Onward into Texas

 To catch you up...when last I wrote it was Friday and today is Sunday. Friday night we drove into New Orleans from St Bernard Parish. This is only a 12 mile drive but it is a world away. Lots of changes in the landscape in those 12 miles. But getting to the French Quarter was very easy. We ate dinner in a place called Tujagues, and it was good New Orleans fare. Then we walked toward Jackson Square to wait for the parade to arrive. It took a while, and we watched the moon come up over the square too.

Tujagues restaurant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The parade was fun, and the people watching even more so. Lots of folks in medieval costume, and all kinds of mardi gras colors too. Very fun. We didn't stay until the very end as we wanted to get back to the pups in the camper. 

 

Full moon over Jackson Square

Mini King cake, with baby included

The next day, Saturday, we walked around the campground again on the nature trails, had lunch and then went to the Chalmette battlefield, where the Battle of New Orleans was fought. This battle effectively ended the War of 1812. It was fought on this date, January 7th, 1815. General Andrew Jackson was the hero of the day, and this battle is why his statue stands at the center of Jackson Square. 

 

Mansion built after the battle had occurred.

Officers tent

 

 

 

 

 

 There were soldiers and townspeople in costume and character, an officers tent and camp followers camp...pretty interesting! We walked over the levy and right down to the river's edge. 

The Mighty Mississippi

 

Battle monument

Venerable live oak. This tree could have been here in 1815!

 

 

 

Crab trap Christmas tree!

 

Today, Sunday, we departed St Bernards for Winnie, Texas. We were supposed to stay in Sea Rim State park, but the report of hordes of mosquitos crawling through the camper screens changed our minds and we are in a Hampton Inn, where I am currently doing laundry :-). It's surprising to me how many Canadians we come across camping. Rigs from Nova Scotia, Ontario, even Alberta!  All fleeing the Canadian cold.

Crossing the Mississippi at Baton Rouge

Tomorrow we drive around Houston to Brazos Bend State Park where we stay for a few days to do some serious birding around the Galveston and coastal area.