitol building which we decided to visit. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-7\" data-gallery_id=\"4583\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-7\" data-gallery_no=\"7\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04562.jpg\" title=\"Exploring Baton Rouge\" data-rl_title=\"Exploring Baton Rouge\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04562-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Exploring Baton Rouge<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04563.jpg\" title=\"Exploring Baton Rouge\" data-rl_title=\"Exploring Baton Rouge\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04563-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Exploring Baton Rouge<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04565.jpg\" title=\"A desirable licence plate\" data-rl_title=\"A desirable licence plate\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04565-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">A desirable licence plate<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04572.jpg\" title=\"From the State Capitol\" data-rl_title=\"From the State Capitol\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04572-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">From the State Capitol<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04575.jpg\" title=\"Baton Rouge architecture\" data-rl_title=\"Baton Rouge architecture\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04575-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Baton Rouge architecture<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04576.jpg\" title=\"Waiting for departure\" data-rl_title=\"Waiting for departure\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04576-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Waiting for departure<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was security at the entrance with a metal detector, and I remembered suddenly that I had my Leatherman tool with me, which I&#8217;d had on me ever since setting off. I hid it under a traffic cone and, happily, it was still there on my return! The view from the State Capitol&#8217;s tower across the city was excellent, although of course not comparable with the view out of a Cessna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"895\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/batonrouge-mobile.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/batonrouge-mobile.jpg 895w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/batonrouge-mobile-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/batonrouge-mobile-768x541.jpg 768w, https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/batonrouge-mobile-384x270.jpg 384w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 895px) 100vw, 895px\" \/><figcaption>Flying the Delta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Baton Rouge I had the bright idea of flying out to the end of the Mississippi delta, thinking that it would be an interesting thing to do. There was an airport on the way known as Galliano which had cheap fuel, so that would be a good stop as well. The flight down the Mississippi to Galliano was fantastic, enjoying the views of the mighty river and all the human activity that surrounds it, and around an hour after takeoff we were touching down for our fuel stop. Unfortunately, there was someone in front of us in the fuel queue; and given that he was a tanker refilling the pumps, it looked like he was going to be there a while. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-8\" data-gallery_id=\"4585\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-8\" data-gallery_no=\"8\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040446.jpg\" title=\"Mississippi delta\" data-rl_title=\"Mississippi delta\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040446-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Mississippi delta<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040450.jpg\" title=\"Mississippi delta\" data-rl_title=\"Mississippi delta\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040450-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Mississippi delta<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040458.jpg\" title=\"Oil facilities\" data-rl_title=\"Oil facilities\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040458-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Oil facilities<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04592.jpg\" title=\"Second in line at the pump\" data-rl_title=\"Second in line at the pump\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04592-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Second in line at the pump<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We wandered around inspecting some of the helicopters used to service the oil industry out in the Gulf of Mexico before taking refuge in the small but air-conditioned FBO. Finally the fuel truck finished disgorging itself into the ground, and we filled up. Unlike at Hawthorne, we could at least be fairly sure the pumps wouldn&#8217;t run dry on us! <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-9\" data-gallery_id=\"4587\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-9\" data-gallery_no=\"9\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040468.jpg\" title=\"Oil facilities\" data-rl_title=\"Oil facilities\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-9\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040468-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Oil facilities<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040482.jpg\" title=\"MIssissippi delta\" data-rl_title=\"MIssissippi delta\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-9\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040482-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">MIssissippi delta<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040491.jpg\" title=\"Military transports\" data-rl_title=\"Military transports\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-9\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040491-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Military transports<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040495.jpg\" title=\"Gulf coast\" data-rl_title=\"Gulf coast\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-9\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040495-1038x576.jpg\" width=\"700\" height=\"388\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Gulf coast<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Soon after takeoff from Galliano, it became clear that we would not reach the end of the delta. Mainly because it all looks exactly the same, and crushing boredom was setting in, and partly because the idea of an engine failure over the delta was unappealing, the only likely ending that I could see being ending up as somethings lunch. So, we turned West along the coast to the city of Mobile, Alabama. Mobile is a large city, and the only part of Alabama to enjoy a coastline. After checking into our hotel, we set out for the City park, which houses a museum of ships and aircraft. A B52, SR-71 Blackbird, and various other aircraft were on display; some outside, and some inside a purpose-built hangar. Moored alongside were a submarine, which visitors could explore unsupervised, and also the USS Alabama, a South-Dakota class battleship which served in WWII. We spent the rest of the day exploring the exhibits, and watched the sunset from the bow of the USS Alabama before going out for dinner and finally turning in for bed. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"rl-gallery-container rl-loading\" id=\"rl-gallery-container-10\" data-gallery_id=\"4589\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery rl-basicgrid-gallery rl-hover-effect-2 rl-hover-icon-2\" id=\"rl-gallery-10\" data-gallery_no=\"10\"> <div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040501.jpg\" title=\"B52\" data-rl_title=\"B52\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040501-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">B52<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040502.jpg\" title=\"USS Alabama\" data-rl_title=\"USS Alabama\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040502-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">USS Alabama<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040504.jpg\" title=\"Visiting the USS Alabama\" data-rl_title=\"Visiting the USS Alabama\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040504-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Visiting the USS Alabama<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040507.jpg\" title=\"P51 Mustang\" data-rl_title=\"P51 Mustang\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040507-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">P51 Mustang<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040510.jpg\" title=\"Blackbird\" data-rl_title=\"Blackbird\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040510-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Blackbird<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040516.jpg\" title=\"Submarine deck gun\" data-rl_title=\"Submarine deck gun\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040516-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Submarine deck gun<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040526.jpg\" title=\"Submarining\" data-rl_title=\"Submarining\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040526-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Submarining<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04628.jpg\" title=\"Visiting the USS Alabama\" data-rl_title=\"Visiting the USS Alabama\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04628-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Visiting the USS Alabama<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04630.jpg\" title=\"Visiting the USS Alabama\" data-rl_title=\"Visiting the USS Alabama\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04630-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Visiting the USS Alabama<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04631.jpg\" title=\"Can&apos;t take him anywhere...\" data-rl_title=\"Can&apos;t take him anywhere...\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/DSC04631-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Can&#039;t take him anywhere...<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"rl-gallery-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040541.jpg\" title=\"Sunset over Mobile\" data-rl_title=\"Sunset over Mobile\" class=\"rl-gallery-link\" data-rl_caption=\"\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-10\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/P1040541-500x300.jpg\" width=\"367\" height=\"220\" alt=\"\" \/><span class=\"rl-gallery-caption\"><span class=\"rl-gallery-item-title\">Sunset over Mobile<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/2019\/01\/12\/usa-coast-to-coast-back-to-florida\/\"><strong>Click here<\/strong><\/a> to read the final part of the story.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We stayed that night at a Motel in Carlsbad, and the next day made our arrival in the grand state of Texas! It turned out to be almost as big as Texans like to claim it is. We stopped first at a small airport called Andrews in order to stock up on cheaper fuel. To welcome us to Texas, an angry prairie dog chattered away at us while we refueled; at least, until it was drowned out by a rude&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/2019\/01\/12\/usa-coast-to-coast-the-south\/\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-usa-coast-to-coast"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=586"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18720,"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586\/revisions\/18720"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/katamarino.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}