New Orleans - Our 33rd Anniversary - Day 13

It was really foggy this morning, like it gets at home sometimes. We decided we would take the Algiers Ferry to the city today $2 for a one-way trip, $1 for seniors. Unfortunately, the view was nonexistent due to the fog. It is just a very short ferry ride across the Mississippi into New Orleans. Our first stop was a little tourist booth with a woman who gave us all sorts of information and coupons. Buy on meal, get one free or buy 2 entrées and get a bottle of wine free, etc. We booked a city tour for Monday, which will pick us up near the ferry disembarks and takes us all around the city with 2 walking tours as well. We opted for this instead of the Hop On, Hop Off because it was a smaller bus and went more places. We leisurely walked by many shops, enjoyed the architecture, and took in the sights on our way to Galatoire’s where we had 12 noon reservations. It didn’t take long and we were actually there by 11:30a when they opened so we went early. They have a lovely and lively atmosphere. The ceiling fans and lights are antique and look as old as the restaurant (1905), I guess they are authentic. The fleur de leis wallpaper, though gaudy, really adds to the overall atmosphere. There were 2 lively bachelorette parties going on as well! We started with a bottle of the Galatoire’s house champagne, which was reasonably priced and quite good, not too dry for John along with a warm, freshly baked French bread and butter. For appetizers John had escargot and I had Canapé Lorenzo. John’s was the typical looking escargot one gets on the cruise ship, he said it was delicious. I never had anything like the Canape Lorenzo! It appeared to baked with a very thin crust on the outside and filled with a mixture of succulent crab, breadcrumbs, and other delicious things. Our waiter Adam apologized when he brought it saying sometimes the chef makes them larger and other times – it could have been my entire meal so I only ate about 1/3 of that. Next was a green salad with garlic and mustard vinaigrette. Neither of us finished that but saved it to eat some with our main entrée if we wanted to. For our entrée, John had the filet mignon with Crab Yvonne topping, I had the Crab Yvonne, and we shared potatoes Lyonnaise. Crab Yvonne is delectable crab meat with artichokes and mushrooms cooked together with sauce that is indescribably delicious! We didn’t finish our green salads but we did order a Key Lime tart to share. In addition, our waiter brought us a Caramel Cup Custard with a candle for our anniversary. Unbelievably, even after 2 hours we seemed rushed because we left at 1:55p to get to our cooking demo class in time. A scrumptious meal for our anniversary!

Our next event of the day was at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Food, Fun, and Folklore! It was just a short walk from Galatoire’s. Our class was from 2p-4p. We received a pen and the recipes that will be demonstrated today. Pitchers of iced tea and water were on the table, lemonade and coffee were also at the side of the room in large containers. The chef Pat first gave an amusing talk about the history, people, and food of New Orleans and how the many flavors of different nationalities blended together over the last couple centuries to make the food we eat here today. She was very animated with her story and the 40 or so people in the room all enjoyed it. Our menu was Shrimp & Artichoke Soup, Crawfish Étouffée, and Pralines. After her beginning entertainment of about 30 minutes she began cooking. All the dishes had been started but she demonstrated making roux two different ways, either for the soup or the Étouffée. Everything was almost done cooking and she began on the Pralines, which were amazingly quick and delicious. Right before serving the food they brought pitchers of beer to the table as well. The food was served in medium sized portions, plenty for us since we were still full from lunch. Many people went up for seconds, they serve the food until it is gone, I don’t think it was finished. By now it was a little after 4p and we were getting concerned because we told Tony’s daycare person we would be back by 5p. I texted to let her know we would be later, it was fine with her. We will use her at least on Monday so we can take the tour we booked. Tony was happy enough and she gave him a toy too! Our return views on the ferry were rewarding.

After returning to camp a big rally of decorated bicycles went by, maybe 50 of them! They all had glow-in-the-dark decorations, loud music, and they were obviously having a great time. I forgot to mention the other day there was a Dodge Challenger Rally that went through the park as well. I didn’t see it, John did. There were maybe 15 Challengers and when they got on a straight away in the park the drivers all got out and went one car back, with the last driver coming to the front. I have never heard of that kind of car rally but John said maybe they all want to have an opportunity to drive different Challengers. I guess. We had a full and fun day and of course we are tired. 

