New Orleans.......end of a great journey!

On the Mississippi 

Both Kami and I have been to New Orleans but never together.   It was going to be close to her Birthday and she has requested we celebrate there.....I'm good with that.   We burned thru Texas in 2 and half days to get into Louisiana.  

Our first night was at a Harvest Host location just 5 miles from the French Quarter....Faubourg Brewery.  It just happened to be Sunday and the Saints were on TV.   Outside they were serving up grilled oysters and of course beer.   It's a huge building in an industrial part of town.   They told us they can hold up to 20 RV rigs at one time.   They have an outdoor stage and seating area to enjoy bands which that day Cajun band was playing.  It was a nice place and very casual.   

NOW COMES THE GOOD PART.  They have a fence they lock each night (I had access code to come and go as I please) to keep security around the building.   We had heard New Orleans can be a dangerous place.  Your just one block away from crime literally any direction.  This was the first time I had my hand gun by my bed and Kami had the truck remote panic button by her side of the bed.   WE WERE READY!   We did hear gun fire and sirens throughout the night.   

So every time I have been to New Orleans, I end up with a terrible hangover from a great night with friends never bothering to explore the city other than the bars down Bourbon street.  This time, with my beautiful wife, we checked out French Quarter.   You have to start with the Beignets at Cafe Du Monde.  You get 3 fried pastries loaded with powdered sugar.   As an FYI, there is powdered sugar everywhere.....all over the ground, tables, shakers, faces, and cloths.   You really do have to just eat them and clean up afterwards......melt in your mouth delicious.   

We roamed the streets of the French Quarter, enjoying the architecture of 1800's built buildings, ending up at Andrew's Square where the Louisiana Purchased was signed.  Across the way is the Mighty Mississippi with paddle wheel boat ready for passengers.   Things are definitely different when your sober 😏.  Having said that my youngest son Konner and his brother Kasey are coming to New Orleans during Marti Gras for Konner's bachelor party.   I don't see what good will come out of that!  😜

Before we got powder all over our faces and clothes.  Oh wait, is that powder in my beard?   No, just grey hair.

Below, roaming the streets of the French Quarter.

Ate at Acme Oyster House for Kami's Birthday.   As beautiful today as the day I meant her.   She's my buddy!

Below is statue of Andrew Jackson at Jackson Square......location of the signing of the Louisiana purchase which started America's frontier (Lewis & Clark) to the West!  Napoleon didn't see the value of the keeping the land and wanted to the money for the great French War.  I think indigenous people would have something to say about it.  

 

A funny moment while at the statue.....a young man saw the statue and made the comment to his friend that he was surprised it was still up.   Hilarious.  

Our original goal after New Orleans was to drive into Florida specifically "The Villages" to see Kami's friend Tracy and head back up to Pensacola in the middle of November to celebrate with our friends in Virginia Beach and complete the once in a lifetime journey that started April 27th.   Unfortunately we got caught up with travel trailer mechanical failure in New Orleans that shortened our trip to the point we ended up deciding to end the trip.  Mechanical issue was motor/gear box on slide out broke.

Not that you are asking but one of the issues with traveling the country in a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motor coach is the chance you run into mechanical issues you cannot fix and the amount of time it takes to have a RV mechanic (backed up fixing other rigs) or the need for parts that are not available (supply issues).  We have fallen into both issues.  Today is November 14 and I turned in my trailer October 14 for repair......it's still there.  Frustrating!  Thankful it happened towards the end of our trip.

Needless to say, we are back home staying with my parents (Kami and I are very grateful) while we looked for a home.   Come to found out homes are $50,000 to $100,000 more than they should be so we are going the route of apartment down at the Oceanfront.   

These things happen and I have learned from being on the road is to have patience and flexibility.    I did enjoy the trip and didn't want it to end...yet.  I have never felt such freedom that both Kami and I had.....each day was new and different, the people we met were friendly and helpful, and most of all this country is beautiful.   This is the BEST WAY to see America and get the true flavor of the land and its people.    

How many times have you been told "Life is Short".   We interrupted our successful lives to take a trip when the opportunity presented itself.  We did more in 7 months than most people will do in their lifetime of travels.   We took a big leap and better for it.  God Bless America!!!

KP OUT 😛