The ‘Big Easy’


Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Today was all about a visit to the ‘Big Easy’…New Orleans.  The staff of the KOA directed us to an easy way to get to the famous/infamous French Quarter.  We were able to drive part way, park (free I might add!), walk half a block, and jump on the Historic St. Charles Streetcar (for only $1.25 each).  In 40 minutes, we found ourselves close to the French Quarter.

We were prepared for ‘crazy’ today.  It turned out to be not as bad as we expected.  First things first, we got ourselves to the Café du Monde for coffee and beignets.  For anyone who has not experienced these things here is a brief description.  They are hot donuts/buns covered in a silly amount of icing sugar.  When you bite into them the icing sugar explodes.  Messy but decadent would be a good description.  While eating these things we listened to live jazz music.  It made us want to stay for more.  However, common sense prevailed.

The KOA had booked us a Jazz/Lunch cruise on the Natchez, a steam powered paddle wheeler.  So, while cruising up and down the Mississippi, we enjoyed live jazz music and a buffet lunch.  The Natchez was built in the 1970’s but is powered by a 160-year-old steam engine.  It is the only steam powered cruise boat that still exists.

The rest of our time we spent wandering around the French Quarter.  This is the area made famous by Mardi Gras.  Most people will have heard of Bourbon Street, but we were unable to walk portions of it due to construction that had it blocked off.  Do not worry the other streets around the area seem to be made up of the same type of bars and jazz clubs.  Things were tame today.  This is their off season and we were there during daylight hours.  We suspect ‘crazy’ starts after dark.  We were a little disappointed at how dirty everything is and the amount of homeless people laying around.  Funny how TV shows and movies never give you this side.  Overall, it was a worthwhile visit to the ‘Big Easy’.

Distance Traveled = 30 km.  Wildlife Sightings = Green Heron, Mockingbird, Great Egret, Anhinga, Black Vultures, Looney toons in the French Quarter dressed like pirates for no apparent reason.


Café du Monde (of Beignet fame)


Typical Streetscape in French Quarter of New Orleans


All businesses adorned their front with something - even a bicycle planter!


St. Louis Cathedral

The Natchez steam powered Paddle Wheeler

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