Canape Lorenzo

 Filet Mignon with Crab Yvonne

Cooking Demo Class

Mississippi River

Bayou Segnette State Park – Day 12

Yesterday we talked about doing the Hop On-Hop Off bus today but the reality is we are tired. We both had leg cramps in the night (not enough water yesterday no doubt) and we just want to rest some today. Instead, we decided to do a little house cleaning. I cleaned the trailer and John cleaned out and reorganized the Jeep. We needed cooler clothing so this entailed getting into the cargo carrier, dragging down the suitcase, and switching out things. Needless to say, we spent 2-3 hours doing these tasks. Now we are organized again. We ran a short errand into town and got gas and a couple other things. I fixed a nice lunch of ham and cheese omelet and fresh stir fry veggies. When I began to use our ancient camp stove, flames kept coming out of the area around the knobs, so that’s the end of that stove. I don’t mind cooking on the trailer stove, but I just prefer to cook things outside. We are going to attempt to order one on Amazon and have it delivered here to the park. Our neighbor John said he could fix it for us but we told him he could have it! No pictures today. John and Tony are out right now in search of an armadillo to photograph. So far none of the pictures have turned out.

Yesterday … I only wrote about the WWII Museum because that topic deserved to be solely addressed and not discussed along with laundry and dog grooming! Yesterday Tony did get groomed while we were at the museum. His hair is cut a bit shorter for this warm weather, plus it is easier to keep him clean. I took our enormous bag of dirty laundry and worked on that for a couple hours after we got back from the city. I will do laundry again before we leave here since it is free. I met some French speaking folks at the beginning of my laundry adventure and a man from GA at the end. Not much conversation with the French couple, I couldn’t even recall a friendly phrase in my exhaustion from the day! The man from GA was very nice and we talked as I folded my dry laundry. Most people are so interesting and nice. He was asking me about the park and what is here. He said the person who checked them in was “snarky” and didn’t give them any information. We got 4 pages of printed info along with a nice map. He will check that all out tomorrow. Meanwhile, back at camp John and Tony were walking around the campgrounds Tony tried to attack an armadillo! They are not as fast as Tony and John said he was about 4 inches away from it when he reached the end of his leash! Then the biggest surprise of the day was when I returned from doing laundry. To my astonishment there was a plate with two baked potatoes and some sliced beef fillet waiting. Our neighbors John and Debbie from NY brought it over to share. It wasn’t a lot but it was delicious. I was tired and so grateful. I made a salad and we were set for the evening.

National World War II Museum New Orleans - Day 11

Today was the big day at the WWII Museum. I could barely sleep thinking about that and about Mom. She was so pleased, even astonished, that they wanted her handbag. I wish I could have done this before she passed away but I also feel it was more important to be with her than to do this. Even though other things happened today I am not going to mention them. Today is about Mom and her service and the donations to the museum.

As we entered the building we could see this sidewalk and pathway of many bricks with names on them, that alone is emotional. This is the Road to Victory Brick Program, which continued inside as well. Later I asked about this program and a nice lady gave me the information. I asked if I got a brick would they send a photo of it, but no, they don’t do that. I decided I would probably still do it and hope to come back and look at it one day. I want to add that while I browsed the gift shop the same lady (Nancy) found me, gave me her card, and said she volunteers on Thursday’s. If I call the cell number on her card, she would take a photo of the brick and mail it to me. I was so grateful. I am going to look into doing this for both Mom and Uncle Buz. So of course, this is all very emotional. In addition, the volunteer we met outside told me to go see the man in the red shirt a he is a WWII veteran and I could shake his hand, we did. What a personal place this big facility is!  

