November 26, 2011

OMG - what a day...and it's still not over!

Verna-Lee and I started it off with a buffet breakfast at the casino. Not bad....lots to choose from and GREAT coffee :-) Oh ya....and I walked out with a little extra $$ than I went in with - wahoo!!

Back to hotel in time to connect with the rest of our group and to meet the pick up service for the next phase of our adventure. Climbed aboard at 11:00 a.m. and learned that the name "The Big Easy" came from a local restaurant (many years ago) and that Jean Lafitte, a very successful and wealthy pirate of the day, was able to cause great upset for the governor of Louisanna by giving him back a little of his own medicine. The governor had posted a $500 reward for Jean Lafitte so in exchange Jean Lafitte posted a $1000 reward for the governor! Brings a whole new perspective to the situation doesn't it?! :-) gotta love those pirates...Jean Lafitte, Jack Sparrow....it's their names that still live on while governor "who"?? from the same era is long gone from everyone's memory.

Arrived at our destination where we met Captain Chip and boarded our airboat....yes people.....I can check that one off my bucket list! In no time at all we were flying across the top of the bayou into the swamps in search of alligators and adventure. In no time at all lady luck shone on us again by presenting a cute little guy right around the first bend. Captain Chip was surprised as we're a little late to see many with the weather being too cold for them. By this time of year...they slow their heart rates down to about 4 beats per minute which means that they only have to come up for air once per day!!! In all, we saw about 8 alligators and LOTS of birds. We learned about spanish moss (originally called Spanish beard) and that the soldiers once used to suture their wounds. Within the centre of the already threadlike leaves there is an even skinnier and very strong bit that is the thread. The Spanish moss was also dried and used to stuff bedding and furniture. They called the dried moss 'horse hair' and so now we're wondering if that old furniture we grew up with and that was stuffed with horse hair was actually stuffed with spanish moss!!??

As our 2 hours on the bayou came to a close the skies opened up and annointed us (at least that sounds nicer than it felt!!)

Our drive back to New Orleans was about 30 minutes and although the rain let up somewhat it was still coming down.

Helena-Marie was STARVING so she, Jenny-Ann, Verna-Lee, and I hit the French Quarter in search of sustenance. Our trek took us to a fantastic place where we all enjoyed our meals while watching the Battle of the Marching Bands on the oversized TV.

Our day is far from over but this missive is done for now....will try to catch you up on our evenings adventures but....who knows what the dark of night will bring in this "interesting" city :)

till next time,
Lorrie-Mae