The Big Easy Easier the Second Time Around

French Quarter

This was our second time coming this way through New Orleans and we just had to stop for beignets.  Last time we stayed at a Koa on the west side and although the park was nice the sites were tight and we opted to try St. Bernard’s State Park.  The park has water and electric and is nestled just off the banks of the Mississippi river on the southern shores of Louisiana.  The park is nice with large well spaced site. I imagine summer time would be hot and a mosquito fest.   This time year it was pleasant and beautiful.  However one word of advice, if you come this way from the west drive RT 39 down even if it is out of the way a bit. Google navigated us through the infamous Ward 9 so devastated by hurricane Katrina.   The roads were bad and we stuck out like a large white whale.  Ya just never know how navigation systems are going to take you to save a few miles. 

Levy

The first days yet another winter storm hit the South! One grey day we drove all the way down RT 39 to its end.    The road hugs the banks of the Mississippi but the levy blocked the view of the great river. Once in awhile a glimpse of large freight ship was reminder that she was still there.  This is mostly a rural area and there were signs of getting hit hard by Katrina with quite a few abandoned houses marked with yellow paint on the front doors indicating it had been searched for survivors.  We stopped for lunch at a local establishment and the breaking story on the local news was the conviction of the ex-mayor of New  Orleans on 20 counts of illegal bribes. The now infamous Ray Nagin was mayor during the time of the storm and immediately after during the rebuilding of New Orleans. 

Abandoned Church 

The weather cleared and the days became mild with brilliant blue skies.  We took the Belle Chase ferry also known Plaquemines across the Mississippi and drove into New Orleans proper to visit the French Quarter. It is free and runs every half an hour almost all day.  It was a fun way to get into the city but I would not suggest it with a large RV in tow, strictly for smaller vehicles.   It was getting close to Mardi Gras and New Orleans was starting to wear her party dress.  Green, purple and yellow banners adorned the buildings and music everywhere in the streets.   Last time we passed this way was in late summer and it was too hot to enjoy walking around the French Quarter.  This time it was perfect not too cold or too crowded.  We spent an enjoyable day seeing the sites, eating the food and enjoying the music.  Yes, we did get those beignets at Café Du Monde.  Yum!

Guarding the cemetery

We spent a few more days at St. Bernard’s taking it easy.  We had a nice day after Valentines dinner at a nearby restaurant but did not venture into the Big Easy again.   One night the moon was full and the clouds were moving swiftly in the night sky.  In the distance we heard coyotes howling.  It was beautiful and reminiscent of old black and white classic horror movies.  After all, this area sets the mood for many a tale about vampires, werewolves and voodoo.  It was time for us to say our goodbyes to the magic of New Orleans.

   

St. Louis Cemetery