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04/21/03; New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Hello All!

 

The day started out with a slight sprinkle and clouds continued most of the day threatening rain, but it never happened. The temperature was about 85 degrees and the humidity not much lower. Shortly after 0800, we were out of the motel, a large three-story (we were on the top floor) brick quadrangle which resembled a low income housing complex. Keith and Jo were able to check in to their room at the new motel about a mile away, but the Olson’s wanted a queen-sized bed, so they had to wait until afternoon. The Olsons brought their electric cooler to the Smith’s room. We covered our A’s and called a taxi to take us to the airport a few miles away. At the airport, we boarded a bus for downtown – a 30-minute ride.

 

We departed the bus a few blocks from the French Quarter and wended our way to the river front, taking in all the strange sights of the Quarter. As we approached the river, we heard the music of a calliope. We had about 30 minutes until the Natchez, a stern-wheeled steamboat, was to depart. We purchased tickets for the cruise with luncheon and boarded for the two-hour river cruise. It was relaxing, informative and lots of fun. The food was good and we enjoyed a jazz band as we stood in the food line. We ate on the aft top deck under a canopy and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the river. Debarking from the boat, we grabbed the first trolley that we saw (it was the wrong one!) and finally got on the correct one to take us the full length of the line on St. Charles Avenue. This 45-minute round trip gave us a great view of several parts of Old New Orleans. We went by the campuses of Loyola and Tulane Universities and we all learned, for the first time, that they are adjacent!

Loyola University

Tulane University

We saw and photographed scores of French and Georgian antebellum homes, as well as many Victorian mansions along St. Charles Avenue. What a great setting for Model A pictures! 

St. Charles Avenue mansion

 

From the trolley line, it was a walk of five or six blocks to the bus stop where we caught the bus back to the airport and then the short taxi ride to the motel. We think if we had it to do over, we would have driven to the waterfront near the French Quarter, as we saw ample parking at reasonable prices (considering what we paid in our roundabout journey). If you intend a similar visit, ask us and we can give you the low-down!

 

Tomorrow it will be the normal routine as we continue our tour and head for Ft. Walton Beach in Florida. Jim Wetzel, one of Keith’s pilot-training classmates, has promised to show us around. The day’s rest has not only given us time to relax, but has made us eager to continue on our planned journey.

 

Fond regards,

 

The Dauntless Four

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