New Orleans - French Quarter - Mardi Gras!

Jim and I finally left Florida after almost 3 months in central Florida. We were a little disappointed we didn’t get further south in Florida, but apparently all the RV snow birds maintain a high demand on available RV parking spaces in the most southern RV parks. In short, we determined we couldn’t afford the high rent district. Our longest stay was at the Tavares, FL, Riverest park, a little over a month. As anxious as we were to leave and see other places, we were reluctant to leave the relative warmth of Florida.

On Tuesday, Feb 15, we BAM’d west across Alabama and Mississippi, our goal being New Orleans, Louisiana, down on the bayou. Our first night was spent in a Walmart parking lot off I-10, somewhere in Alabama. We like that place, mainly because it's free overnight parking and we can stock up on groceries!

We had no idea 2011 Mardi Gras was about to begin until we parked the BAM at an RV camp in Abita Springs, LA about 45 miles north of New Orleans. Jim likes Abita Springs because he discovered they have a pretty descent brew pub there - good spring water, I guess. Thursday morning we drove the car across humongous Lake Pontchartrain into New Orleans. The causeway is over 30 miles across - you cannot see land in any direction from the middle. It reminded me of Florida's causeway to Key West.

We had no idea what to expect in ‘Orleans. There is still a lot of construction on the roads and roofs from hurricane Katrina, but most places looked normal. I-10 across the mouth of Lake Pontchartrain took quite a beating from Katrina and it appears entirely rebuilt. We saw several sections of the old highway just gone! Apparently the French Quarter, where the New Orleans Mardi Gras is held, was not flooded from Katrina because the land is higher than most nearby cities and neighborhoods.

Love this photo of a cat sitting in a window reflecting the buildings across the street.

Jim and I wandered the streets of the French Quarter and checked out all the little shops and tourist attractions, eating our way through 10 square blocks, admiring the 200-year old French architecture. Lunch was enjoyable on this balcony over-looking the quiet street below. 

It was then we decided to come back for the beginning of Mardi Gras to see the crazy people and have some fun.

Off we went Sat., once again making the drive into the Quarter to find a parking place. If you look closely at the New Orleans area on a map, it is mostly bayous and islands. Strangely most the people talk like New Yorkers and are very friendly.

No, I'm not a two fisted drinker!

There were lots of silver clad people frozen in place,....and yes, that's what you think it is.

We walked the boardwalk of the Mississippi River and saw large barges and a few stern-wheelers carrying supplies and people up and down the river.

Entertainers everywhere.  Of course you should drop money in their boxes.

As the day wore on, the normally lazy French Quarter streets became more crowded and more crowded until everyone was shoulder to shoulder. Around 7:00 pm, the "adult" parade started. I've never seen so many costumes and crazy people in my life all in one place. The floats were pretty hokey (and suggestive, if you know what I mean). I believe the French Quarter could be the 2nd most sinful town, or maybe just playful, Las Vegas being #1. Of course Rio could be in the running, as well.

Everywhere we went people on the balconies were throwing beads....and no, I didn't have to lift my shirt!  :o))  I ended up with a neck full of beads!

How would you like to live on Bourbon St in the French Quarter?  This magnificent house was  privately owned and lives for weeks every year with the Mardi Gras celebration. 

That's a float?

Whoops! 



Let's go home!