There is the museum of course with a movie that plays periodically, an enthralling gift shop, and 40’s themed snack bar. Across the street there is a huge theater, it is unclear to me at the moment what goes on there but at times they do have themed shows pertaining to the WWII era at least. Those who know me know that shopping is not my “thing” but a military gift shop is pretty special. We got there early for our appointment so we browsed the gift shop, while they made a call Toni Kiser. She was also ready to see us early and met us at the counter. It happens that her office was being renovated so we used a little area on the side of the entrance counter. At first I thought that was not very personal for such an event and it even seemed awkward but I was wrong. When I opened the box with the handbag and other items, it drew a crowd of volunteers to see what treasures I had. Of course, Toni knew ahead of time that I had Mom’s Army handbag and they did indeed want that. We agreed in a previous phone call I would bring a few other things to see if she wanted them as well. Inside the handbag is what appeared to be a little wallet of sorts with her name stamped on it. It also held a mirror and two dog tags; Mom’s and Uncle Buz’s. Oh boy, it was emotional talking about Mom and then telling them about her brother. It brought back such memories of how close they were all their lives. I shared a little bit about the many Glos cousins who all served during WWII. We sat and thumbed through two albums that belonged to Uncle Buz and they did want both of those. Some photographs were not even on pages, but they wanted them anyway. They also wanted the Vmail sent to Mom from Uncle Buz, a postcard from her cousin Elton serving in Italy at the time, a personal letter Mom wrote to her friend Freda in Rutherford, a ration book with stamps, and actually they wanted everything I brought but the patches. Mom told me the patches were a little collection and when other passed through they would trade them off and save them. Apparently, the museum has plenty of those. One of the volunteers watching was stunned to see a patch that would have been one his father wore! He said he had been looking for one of them for a long time so I gave it to him. He was so grateful and came over to us several times to say how much he appreciated it. I told him I was sure my Mom would be happy for him to have it. About the 3^rd time he came over to thank us he said he figured out that his father’s unit had passed through Fort Oglethrope, GA at some point before going overseas and that must have been how Mom came to have the patch. It just made me very happy to know this man will treasure it.

As Toni filled out the donation paperwork one thing they asked for was Mom’s ending rank.  I did not know. I told Toni I would send a copy of Mom’s discharge papers so they can list her final rank on the items that are displayed. I hope I have Uncle Buz’s too but I am not sure of that. She did not ask for Mom’s obituary, life story, or anything like that but I thought I put it in the box, it was not there so I will also send that later. She said it will take 6-8 weeks to receive a written confirmation and thank you for the donation. She did give me a receipt today for everything donated. Uncle Buz’s items were donated in Mom’s name. It just seemed easier.

There were a couple gentleman sitting at a table with their own personal items. I asked if I could take their photo and the older of the two said only if I give them a hug too. Of course! The younger man was also in WWII but in addition to his items he was there displaying his brother's Purple Heart. I don't think I have ever seen one in person and touched it. It was an amazing day. 

I am sure I will want to add more to this blog but right now I just want to post it and relax for the rest of the evening. It is almost 10p here and I was up at 7a so I am bushed. What a day, only wish I could call Mom and tell her about it. I will be posting photos to FB as well.  

I think Mom's items will be  in the Women in WWII Collection.

Westwego, LA - Bayou Segnette State Park - Day 10

Miles - 221

We are "Happy Campers" today - because we are finally "campers" and not travelers! It was 66 degrees when we left Alexandria and only continued to warm up along the way. We went from an extra blanket at night to sleeping on top of the covers last night! We passed over the Mississippi River twice today, once in Baton Rouge on Hwy 10 after leaving Hwy 49 in Lafayette and then again when we left Hwy 10 to travel on secondary roads and Hwy 90 to get to our campground. We passed multiple rivers, swamps, and bayous along the way. One was Henderson Swamp (7,000 acres and a well known portion of the Atchafalaya Swamp) that had a bridge over it that was several miles long! I believe it said Atchafalaya swamp is the largest swamp in North America. No drought here! I believe it is at least 76 here at BSSP (Bayou Segnette State Park). We only had a few drops of rain during the day and then a mist that did require wipers. Thankfully it was not raining when we arrived and we were all set up when the rain began to fall. The rain only lasted a few minutes. It will be nice not driving every day! I am very excited about our appointment at The National WWII Museum New Orleans tomorrow at 2p. 

We are in campsite #50. As above this is a Louisiana State Park. The amenities are astounding! For the park itself there are two Comfort Stations with restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and there is one dump station serving the park, all free. Each campsite is paved and has water and electric hookups, Wi-Fi (it is slow), a table, BBQ pit complete with briquettes, fire ring, a deck (due to the surrounding swamp/bayou I'm sure), a lantern, pole, and a fire pit. There are trash cans in between each campsite as well. All this for $20 a day. Please tell me why our CA parks charge a minimum of $35. per night with few amenities? We may have a table a and fire pit, and if we are lucky, pay-for-use showers, and they act like they are doing us a favor? Something to ponder. Our neighbors are from NY, they said there we tons of mosquitoes last night at this same time. Perhaps due to rain they are not out? Yes, there are alligators. Our neighbors were warned to watch their dogs and not let them go swimming in the river nearby, which is a breeding ground! The only thing they have seen are armadillos coming out of the swamp right behind our trailers.

