Chillin' in the Big Easy

I love the sun kissing my face, the warm summer breeze and fireflies dancing around me. When the Northeast weather turns frigid and the flakes begin to fly, I plan my escape to southernly places. This year a return trip to New Orleans was planned. January 13th, the car packed and spirits high to go to warmer temps, the journey began. The first stop, Virginia and the wind was whipping and the temps were cooler than hoped. Way cooler than hoped at a balmy 33 degrees. 

After a long drive and checking into a hotel that first night I opened my suitcase, and realized it was not as full as it should be. I was cursing myself as I know I didn't pack as diligently as I usually do. Not knowing yet what was missing, and figuring I would find out soon enough, we settled in for the evening. Making plans for the first full day of vacation. 

News of the day was the weather and this storm that is finding its way along the path of travel, unseasonably cold weather everywhere. The plan was to stay a few days in Tennessee. After breakfast we traveled to see Big Walker Lookout. The wind was whipping and it was 33 degrees, but we decided to climb the 200 steps to the top of the 100 foot tower. Reaching the top, our hands felt frostbit and I could hardly hold my camera or GoPro, but the views were amazing.

The tower!

The Country Store had many unique and local items.

Amazing view from the top!

Suspension bridge to another lookout.

Wandering in the souvenir shop was a good way to thaw out. Friendly service and local items browsed, time to jump in the car to the next destination for the day. Museum of the Middle Appalachians was an interesting museum in Saltville, VA. On the way there, a u-turn was made to photo an abandoned church.

A few hours were spent wandering the exhibits and watching some videos on the history of Saltville. 

A float used for Wooly Mammoth Day. 

Keeping an eye on the weather forecast, which would become a nuisance the entire trip, it was decided not to stop in Tennessee as planned. Forecast there the next couple days was snow!! Decided to drive as far as possible that evening. Alabama was the next resting destination. Checked in for the evening and searched for things to do in the area. Still did not find what was missing from the suitcase. Figured the weather would be decent. Survey says, wrong answer! The one somewhat decent day allowed an outside adventure at DeSoto State Park. 

Walking bridges, beautiful falls and leaving some kindness rocks wrapped up the day. Back to the hotel for some rest and packing up to leave in the morning. Again the weather would alter plans!

Five degrees in Alabama felt more like home than the sunny south! Travel was not advised and we stayed an extra night in Alabama.

Delicious BBQ

The extra night allowed for some added fun, a cool mural and BBQ.

Arriving in New Orleans the weather seemed to be on an upswing, but still unseasonably cold. Checked in, still not sure what I hadn't packed, resting for the evening and planning the next few days events. 

Breakfast the next morning would be beignets at an iconic spot.

Sugar coma!

 Getting all hopped up on sugar and caffeine, a stroll around Jackson Square was in order.

St. Louis Cathedral

A swamp tour, even though the chilly temps, was on the bucket list. 

  

First tour, Jean Lafitte Park which was a series of boardwalks over swamp area. 

A group of passers-by pointed out a gator sleeping under the boardwalk. I was not able to get a good photograph as the gator was submerged. It's eyes you may detect in the below photo.

After wandering the boardwalk, we boarded a swamp boat.

Spike

The captain was full of knowledge and even had a surprise as the gators were not active on the cold day! Spike was not very active (due to cold temps) and everyone was able to get a close look.

After a close to two hour ride, food was in order.

Seafood Gumbo

Catfish

The food was delicious at Restaurant des Familles. The swamp air tired us all and a nice glass of wine at the hotel was in order.

Breakfast the next morning, some wandering around and music before a little rest and some night life in the Big Easy.

Avenue Cafe

Sculpture garden

Fantastic brussel sprouts and BBQ

A trip on the trolley

Krewe of Chewbacchus Parade

It was a decent night for the parade, luckily. The streets were lined with on-lookers of all ages. Music pumping, merriment happening all around, good times. That is the journey of chilling in the Big Easy! I never did discover what may have been missing from the suitcase. Guess I didn't need it!!