NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana)

After leaving the glitz and glamour of Graceland behind it was back into the CuRVy, turn on Mrs G and on to Interstate 55 to head toward the end of the Mississippi. Even though our original intention was to follow Highway 61, "the Blues Highway" all the way from Thunder Bay to New Orleans practicalities took precedence this time. 

In this "land of the automobile" the roads are wonderful and the Interstate Highways are quick so we were soon crossing the 36km (22 mile) Manchac Swamp Bridge and heading toward our motel. Hmmmm either the Super 8 New Orleans had moved or some fool had put the wrong address into Mrs G. The latter proved to be true!

The Motel wasn't new but it was reasonably clean and comfortable, it also had a nice breakfast and a pool (necessary in the heat) and most importantly had organised a shuttle bus to get guests to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival http://www.nojazzfest.com/ Was that to prove to be a great help!!! 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is big, no that's not really an accurate description it's actually REALLY VERY BIG!!!! And that bigness started with the line leading to the gate and didn't finish all day.

The Festival is held at the Fair Grounds Racecourse and with 12 stages there was plenty to see and hear and get around. For that reason we had organised a wheelchair which proved to be the only way the apiarist could have survived (thanks to the strength and endurance of the Educator). 

First problem was the gate we had entered was about 1 kilometre (900 yards) from the wheelchair pick-up point by the route we took. That problem overcome (thanks War Vets) and away we went....

Keeping warm wasn't going to be an issue and neither was variety and or quality of music. So what did we start with none other than the Peoples Health Economy Hall Tent (Phister Sisters) and why did we go there, #1 they were in the first tent we passed and #2 they were great!

From there we decided to head to the Acura Stage which was the "main" stage. Lots of others had thought that this was the place to be but then when the lineup for that stage was  "Jumpin" Johnny Sansone, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Dr John and the Lower 911 and some guy called Bruce. Hmmm no wonder people were running to set up  their chairs  when they got through the gate and security. 

With the disabled section fairly full and in full sun we looked at other options. Had we been short changed? With 66 acts appearing over the day, I think not!

Off we went to one of the undercover or more accurately undertent stages where not only was it cooler but there were seats and designated seats for wheelchairs. Bonus!! And luckily for us it was the Blues Stage which proved to be where Bruce spent the majority of his day.

That is apart for a few excursions to the Gospel Tent (New Orleans Spiritualettes and later Bishop Sean Elder & the Mount Hermon Baptist Church Mass Choir) , Congo Square Stage (Lindego of Reunion Island) and the Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do-Do Stage (Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys). 

Food was varied and abundant and did I mention that beer was cheap and cold!!!! And every hour or so there was a Parade by the Mardi Gras Indians. 
Interesting group...

In the end we returned to the Blues and while Bruce stayed and listened to all of Gary Clark Junior (WOW) and then Tab Benoit, Julie went off in search of another Bruce. Known by many as the Boss.

While I was comfortably seated 15 rows from the stage, Julie was feeling like one of 50,000 sardines in a overheated can!!!! 

Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!!!!! 

Was it worth the heat and the crowds and the $50 that we each paid for our tickets? 

Yes, 

YES, 

YESSSSSSSSS!!!

 And would we go again.......... In a heartbeat 

Getting home was another adventure as the shuttle bus took us on an adventurous tour of New Orleans before returning us to the cool of the Motel pool. Mmmm a nice cool relaxing end to a day of great music!

Revitalised next morning it was back into the CuRVy and into New Orleans. Mrs G safely deposited us in a car park adjacent to the New Orleans Visitors Information Centre where we booked tickets for a bus tour of the city and adjacent areas. 

Normally we shy away from bus tours but in this case we took the easy option and that choice proved worthwhile as we were given the opportunity to have a good (totally stress free) look around the city especially for Julie who is usually concentrating on the traffic. 

I'll let the pictures tell the story but there is incredible variation between the French Quarter, Downtown, the Cemeteries and the area worst affected by Hurricane Katrina. The city is recovering due to some innovative programs but it will take a long time.

 Following the tour food was now on the agenda and we had been told of a New Orleans Institution where we stopped next. It was to Cafe Du Monde http://www.cafedumonde.com/main.html for an order of trois Beignet. Actually they are doughnut like pastries covered in a mountain of icing sugar. Julie loved them, though 3 was beyond even her capabilities. For Bruce it was to another Cafe for a bowl of gumbo. 

Part of this North American odyssey was to follow the length of the Mississippi River and we chose a Paddle Steamer for the last few of the 4070km (2530 miles) that the river travels. It was a better option than swimming or paddling and besides there was a great southern buffet on offer not to mention a great sunset. 

Our final part of our New Orleans Adventure was on the way to Natchez when we headed to Cajun Encounters for a Honey Island Swamp Tour. Nice way to wind up three great days but we didn't realise alligators, even alligators called Brutus ate marshmallows!

 

And finally to the end of the Great River Road. What a Trip!!!!!!!