February Road Trip Along the Gulf Coast

Before we left Paxton had a good time playing with our suitcases. 

We began our trip in Panama City,FL, visiting my sister, Cathy.

New Orleans

We spent most of our time in New Orleans, six hours west of Panama City.  We stayed at the Chateau Hotel in the French Quarter.  Most of the buildings in this historic area were built in the 17 and 1800's.

This is a typical house in the quarter.  It's called a double shotgun because all of the rooms are in a row, you can see out the back door from the front door.  Years ago this would have been two homes, but as it now has only one address, it is probably a single family home.  I noticed almost all of buildings in the French Quarter are symetrical.

The balconies are cast iron.

All buildings have workable shutters for privacy and hurricanes.

Brad and Angelina have a house in the French Quarter, just around the block from our hotel.

Through out the narrow streets you see these tour mule carts.  Many decorations from Mardi Gras were still hanging from balconies.

Interesting graffiti on a door.

Many of the Bourbon Street signs were missing.  They must be a popular souvenir!

Beer, anyone?

The sidewalks are terrible and dirty.  You really have to watch your step.

All of the streets are very narrow and are one way.  It is much easier to walk, especially since there is vitually no parking in the French Quarter.

The cemeteries in New Orleans are unique as they use above ground family tombs because of the high water table.  The deceased person is placed in the tomb for 101 days and then their remains are added to the others down a shaft at the back of the tomb.  When the name plaque is full, they attach it to the side and put a new plaque on the front.  Many generations of family members are entombed together.

Our bus tour took us through areas of New Orleans that were affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Six years later and you still see abandoned houses.  These notes were spray painted by the National Guard after the home was checked for survivors.

Musicians Row, a housing project for New Orleans musicians, is a collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis.  The large blue building in the back is a community center for youth music.

Back to Jackson Square, the center of the French Quarter.

Some strange people hang out here.

A couple getting married in the park.  Note her shorts and his t-shirt, it must be an informal wedding!

After 17 days traveling the gulf coast, this is what we came home to, with a weather storm forcast of 12-18 inches of snow!

Hawks View Cottages

This is probably one of the most interesting places we have ever stayed at.  First, the driveway is very steep with hairpin turns.  Then the 85 steps up to the cottage!  But in the end it was worth it.  It was like staying in a tree fort!

Train Ride with the Grandkids

We went on a train ride in Osceola, WI. 

 

The 30 minute train ride took us to a pumpkin festival in Dresser, WI.

  Even though it was a cool fall day, we had lots of fun!

Our shirts glow in the dark!

Piper 4, Liam 2 1/2, Paxton 1 1/2



Fall Colors in October

One of the perks of this semi-retirement is 4 day weekends.  Since my husband worked all weekend, we had to fit everything into a Monday!  We started the day off with breakfast at Perkins, followed by a trip to Maplewood State Park.  This is why we love central Minnesota in October!

Last we had to stop at The Loon Cafe for lunch and their famous 99 cent coffee and pie!

My favorite little pumpkins!

South Dakota Trip

My daughter asked why I had not blogged lately.  Just too busy! 

We did finally get a trip in to the Black Hills in South Dakota.

 I found the scenery of South Dakota to be mostly roung hay bales and cattle, until we reached the Black Hills.

Our hotel was in Keystone, right below Mount Rushmore.  You can see the monument just above our car.  We could see this from the balcony of our hotel room.

We spent two hours touring the grounds and we ate lunch in the cafeteria.

A trail runs along the base of the monument.  Many steps!

When you looked between large rocks along the trail.

you could catch a glimpse of the monument above you.

Our next stop was Crazy Horse, just a few miles down the road.

Much had changed since my last visit in the 70's.  At that time it was hard to see what was being carved into the mountain side.

This is monument is much larger than Mount Rushmore.  The hole under his arm is 7 stories high.

When competed, this what the monument will look like.

There were many Native American and western artifacts on display.

Next we took the drive around Custer Park.

Mount Rushmore was visible around the many turns in the park.

Because of the one lane tunnels and narrow roads, no trucks or RV's were permitted on this section of the park road.  Some roads were so windy, they were called "pig's tails".

Interesting rocks along the drive, can you see the face profile in the rocks?

You have to stop at Wall Drug, if you are in South Dakota. 

Free ice water and the best homemade doughnuts!

Lots to see at Wall Drug.

Last stop, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD.  (I don't know why the firetruck was there.) 

17 hours total, just driving. and we're glad that we are home!