We left Hartford, Alabama early and drove to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We stayed at the Baton Rouge KOA Campground in Denham Springs, Louisiana. The Bacots (pronounced “bake-oh”) welcomed us with grand hospitality. The Bacots did not charge us for the stay. I was grateful for their generosity. It was not expected, but very helpful in stretching our project budget as far as we can stretch it. We met Sarah Bacot and Jill at the office where we checked in. Sarah updated Mom about “the state of the Bacots” giving an overview of health and life issues. As we were setting up the pop-up camper, we talked with Ted Bacot about the anecdotes surrounding the Fast-5ers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the animal studies that prompt our speculation about the potential for the Fast-5 Lifestyle to improve the health of those with autoimmune diseases. He expressed interest in the concept as he discussed the details of a family member with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). He told us that he always enjoys talking with folks who are passionate about their work and that our passion is clear. It started to rain and common sense won out. We moved into the camper.

After the rain stopped, Mom and I sat and talked with Carol Seal (a KOA employee), her granddaughter, Casey. Glenn, Junior, Louise and Sam Bacot soon joined us for a visit. We talked about the journey ahead and the details of the Fast-5 Lifestyle. Glenn offered some sage advice regarding travel around Houston and safety in the desert. We enjoyed watermelon as Mom rekindled friendships with this group of friends with whom she had shared many a work hour as a work camper. As a side observation, this Baton Rouge KOA Campground in Denham Springs, LA is clean and welcoming. It has a great recreation area with a pool and miniature golf facility. I would choose to return again with my family for a leisure trip in the future. In the late evening, Barbara Down asked me about the Fast-5 Diet while I was working around the car. Barbara was a youthful appearing senior citizen. She told us her age, but I can’t recall it now. I had underestimated her age by about 12 -15 years as I recall. I welcomed the opportunity to tell her of the Fast-5 Lifestyle and the success stories that are accumulating. Barbara offered insight into the diet industry based on her experience as an instructor in the past for Weight Watchers. She discussed her weight loss goals and expressed interest in the Fast-5 approach. We visited for a while, shared email addresses, said our goodbyes, then retired for the night. It was a great start to this journey about so many things – most of all – relationships.