2/9/2013
University of New Orleans
Campus RV Park

Another great day, another bus ride to downtown and then a River Boat and lunch cruise down the Mississippi River.  We had catfish, Red Beans and Rice along with Jambalaya, Okra, coleslaw and the best Bloody Mary I have ever had.  Everything was sooooo very good.

Firing up the organ (don't know the real name)
 

It was a little chilly outside but not bad, it was a nice boat ride.

One of the street mimes, this guy was really good, there is a little stuffed dog at the end of the leash that didn't make it into the picture.

 He can stay in this pose for a really long time.

 He even talked without moving his lips
he was waiting for everyone when we got off the boat.

Cigar Factory

The starting of another parade this one is the Endymion and we are at the start of the parade.  This is the longest of the parades and one of the oldest.  Some of the floats are two and three trailers, up to 350 feet.

Many people bring ladders.  The ladders are suppose to be back off the street equal to the height of the ladder. This 6 ft ladder should be six feet from the edge of the street.

This ladder has wheels on top so you can pull it, but is also has a seat on top for one or two kids.  Now how clever is that.

 Waiting to get loaded up with all their riders

We are in a beautiful park like setting with enormous trees.

Finally a fairly decent picture of the light carriers.  Each parade has a couple dozen or so.  Years ago each parade had 100's of them, this was the only way the parade was lit up.  Now it's just a way to keep up the traditions.

Everyone has hands up to catch the beads.

There was lots of slightly muddy areas so I had to get out my new rubber boots.  I got these at Costco last August and have had to use them several times.  Sure glad I had them.

The streets had a sea of empty plastic bags from where the floats were being prepared for the route.  All the bags were from all the beads and trinkets.

By tomorrow morning the streets and grassy area here will be clean and you will not be able to tell there was this mess.

A good end to a great day in New Orleans.










Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.
Be safe

Nancy

2/7 & 2/8/2013
University of New Orleans
Campground with FHU

Everyone has arrived, 49 rigs and 99 people. People from all the country and Canada; over the years we have traveled with or met about 12 different couples and now getting to know a whole bunch more great people. One couple, Ralph and Sylvia were on the Newfoundland Caravan with us in 2003, we keep running into them at various outings all over the country. About 1/3 of the Airstreamers have never been to a National or even Regional Caravan.  It looks like they are all having fun.

Mostly pictures tonight

Getting all set up

The welcoming committee

Included throwing beads

Of course you had to be appropriately dressed

 new hair-do

The King Cake, a yeast braided cinnamon swirled coffee cake.

Many different masks, anything goes.

Our new hats and Joe's bow tie

Waiting for the parade to start

Street vendor  before the parade

Starting of the parade

These people are carrying fire lights using kerosene or propane.  Many years ago the floats where not lit up and no street lights.  People had these lights so you could see.  These people were not paid except for tips, they were usually the very poor people of the area and were not dressed very well.

This tradition has just continued through the years.

 The start of the Muses Krewe.  They are famous for their shoes.  This shoe changed colors, silver, blue and green

All these pictures are from my phone and very poor quality.  Sorry about that!  It is what it is!

Have a great evening or morning, thanks for stopping by.

Nancy