New Orleans!

It was another hot ride but we arrived in New Orleans in fine shape.  Once outside of Tuscaloosa and into Mississippi, we got off the interstate and onto some local highways. It was less crowded and quite a bit more enjoyable to ride on than the interstate.  Locals looked at us like we were from Mars.  I guess they don't see many out of state riders on touring bikes. 

Once we had some lunch in Hattiesburg, we got back on the interstate but instead of heading directly into New Orleans, we went west on I-12 so that we could ride in on the Lake Pontchartain Causeway.  Considering it's the world's longest over water bridge, it was a pretty cool ride.  The bridge is 23.5 miles long yet even at 21 miles away from New Orleans, you can see the cluster of tall building in the downtown.  As we got closer to our hotel however, we began to realize what a sketchy part of town it is in.  There are neighborhoods just one block over that are either completely gone or simply never rebuilt after Katrina.  The capper was when the hotel employees suggested we ride our bikes on the sidewalk and into the courtyard so that we can park them directly outside the door.  According to the clerk, we should feel good because although lots of cars get stolen, the local thieves don't steal motorcycles.....great comfort in those words.

Tomorrow, we're going to head into town and check out the sites.  We should have a bunch more good photos to post after that.  The plan is to have a breakfast of chicory coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde, go check out the French Quarter including The Cats Meow ;) and then have dinner at the Acme Oyster and Seafood House.  I plan on starting with a dozen oysters on the half shell and then either the fried shrimp and catfish platter or the Fried Peacemaker Po-boy (golden fried oysters and shrimp seasoned to perfection with Tabasco infused mayo)!  If we're able to make it back to the hotel in one piece, then we're leaving really early for a 500 mile ride to Austin, Texas.  Lindsey, here we come!

I did post the following photo so Ellen knows what $15 buys you...  :)

I did want to share on final story.  As we're riding through a residential neighborhood in Tuscaloosa this morning, a squirrel comes running out into the road at full speed.  Unfortunately, he heads right into the path of a car in front of us.  Amazingly, he runs directly into the side of the moving wheel, bounces off the tire, and continues running across the road...unbelievable!