Swamp Land
SOUTHEASTERN HOCKEY ODYSSEY, CHAPTER 6Game 6: Louisiana Ice Gators vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers at Lafayette
After a brief stop at home in Georgia, we headed south for our next game in Louisiana's Cajun Country. Driving west across Louisiana on I-12, we passed a sign for Tickfaw State Park (pictured above). A synapse sparked, and a deeply embedded memory of a puzzle solved months ago reminded us that a mystery letterbox was hidden at the park. Exiting the interstate, we located the clue and discovered that there was not just one but a series of seven letterboxes at the park.
After a brief stop at home in Georgia, we headed south for our next game in Louisiana's Cajun Country. Driving west across Louisiana on I-12, we passed a sign for Tickfaw State Park (pictured above). A synapse sparked, and a deeply embedded memory of a puzzle solved months ago reminded us that a mystery letterbox was hidden at the park. Exiting the interstate, we located the clue and discovered that there was not just one but a series of seven letterboxes at the park.
Ready for some time out of the car, we eagerly set off down the trail. The letterboxes turned out to be a real treat, expertly carved stamps of some of Louisiana's state symbols, including the flag, state bird, tree, fish, mammal, crustacean, and flower.
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Boardwalk trails, a perfect solution in Louisiana |
Although we were initially a bit put off by the first part of the name of this park, we were so glad we stopped to visit this cleverly designed and doggedly maintained state park. Through a system of trails and boardwalks, we experienced the sights and sounds of four ecosystems in the park. Summer weather has not left this area, so we encountered butterflies and other insects (no gnats or mosquitoes!) as well as numerous types of birds on our hike, including a great blue heron taking flight. After a picnic lunch, we were back on the road and headed west.
Where else would Lafayette's Louisiana Ice Gators hockey team play but the Cajundome? Also known on hockey nights as the "Frozen Swamp," the arena is also home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Ragin' Cajuns basketball team.
Where else would Lafayette's Louisiana Ice Gators hockey team play but the Cajundome? Also known on hockey nights as the "Frozen Swamp," the arena is also home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Ragin' Cajuns basketball team.
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The Frozen Swamp |
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The referee tossed this goon out of the game. |
Our next game will be back where we started watching minor league hockey last year, in Pensacola.
GAME STATS
- Pensacola 5, Louisiana 2
- Shots on goal: 62
- Penalty minutes: 34
- Attendance: 1,599
- Broken sticks: 0
- Flying pucks: 7
- Booty-shaking cheerleaders: 8
- T-shirts thrown into stands: 43
- Mascot: Insti-Gator
- Overall Experience: 3.75
TRIP STATS
- Miles driven: 3,297
- Goals scored: 33
- Shots on goal: 377
- Penalty minutes: 230
- Letterboxes found: 61
- Temp range: 14° to 75° F.
WEDNESDAY, 22 DECEMBER 2010