Highlights:
French Quarter architecture and history
Barataria Preserve - swamp walk
New Orleans, LA
Nov. 7 - 9, 2008
Bob & Jenny's Cross Country Adventure
Day 81-83
Welcome to
We parked the truck and ran to hop on the ferry across the Mississippi River to the French Quarter of New Orleans....After a few seconds, however, soaking wet, we decided to take the truck on the ferry as well. Cost? $1 What a deal!
Fortunately, the National Parks history tour walk was moved inside. A thorough presentation on the history and architecture of New Orleans, plus a chance to dry out!
Later, we walked the boardwalks among the swamps (and alligators) of Barataria preserve.
Our ferry approaches New Orleans. Note the cruise ship in the background? The Delta Queen's last run.
To avoid being taxed for rooms connected by an inside hallway, each room was accessed via an outside balcony. Living quarters upstairs, a shop below.
This type of home dates back to the 1700's. The thin buidling to the rear was the slave quarters and kitchen. The living quarters are in the forward building.
The Louisiana Purchase was signed in this building.
The chapel. The Spanish and French both are largely Catholic. That was one of the reasons the French Acadians were forced by the Brittish to leave Nova Scotia and weren't welcome along the East Coast either.
French architecture featured sloped roofs.
The Spanish had flat roofs.
Barataria Preserve. Nice boardwalks allow you to walk through the cypress swamps while staying out of the mud.
Spanish moss is similar to a bromeliad and is very soft and delicate.
An alligator lurks nearby.
mmmmmm....Sal's served up the best catfish we've ever had!
New Orleans skyline. See the Astrodome?
The French Quarter is the location of the original settlement of New Orleans dating back to the early 1600's. The city sits 12 feet above sea level and escaped the flooding caused by Katrina. The natural berms of the Mississippi held as well offering protection.
The 9th Ward where manmade levees breached and the newer bridges of I-10 suffered the most damage. Ironically, an old bridge running alongside I-10 survived intact.
The French Quarter is the heart and soul of New Orleans. We enjoyed the jazz bands without the crowds in the off season. On Bourbon Street, you'll find the wilder scene. A woman in a G-string on the street during the lunch hour was enough for us! For you party hounds, come at night.
