Livin the Dream from Texas to N'Awlins--The Big Easy (as the locals say!!)
Continuing to make our way back East...
After our quick overnight stay in Fort Stockton, TX, we drove to our next Texas location at the Kerrville-Schreiner State Park, along the Guadalupe River. It was a lovely park, but unfortunately we had to cut our stay there 2 days short. The cell service and Internet were basically non-existent, both of which I need as I am coming to the end of a school term. We thought about going to see a movie, but decided to get some dinner instead. So, after consulting YELP, we ended up at Billy Gene's Restaurant along the river, for some delicious local cuisine.
The next morning we got up early and headed down I-10 to San Antonio for a couple days, to the same KOA we stayed at on the way out. Texas had some major rain storms earlier in the week, and as we were driving through the evidence of flooding was everywhere. The KOA was not excluded, and as a result we had to change our spot once we arrived. The Rodeo was in town, the campgrounds were very busy, but they were accommodating and put us in a spot along the creek (the same creek that overflowed...lol). Though the weather was kind of balmy, with on and off rain, we decided to venture out to an outdoor market called Trader's Village. It was a huge market, some junk, some antiques, some local homemade crafts, and was an enjoyable afternoon. Back to camp to hit the books and relax before making our yummy dinner.
The next morning, after a late start, and the remnants of a storm, we made our way about 5 hours (250 miles) East, to yet another Texas town, to the same place we stayed at on the beginning of our journey. We arrived at Hidden Lake RV Resort in Beaumont late Friday afternoon. It was thankfully an uneventful drive, despite the clouds and some more rain.We took our time and enjoyed the ride, until a crazy crow tried to play chicken with us on the road. As Greg says, he made contact before he could gain enough altitude to miss us. The stupid bird made a loud bang hitting the camper, and knocked a light off, but fortunately no major damage. I had hoped to meet up with my friend Amy, who is in town for the birth of her new granddaughter (Mazel Tov!!!), but unfortunately we were not able to work it out. Our stay in Beaumont was only for 1 night, so we just relaxed, had some dinner and took it easy (gotta love this life!!!).
It was then time to hit the road once more. Making our way through the huge state of Texas, we took another 5 hour drive (including the stops we made), covered 260 miles, and arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana early Monday afternoon. We had to bypass this stop the first time around, but are so happy to be here now. It's beautiful, partly sunny, and 75 degrees!! The KOA we are in is lovely, quiet (except for the train that seems to be following us), and very friendly. We pulled into our spot, set up camp, and relaxed before dinner. We decided there is way too much delicious food in this town to make our dinner, so we headed out. Thanks to our camp hosts (Ha...thought I was going to say YELP?!?!), we ventured over to a very nice, casual restaurant called Harbor Seafood. We had fried crawfish tails, oysters wrapped in bacon, tuna and shrimp kabobs....all absolutely delicious!! Back to camp for some school work then a beautiful fire, until the mosquitoes came out.
Tuesday, we took advantage of the nice warm day, though still a bit cloudy, and decided to have our "touristy" day. We headed down to the city early in the morning, to the French Quarter and had some breakfast at Stanley's Eatery. Delicious eggs, corned beef hash (which was actually ham-YUM), and exceptional coffee. We walked around taking lots of pictures, taking in all the sights, the sounds, the beautiful architecture, then decided to board a Double Decker bus for a sight seeing tour around the town. When we got to the St. Louis #1 cemetery, (this one's for you Cousin Suzie😁) we hopped off and took another tour. As it was the first cemetery in town, it is filled with fascinating, elaborate, and old tombs. We even saw the pyramid tomb Nicholas Cage has built for himself...when the time comes. Back on the bus for the rest of the tour, around the city of NOLA, the Mississippi River, and back to Bourbon Street. No trip to New Orleans is complete without having their signature "donuts", the beignets at Cafe Du Monde....words can not describe the deliciousness of these fabulous treats!! After a very enjoyable day exploring, it was time to head back to camp so that I can finish up school work and have some dinner. Then more relaxing, and planning our next couple days...
Wednesday, we decided to spend a couple hours down near the French Quarter again. We got up early, drove the 12 miles from camp, parked the truck, grabbed a quick delicious breakfast, walked to the northeast corner of St, Anne's Street and Chartres, on the perimeter of Jackson Square, where we were to meet up with a tour guide. We were excited to take a walking tour, engrossing ourselves with the music history of the city, but....our guide never showed up. Although we were quite bummed, we spent the next few hours walking around, enjoying the music, the culture, the sights and sounds of the Big Easy. Later in the evening we met up with John and Barbara, some friends of Greg's he used to work with, who invited us to their home for dinner. It had been a while since they saw each other, but it seemed as if it were just yesterday. It was a very nice evening, filled with great home cooking, lots of laughs and reminiscing of the good ole' times.
This morning, moving day, we got up and leisurely packed up the camper, then hit the road, making us one step closer to home. About 3 1/2 hours, 200 miles, leaving Louisiana, driving through Mississippi, then Alabama, arriving at our next stop...just outside Pensacola, Florida. We'll be staying at Big Lagoon State Park in Perdido, for the next 3 nights. Hopefully, the sun will stay shining, and we may even get down to the beach for the day!!
Until next time...
We love and miss you all!!!
Greg & Laura
One of our last Texas nights
Hanging out in N'Awlins!🚎
Traditional Mardi Gras decor along Bourbon Street
Sorry....no sunset pic from this leg of our trip😔
After our quick overnight stay in Fort Stockton, TX, we drove to our next Texas location at the Kerrville-Schreiner State Park, along the Guadalupe River. It was a lovely park, but unfortunately we had to cut our stay there 2 days short. The cell service and Internet were basically non-existent, both of which I need as I am coming to the end of a school term. We thought about going to see a movie, but decided to get some dinner instead. So, after consulting YELP, we ended up at Billy Gene's Restaurant along the river, for some delicious local cuisine.
