Here I come New Orleans (September 2015)

Originally the plan was to fly in and out of Atlanta but, instead of all that driving, I decided to change my flight to arrive in New Orleans, rent a car there and return the car to Atlanta. No cost to me for changing the flight (remember that voucher) but, it did cost an extra $200.00 for returning the car to a different location, $200.00 may seem like a lot of money but doing it this way saved me about 8 hours of driving. That was a WIN to me.

Louisiana

Arrived New Orleans late morning. Typical September day sunny one minute then heavy downpours the next. Good thing the campground was only about 30 minutes from the airport, so I felt pretty  good that I’d have time to go explore the heart of New Orleans (NOLA), after setting up camp. Below is home for tonight, heading out to explore New Orleans now.

NOLA look no alligators
NOLA look no alligators

First stop in the city was to find these much talked about beignet’s. Thanks to Instagram for being one of my top research tools for any new area. There were pictures from two café’s but, Café Beignet was where I found the best tasting beignet’s in NOLA. I won’t name the other location. As you can see, it’s a very cute little café to relax in. Don’t take my word for it, try this place for yourself, I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Cafe Beignet NOLA
Cafe Beignet NOLA

 

YUM TOWN!!!!

Beignet's and Sweet Tea NOLA
Beignet’s and Sweet Tea NOLA

Next stop, I made my way up and down a few streets taking in the sites and taking some photos for a few hours, then I stumbled onto Bourbon Street. I was slightly entertained by the people but, it smelled like a place I didn’t want to be in, it just wasn’t my cup of tea so I headed to the car and made my way back to camp. After all this was a camping trip.

Next morning, it was still dark when I woke up. I broke down camp fast, fearing there may be alligators out in the morning (I have no clue when it comes to alligators). Yippee, no alligators, quick run and grab a shower, so you can make it to see the sunrise. I watched the sunrise, then walked around enjoying the early morning quiet of New Orleans.

Early Morning NOLA
Early Morning NOLA
Sunrise NOLA
Sunrise NOLA

I was now in search of a breakfast place I found via Instagram, Croissant D’ Patisserie on Ursulines Ave. Lovely little café, with great food, homemade pastries and excellent coffee. A must if you’re ever in NOLA.

Croissant D' Patisserie
Croissant D’ Patisserie

 

Best Coffee Companion “Tetonsports”

Best Coffee Companion TetonSports NOLA
Best Coffee Companion TetonSports NOLA

 

Mississippi

This has to be the strangest and scariest rest area sign I’ve ever seen. NO SECURITY PROVIDED and sometimes the rest stop would say 24hr security. These signs were along the entire route that I drove through. Clearly, this would give anyone an uneasy feeling especially if you needed to stop in a rest area.  I have no idea why and I’m not really sure I want to know. Good Luck Mississippi….

Rest Area Sign Mississippi
Rest Area Sign Mississippi

 

Roosevelt State Park, lakefront home. Just enough time to set up, take a few photos, organize the car, get things ready for the morning and make a quick dinner before darkness arrived. Windy night but, no rain for once during this trip.

Lakefront home for the night Mississippi
Lakefront home for the night Mississippi

 

No Campfires BAN
No Campfires BAN

 

Alabama

Mount Cheaha State Park, Alabama High Point.

This is how I honored those who lost their lives on 9-11-01. I also took a moment to honor our Servicemen and Servicewomen who protect us everyday…..

I honor you!! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart Thank you!!

My 9-11 Tribute to honor lives lost
My 9-11 Tribute to honor lives lost 9-11-15

This bag has traveled with me to every state in 2015 and it will be with me through to #50. My little travel buddy Tetonsports Oasis1200, the side pockets are the best idea ever #DoItRight

Tetonsports Oasis1200 Alabama
Tetonsports Oasis1200 Alabama

 

Still not a big fan of selfies but, since this blog is a way to chronicle my journey, what better way to show the journey than to show me when I’m outdoors and happy. I call this photo the triple H’s oh wait I’m calling it the four H’s

(Hazy, Hot, Humid and Happy)

 

Triple H's Hazy Humid Happy
Triple H’s Hazy – Humid – Happy

I would love to be camping in the backcountry but that’s not my reality right now, perhaps someday.  On all my trips, I like to capture the tent in it’s natural environment “The Great Outdoors”, it’s another way to chronicle the journey I’m on. When I looked up there it was “Oh Dear”  yes a dear behind the tent.

 

Sweet Home Alabama - Oh dear
Sweet Home Alabama – Oh dear

 

I’ve always been in awe with the craftsmanship of the CCC, from the trail work they did, to bridges and carriage roads they created, their work and their story is just an inspiring piece of American history.

Amazing craftsmanship by the CCC 1933
Amazing craftsmanship by the CCC 1933

 

I wonder how many people walk by this maker and never even realize it’s there. High Point Alabama.

Summit Marker - High Point Alabama
Summit Marker – High Point Alabama

 

Well, since its the last night of camping before heading back home to New England. My tent is set up and I’m tired, so I decided to eat at the State Park Lodge restaurant. Food was umm different, definitely not 3, 4 or 5 star but, the view was perfect.  Storm rolling in so I need to go get snuggly warm/dry in my Tetonsports MUA2 tent (see above).

Dinner View Mount Cheaha State Park Alabama

Thank you for following along during this journey I call #Camp50, I appreciate all that I’ve seen, the people I’ve met along the way and I’m ever grateful for the support of so many.

I recently started incorporating quotes at the end of my blog writings so here’s the quote for this writing.

Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe, it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who were meant to be in the first place.  ~ Unknown author