We traveled through Alabama and Mississippi on our way to New Orleans and it seemed like winter appeared out of no where. Just one week earlier, we were soaking up the sun on a beach on the Florida gulf and now the high was in the 50’s… burrrrr! We stayed at a fairly new RV park right on Lake Ponchartrain. We had a canal view which was very nice, however, we soon discovered we were very close to the 9th ward. The area suffered greatly due to Hurricane Katrina back in 2005 and we saw many neighborhoods still ravaged.
We took a city bus tour and learned about the history of New Orleans. We made a stop at one of the oldest cemeteries in town that consisted of above ground tombstones, since most of New Orleans is below sea level. We also spent a couple of hours on the Mississippi River aboard an authentic steam driven paddleboat called The Natchez. We toured the engine room which reminded Sue of her days in a power plant and enjoyed a nice lunch and the city views of New Orleans. The Natchez also had a steam organ that played some beautiful music.
It would not be New Orleans if we didn’t spend any time at the French Quarter. Bourbon Street on a Friday night seemed like Mardi Gras. People throwing beads from balconies and drinks flowing everywhere. We also enjoyed coffee and beignets… mmmmm!
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