New Orleans

Sunday morning saw us up early and off to the city of New Orleans. Abita Springs is across Lake Ponchartrain from New orleans. We had seen the causeway from Mandeville yesterday and now we took the 24 mile drive across the lake. Quite amazing! Absolutely straight with a few raised areas to allow ships to pass through. Only $3.00 to cross to New orleans, nothing to come back.

The Causeway across Lake Ponchartrain

We had some difficulty getting to the French Quarter because there was a big football game on at the Super Dome.

Super Dome

Eventually got down to the wharf and found parking. A quick look around at the Mississippi and then into the French Quarter.

Walking along the bank of the Mississippi

Fisherman with about 8 catfish flopping around in the water

Mississippi riverboat

We decided to go to find Coop's Place, where we were going to meet our son, Greg and his friend Catherine. When we got there, they were there already. They are in New Orleans for a photography conference.

Greg and Catherine waiting at Coop's Place

From there we went to a local Baptist Church for the 12 o'clock service. Greg had been advised to go because they have an amazing choir and the services are very lively. After a brisk 20 minute walk we arrived at the church and there was....no-one! Anyway we went in and the 4 of us outnumbered the congregation. We sat right at the back, but were asked by a sweet lady, the pastor's wife I think, to move forward and we were ushered to about the 6th row back. A few more people straggled in during the first half hour and it was soon apparent there was no choir. The pastor pointedly made the observation that everyone had gone to the Saints game at the Super Dome.....maybe. Anyway, the service was quite good and we left straight after the sermon.

We made our way back to Coop's place and enjoyed a delicious Louisiana lunch. Michael had Sausage, rabbit and shrimp Jambalaya and he says it was absolutely delicious! I had the seafood platter which was just OK. Greg had blackened red fish and Catherine had the sampler.

Restaurant

My plate of food....I did not eat the fries!

Michael's Jambalaya

Lunch

After the lunch we walked around the French Quarter for about an hour , browsing in some stores and taking a million photos. and then left for home. Here are just a few of those photos.

Beautiful courtyard

Unique house on a side street

Greg, Dee and Mike

Horse drawn wagon

The Market Cafe

Haunted Hotel

Hotel courtyard

French Quarter street

Funny sign

A denizen of the streets of New Orleans

Horse drawn cart

Joan of Arc

Michael, Dee and Greg

Catholic Cathedral

Pedestrian walk

Alley looking to mural, fountain and sculpture of a young woman

Michael with a New Orleans resident

Dee and a stoney girl

Old Buildings

French Quarter sidewalk

Building on Decatur

Beautiful metal railings

Courtyard

Plaque on Decatur Street

Beautiful tree and apartments

Cart

Oh NO! again the Super Dome traffic and we got lost, but eventually got back to Abita Springs at dusk. An exhausting day and we just fell into bed. Early up in the morning to begin the trek across to California.

Abita Springs

Our two days and three nights camped at Abita Springs were busy and fun filled. On saturday michael borrowed a brush and hose from George and washed the motor home and the car and then we took the car out for a run.

Early morning mist rising from the water behind the motorhome

The view out of our bedroom window

 First we went down to the Mandeville Trailhead Market where we browsed the wares and tasted the various dishes that were for sale. We ended up buying a cup of sausage and white bean soup. It was delicious!

Mandeville Trail Head Market

Hula Hoop sales. Maybe I should have bought myself one!

 Then we carried on to the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. We looked at the amazing views across the lake and marveled that it is so big that you cannot see the other side. Tomorrow we will taking the causeway actors to New Orleans. We also looked at the beautiful homes along the lakeshore. Many of them had to be rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina.They are being rebuilt up on stilts so that the next time there is a hurricane they won't be washed away. There are still a few properties where you can see a house was there but now all that is left is a brick path or a concrete slab. So sad.

House on stilts

On the shore of Lake Ponchartrain 

Lakeshore

pulling Spanish Moss off the tree

Gorgeous houses on the lakeshore

Beautiful Oak trees

Spanish moss

A beautiful place to relax. Not so beautiful in a hurricane. 

I loved this house!

The slab of a house that was blown away by Hurricane Katrina

Typical Louisiana architecture

 We then drove back to the Abita Springs area and went for a tour at the Abita Springs Brewery. Very interesting. This beer is shipped all over the US.

Cheers

At the bar

Inside the brewery

Kettles

Had to wear blue booties because I had open toed shoes

Abita Springs Brerery

 Next stop was a local supermarket where we were hoping to get some fresh seafood, but unfortunately no fish was to be had.

Happy Hour with our friends, George and Sue

Back to the campground for Happy Hour with George and Sue. Early to bed because we have a long day in New Orleans on Sunday.