Tidbits from today: Lettering on a police SUV that went by, "Blessed are the peace keepers." We gave our first Casita tour today when we got gas. I think there are enough of them in TX area so maybe there aren't so many requests or they are not so unique! Tony will be groomed tomorrow at PetSmart New Orleans while we have our appointment at the museum. 

Note the Fan Palms

Bayou Segnette State Park, Louisiana

Our Camp

Alexandria, LA - Day 9

Miles 245

The weather has certainly changed. We had a warm night, even took off our extra blanket. I've retired the thin sweatshirt top and have sleeveless for sleeping now! It was very windy in the night, we heard trash can tipping over and blowing by. It is a balmy 66 degrees this morning. As the day progressed we passed into Louisiana and ended up in Alexandria, LA with 75 degrees. It is still windy but did it not create any problems towing the trailer. We just slowed down a bit. We traversed Hwy 37 and 69, which got us back to Hwy 20. From Hwy 20 we took a short cut to 49 on LA3132. Then it was Hwy 49 south at Shreveport, LA. As we passed a turnoff for Leesville I was nostalgic. I hope we can take a side trip on the way back and go by Fort Polk where Jeff was stationed. We visited him there in Feb. 1990, and towed the 1970 Ford Maverick Sport to him while he was stationed there. We were able to spend the weekend near Fort Polk and visit him and introduce his new little brother Steven, then we turned around and drove straight back home!  We are at WM tonight and looking forward to our 5 day stop beginning tomorrow in New Orleans!

Beautiful, thick forests

Little House Customs - Day 8

Miles - 22
We were pretty excited to go to Little House Customs today. We really weren't sure what we would do while they worked on our Casita but we were pleasantly surprised to be treated as special guests. Larry & Debbie Gamble are just the salt of the earth, what wonderful people. One feels like you are visiting your cousins or something when you arrive. Their "shop" is more than just a shop. They have a full kitchen for your use with a fresh pot of coffee when we arrived. Their smiling faces explain that you are welcome to use anything... The restroom is upstairs along with a guest room where people stay if they need to work on your Casita the next day. You are welcome to even sleep there in your Casita if that is possible, but it isn't always possible depending on the extent of the work. There is Wi-Fi, showers, even a washer and dryer if you want to do laundry! It really is quite amazing. I thought maybe they lived at the shop but they have a home just a short distance up the gravel road. They do warn you, it is hard to find but they provide excellent directions and then meet you at their gate. This long drive from CA was definitely worth it. We are having several custom updates done and expert Larry pointed out a few things we need to do differently. His co-worker Mike is equally as skilled in working on Casita trailers. Debbie checks in periodically to be sure you are comfortable or to see  if you need anything. Larry has had this business for 7-8 years but has been pulling his Casita for 21 years. We relaxed, drank our coffee, updated things on the Internet, ate our lunch, etc. I finally got a chance to actually put a few photos in our trip book. I will add, LHC is also pet friendly - Tony has a new friend named Barney - half Basset Hound half Golden Lab - Such a sweet dog, big but so sweet. 

We got the following work done:

Double Step

Battery Cut Off Switch

3-Way Porch Light

MaxxAir Vent Cover

Vent Screens
Battery Cutoff System
Portable Solar Panel & Connections

Water Heater Service

Wheel Bearing & Brake Service

Broken Rivets Repaired

Fix Refrigerator Guard
Plus a few useful tools for future use and expert advice to go with them. 

LHC Waiting Area

Our Casita underwent a good make over! I didn't look at the clock but I think we left LHC around 4p. We had dinner, as suggested at Peralta's Mexican Restaurant. We went back to Gov. Jim Hogg City Park for the night. Overall, it was a relaxing and very productive day for us and we will be ready to hit the road heading in the direction of New Orleans. 

My Personal Crew!

Larry - Mike - John

Barney (Tony's new friend)

Eclipse - August 21, 2017

Of note for two days, maybe 4-5 hours I have been trying to find a campground where we could watch the big eclipse. It will be on John's BD so I wanted  something special. So did everyone else! It's no surprise all the numerous OR State Parks in the viewing path are completely full already. We did eventually get a place at Coyote Rock, riverside, so I hope the viewing is good. It doesn't look like the type of place we usually go but I hope it works out.