New Orleans Monday

We rode from Tallahassee (Florida) through Mobile (Alabama) and into New Orleans (Louisiana) on Sunday. New Orleans is connected to the main land by a bridge and elevated road way, and then a causeway of about 23 miles. An amazing piece of construction. I am surprised at the number of very large bridges we are crossing and that many of them are less than 10 years, maybe less than 5 years old. There is always an old or alternative bridge off to one side and some times both sides.

New Orleans was a big change from previous towns and cities in that we got tot the end of the fwy and with in a couple of blocks were in the French quarter with narrow streets and lots of tourists. Plenty of History here. The Americans bought the area off the french in 1803 and decreed that French language was not allowed to be spoken here. The French quarter is full of little shops, galleries that require an appointment to open, and a fun street Bourbon St which comes alive at night. we had a pleasant night listening to live jazz/blues band and mixing in the steamy close conditions. The buildings are very old. We are staying in a boutique hotel and the van is held a block and a half away.

The ride in along the coast showed that about 80% of the coastal frontage blocks were empty where Katrina blew them away. This was evident for many miles of coastal frontage. Amazing forces were at play. A few homes have been repaired and are lived in, and a few have built new homes.

Hugh Bainger on his rented BMW 1200RT.