Foxes in the Quarter

Hello from New Orleans!

We arrived at our French Quarter RV Park campsite without issue on Thursday afternoon after a quick visit with our friend, Stacy.

We appreciate her hospitality and her big hot shower!!

The stretch of Highway 10 over lake Pontchartrain was pretty busy but Eric navigated well, getting more and more comfortable pulling our rig down the road. This was our first bit of highway travel and we all felt the trailer get pushed out then sucked back in as the tractor trailers passed by us. A feeling I hope I don't have to get used to!

The RV park was a very clean, totally walled community for RVers right within walking distance to the Quarter. We took advantage of a few evening hot tubs, meeting the younger folk who were just preparing for a night on the town. Our friends stayed around the corner in a close by hotel for their honeymoon while Nellie stayed with us in Grover. Was a great setup for all of us to enjoy the city with a bit more space than we experienced on the road.

I think New Orleans rivals New York on the city that never sleeps. Unbeknownst to us, we arrived the first week of Mardi Gras 2023. How we could be that oblivious? Taking it in stride, we were there so we embraced it! Thankfully our family, Reid and Michelle provided guidance on parade etiquette and key spots to watch as well as areas

to definitely avoid.

With this info in hand, we set out Saturday morning to be tourists at Cafe Du Monde, pregame at Marriott's bloody mary bar, and up St Charles to an acceptable viewing area, throw bag in hand! We were quick learners on the parade route, hoot and holler, wave your arms and you are bound to get something thrown at you! Lots of beads flew our way but we also caught a headband, footballs, rubber ducky and a Krew of Ponchatrain tray. Presumably the tray had some food on it on the float and when the food was gone, out it went!!

It was cold and dreary, so stops for hot toddy and then an Irish coffee were a must to get us through the four miles of walking we did. We only made it into the second parade when the rain started and we headed to Zee's Pizza. The warmth of the pizzeria and the delicious pizza was good for our cold selves and empty bellies!

The rain was not going to let up and the wind was picking up leading us to the decision to get back to Nellie and the camper to have a night of cards and laughter.

New Orleans is also a foodie town and we certainly made the most of our few days there.

• Beignets @Cafe du Mode,

• Gulf oysters on half shell @Creole Cookery,

• Catfish with jalapeno tarter sauce @Brigtsen's (pronounced Brighton!).

• Broiled Red Fish with Crab Crust & lemon Crab Sauce, also @Brigtsen's

• Pork Debris with grits and BBQ Shrimp with barrel aged old fashions @High Hat.

We also indulged in some fine NOLA desserts

• Lemon Blueberry Crème Brulee,

• King Cake Bread Pudding,

• Double Chocolate Cake, and

• Cream cheese King Cake, where no one got the baby!

Thanks to Reid and Michele for sharing their home and some of the best the city has to offer, including their homemade Gumbo for Superbowl. Still unknown the secret

spices Michelle adds while Reid is not looking but the result is delicious!

Monday morning and we are on the road again. Our destination is San Antonio by Tuesday evening. We are down to three as Tom needed to get back to Florida. Linda continues on with us until we meet her new grandson in Oklahoma at the end of the week. The Rodeo is town this week and we hope to see the sights and try out our best cowboy! For my college girlfriends, Keith Urban is in town Saturday...should I go??

See you on the road!!