I was a little disappointed in the blandness of highway 61 after Memphis. It was like being on a regular interstate with nothing but corn on either side most of the way through Mississippi. I suppose the lack of traffic made up for it.

Right around Vicksburg things became a little more scenic, and I was surprised to find that Interstate 55 was actually decently scenic. Despite the larger amount of cars, it was enjoyable with dense trees lining the road all the way into Louisiana.

Then things got really interesting as the highway became elevated on concrete pillars and there was swampland down below on either side. At first I thought all of the water under the highway was due to the recent rain and flooding, but then I noticed a lot of people had pontoon boats parked under their swamp-shack canopies, so I’m pretty sure it was always like that.

The only signs of flooding I noticed were a few exit/on ramps closed here and there with some water lingering around them.

Then the highway crosses over Lake Pontchartrain, very scenic the entire way. I don’t have any pictures of this stuff because there wasn’t really any great place to stop and take them and it was on the verge of getting dark and wasn’t in the mood to stop anywhere aside from my final destination in the French Quarter. Anyway, you should come take the ride and see for yourself.

If you’re a rider, be sure to gas up before the highway becomes elevated. At that point, there aren’t many exit ramps or places to pull off in search for some fuel, until you hit the city. I’m sure the swamp people are accommodating but I don’t even know how you’d get down there to find out.

I decided to swank it up a little bit with a room at the Wyndham after noticing a pretty sweet deal on booking.com. This and I haven’t had super great luck with the couch surfing requests lately. I think everything has been just too last minute, so I figure having the room is a good chance to catch up on these sorts of things for future destinations.

Finally after arriving I was able to strip off the rain gear, put on some normal shoes and find a place to stuff my face full of cajun style deliciousness. And I did just that, at Coop’s place with a sampler which included a cup of seafood gumbo, shrimp creole, cajun fried chicken, red beans & rice with sausage, and rabbit & sausage jambalaya. I was satisfied.

Today was a lot of strolling around town, having coffee and beignets, being a tourist and sweating my butt off in the sun. Oh and one of the sole reasons for my trip to NOLA, to find the beet lemonade. It was delish. Definitely a fun city, I could totally see assembling the boys and having a time.

At one point there was what appeared to be an impromptu swing band jam session in the middle of the street right in front of the hotel I was staying at. Police closed off the road and everything, people dancing and naturally being drawn in by the music. I walked by an hour or two later and it was like nothing happened. You crazy NOLA you.

Now after this wall of text, have some pictures!

 

 

 

I’m off to get some BBQ with some friend’s I’ve yet to meet, and then tomorrow an early start towards Texas! My planned route is known for gators chilling out on the road. Wish me luck!

Yesterday’s Route:

Today’s walk around town, thought it was funny: