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Thursday, February 22, 2007
We wised up this day. Last night's cabbie said that the ferry doesn't run if it's foggy so we waited until the morning fog cleared and then called a cab. The cab didn't show up right away, so we started walking (it was only about a mile, but in the beginning the neighborhood looked a little dicey, but it was daylight. We got to the levee and Day thought we could walk along the top of it. Of course, the cab came just as Day was trying to get Craig to climb to the top. We took the cab.
We met two couples on the ferry that were also staying on base but traveling from west to east. We compared notes and they suggested that we stay at Val Vista Village in Mesa, AZ. If we joined Passport America, the Lodging would be half price. They also suggested that we look at "camping" in casino's parking lots for free. This couple is cheaper than we are.
After crossing the Mississippi, we checked when the last ferry ran (20:45) and looked for Gray Line Tours. Day had her heart set on taking the Katrina Tour. We didn't make reservations (can't be tied down to a schedule) and there was only one spot left. After walking away and heading out to find some food, Craig told Day go back and take the seat that is left and that he'll find a bar to listen to some Jazz. When Day went back, the single ticket was gone, but all of a sudden there were 3 other tickets available, so she grabbed 2 for both of us. A very interesting tour with way too much information to summarize here. We toured the entire city, where the levees broke, St. Bernards Parrish that was under 21 feet of water, Ninth Street area, etc. They still have a lot of work to do. Lots of travel trailers.
We then got tickets to the IMAX at the Audubon Aquarium and experienced the impact of Katrina on the Everglades and the coast. Well worth it -- and a much more balanced presentation -- watch for it.
We caught the return ferry this time, asked one of the passengers for a restaurant/bar recommendation in Algiers. They recommended Dry Dock just off of the ferry. Excellent dinner with prices a quarter of those in the "Vieux de Carré". After dinner and several Bloody Marys (as recommended by our fellow ferry travelers), we decided to take a stroll. Then seeing it was a very gentrified neighborhood, beautiful old homes lovingly renovated (at a location just free ferry ride to downtown New Orleans and beers for $2.50 vs. $7 to $8 in New Orleans.). We decided to walk to the Navy Base -- even though we weren't quite sure where it was. Day said straight ahead -- north she thought -- and then head right a few blocks. The first half was fine but then the neighborhood slowly changed into the hood. Not to worry, the Chicago training kicked in -- cross to the other side of the street when passing a too loud bar or a knot of people under a streetlight, friendly banter with the folks sitting on their porches in the soft night air and look like you know what you are doing and where you are going even though you don't have a clue. We obviously make it back and would do it again.
| Start | Miles | |||
| Arrival | Gallons | |||
| Lodging | $15.00 | Meals | $30.85 | |
| At | Algiers, LA -- Notice the difference between New Orleans & Algiers | |||