Baton Rouge / New Orleans Entry

January 2, 2005:

After ten hours on the road, we were warmly welcomed by Mike & Barb in Baton Rouge, LA and treated to homemade pizza and ice cold beer. They displayed excellent teamwork while Mike baked delicious smoking hot pizza and Barb skillfully smacked the smoke detector with a damp dish towel. We were thoroughly entertained and impressed. Several beers later we turned in for a good night sleep.

January 3, 2005:

To view our photos from New Orleans, please go to:
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=15ezj4ql.7dxhbvdp&x=1&y=-m9geyy

Mike and Barb’s plan for the day started off with a quick tour of the LSU campus. Much to these Gator’s surprise the campus was filled with many lakes, parks, and large oak trees and presented a nice southern charm. After an hour or so, we had enough of LSU and decided to head for N’awlins.

Before lunch we explored the Uptown / Garden District, home to Tulane and Loyola University, one of Emeril’s original restaurants, Audubon Park, and many historic Victorian homes.

Hunger pains began to set in so we headed for the French Quarter in search of the infamous Muffuleta Po’ boy sold at Central Grocery Co. However, this required finding a parking spot during Sugar Bowl festivities that turned into a fiasco. Eventually we found a spot and enjoyed our first Muffuleta and ice cold Dixie Beer. For those wondering what a Muffuleta consists of it is made with imported salami, ham & cheese, mortedella, and Central Grocers special olive salad served on Italian bread.

After lunch it was time to hit Bourbon Street and experience “New Orleans Most Powerful Drink” the Hand Grenade. This green concoction, discovered and perfected by Tropical Isle will put even the most experienced drinkers on their asses. After leaving Tropical Isle we were momentarily tempted, but managed to bypass Love Acts. This place could be the most disgusting hole in the wall ever established. We headed for Molly’s Pub where we enjoyed another cold beer and regrouped. After Molly’s we straddled the Lavender Line which borders one of the more colorful and flamboyant sections of the French Quarter. Ironically, the Lavender Line is not straight (Ha-Ha).

The streets of the French Quarter were filled with Auburn and Virginia Tech fans preparing for the Sugar Bowl. By preparing, we mean getting really, really drunk and that’s when we ran into Joey’s high school buddy, Ryan who was prime for the big game. We watched the game and called it a night. Thank you, Mike and Barb, these cross country travelers give you guys two thumbs up and will recommend you to all of our friends.

January 4, 2005:

Today was supposed to be a quiet drive to Wichita Falls, but was quickly interrupted by the sirens of Officer Hugh Johnson of Washington, LA. Apparently, it is illegal to supersede the speed limit on Interstate 49. Going 77 mph in a 70 mph zone equals $125.00 US currency and no dinner for Dusty.

January 5, 2004:

Headed for Santa Fe.