We took a Bayou Tour on Monday out to Jean Layfaette (sp) Swamp out towards the south east part of New Orleans. It was very interesting to be out with the 'gators and see the many birds, turtles, spanish moss and the myriad of swamp grasses, floating hyacinths...just the variety of nature abundent in this area. The boat we were on had a covered top but was open all around so everyone had a good view. We were advised to keep arms and legs inside as the alligators can jump half the length of their body so could easily reach the "arm" length on the boat. Everyone forgot that a few times, busy with arms out taking pictures but as soon as an alligator came in sight, all limbs were quickly brought inside!
The tour was just under two hours and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. The bonus was their were no mosquitoes and they apparently don't appear until just after sunrise and just before sunset. We were out in the bayou from about 1:45 until 3:30, so good timing. The fellow doing the guiding has been in that area all his life and worked that area of the bayou. He has names for various alligators and can actually call them; and they will come to him. Also, he knows each one individually and knows each ones characteristics and habits..a very knowledgeable person and a good one to have as our guide.
When we returned to town we got off at Harrahs' Casino area and toured around for a short time before having some dinner at their buffet. Very good and fresh; thoroughly enjoyed a large salad and lots and lots of fresh shrimp. We are going to miss all the easily available and tasty seafood when we start to head inland to the desert.
New Orleans looks to be a city in need of much TLC. Don't know whether it is because of the age of the city or the devastation that has happended over the past years. So much in disrepair/boarded up and from the areas we visited found it not to be the cleanest of cities. Normally when entering a new city you get a feel for it, sort of an excitement of being somewhere new and new adventures waiting to be experienced. I didn't get that while there and tho' I enjoyed seeing the sites, I never really felt comfortable or totally safe. Dale thought I was weird for not wanting to be out after dark, but the comfort level wasn't there. Needless to say New Orleans isn't high on my list of places to re-visit. Dale and I differ in this respect.....
Tuesday was a travel day but we didn't rush up and out so early this time. Believe we got away around 8:00 a.m. and for some reason, I didn't stay outside with the car (as we had never unhooked it) and check the site as the bus pulled out. Wouldn't you know, for the first time ever, Dale forgot to unhook the power!!!!! Thanks goodness a neighbour was outside and noticed it before we had moved very many feet and no damage was done. So a good lesson to stay with our arriving/leaving routines regardless of how we are parked.
We travelled through Baton Rouge, Layfayette, Lake Charles and then into Texas through Beaumont, Houston (now that is one big city and so glad we didn't get lost!) and on into San Antonio, arriving around 5:00 p.m. A fairly long day but we did make a few stops to get out and stretch legs and nature breaks.
We're parked at Travel World on Roosevelt Ave., and not too far from town and the Alamo! Either an easy bus ride or to drive as their is lots of parking available.
Travel World is the first really nice, west coast style RV park we have seen since leaving BC!! We have been in and enjoyed some wonderful places, but do like the extra amenities of a spacious, step out of your bus, patio, paved roads, ample parking and yes, we are totally spoiled!
Lots to see and do today as we plan on only one day here..unless I can talk Dale into an extra day! However, if we don't get moving we won't get to see anything, so had better sign off.
Till next time.....
No comments:
Post a Comment