The next morning we got up early and headed down I-10 to San Antonio for a couple days, to the same KOA we stayed at on the way out. Texas had some major rain storms earlier in the week, and as we were driving through the evidence of flooding was everywhere. The KOA was not excluded, and as a result we had to change our spot once we arrived. The Rodeo was in town, the campgrounds were very busy, but they were accommodating and put us in a spot along the creek (the same creek that overflowed...lol). Though the weather was kind of balmy, with on and off rain, we decided to venture out to an outdoor market called Trader's Village. It was a huge market, some junk, some antiques, some local homemade crafts, and was an enjoyable afternoon. Back to camp to hit the books and relax before making our yummy dinner.
The next morning, after a late start, and the remnants of a storm, we made our way about 5 hours (250 miles) East, to yet another Texas town, to the same place we stayed at on the beginning of our journey. We arrived at Hidden Lake RV Resort in Beaumont late Friday afternoon. It was thankfully an uneventful drive, despite the clouds and some more rain.We took our time and enjoyed the ride, until a crazy crow tried to play chicken with us on the road. As Greg says, he made contact before he could gain enough altitude to miss us. The stupid bird made a loud bang hitting the camper, and knocked a light off, but fortunately no major damage. I had hoped to meet up with my friend Amy, who is in town for the birth of her new granddaughter (Mazel Tov!!!), but unfortunately we were not able to work it out. Our stay in Beaumont was only for 1 night, so we just relaxed, had some dinner and took it easy (gotta love this life!!!).
It was then time to hit the road once more. Making our way through the huge state of Texas, we took another 5 hour drive (including the stops we made), covered 260 miles, and arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana early Monday afternoon. We had to bypass this stop the first time around, but are so happy to be here now. It's beautiful, partly sunny, and 75 degrees!! The KOA we are in is lovely, quiet (except for the train that seems to be following us), and very friendly. We pulled into our spot, set up camp, and relaxed before dinner. We decided there is way too much delicious food in this town to make our dinner, so we headed out. Thanks to our camp hosts (Ha...thought I was going to say YELP?!?!), we ventured over to a very nice, casual restaurant called Harbor Seafood. We had fried crawfish tails, oysters wrapped in bacon, tuna and shrimp kabobs....all absolutely delicious!! Back to camp for some school work then a beautiful fire, until the mosquitoes came out.
Tuesday, we took advantage of the nice warm day, though still a bit cloudy, and decided to have our "touristy" day. We headed down to the city early in the morning, to the French Quarter and had some breakfast at Stanley's Eatery. Delicious eggs, corned beef hash (which was actually ham-YUM), and exceptional coffee. We walked around taking lots of pictures, taking in all the sights, the sounds, the beautiful architecture, then decided to board a Double Decker bus for a sight seeing tour around the town. When we got to the St. Louis #1 cemetery, (this one's for you Cousin Suzie😁) we hopped off and took another tour. As it was the first cemetery in town, it is filled with fascinating, elaborate, and old tombs. We even saw the pyramid tomb Nicholas Cage has built for himself...when the time comes. Back on the bus for the rest of the tour, around the city of NOLA, the Mississippi River, and back to Bourbon Street. No trip to New Orleans is complete without having their signature "donuts", the beignets at Cafe Du Monde....words can not describe the deliciousness of these fabulous treats!! After a very enjoyable day exploring, it was time to head back to camp so that I can finish up school work and have some dinner. Then more relaxing, and planning our next couple days...
Wednesday, we decided to spend a couple hours down near the French Quarter again. We got up early, drove the 12 miles from camp, parked the truck, grabbed a quick delicious breakfast, walked to the northeast corner of St, Anne's Street and Chartres, on the perimeter of Jackson Square, where we were to meet up with a tour guide. We were excited to take a walking tour, engrossing ourselves with the music history of the city, but....our guide never showed up. Although we were quite bummed, we spent the next few hours walking around, enjoying the music, the culture, the sights and sounds of the Big Easy. Later in the evening we met up with John and Barbara, some friends of Greg's he used to work with, who invited us to their home for dinner. It had been a while since they saw each other, but it seemed as if it were just yesterday. It was a very nice evening, filled with great home cooking, lots of laughs and reminiscing of the good ole' times.
This morning, moving day, we got up and leisurely packed up the camper, then hit the road, making us one step closer to home. About 3 1/2 hours, 200 miles, leaving Louisiana, driving through Mississippi, then Alabama, arriving at our next stop...just outside Pensacola, Florida. We'll be staying at Big Lagoon State Park in Perdido, for the next 3 nights. Hopefully, the sun will stay shining, and we may even get down to the beach for the day!!
Until next time...
We love and miss you all!!!
Greg & Laura
One of our last Texas nights
 |
| Some really good eats!!!! |
Hanging out in N'Awlins!🚎 |
A fancy New Orlenas restaurant--that we'll eat at the next time we're in town😉 |
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| Greg at the site of the first World Championship Heavywight Prize Fight in the U.S. Along the Mississippi River in Kenner, LA |
Traditional Mardi Gras decor along Bourbon Street |
| St. Louis Cathedral built in the 1700s in Jackson Square |
Thanks for the updates!!! We’re you able to get your school work done in time?
ReplyDeleteThankfully, yes!! I now get to fully relax for couple days 😁. New term starts Monday... Moving right along...
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