On the Road Again!

 

May 8

Two years ago, we set off for a long cross-country camping trek with Bellingham,  Washington as the far point destination to visit our niece, Marissa.  We really enjoyed that trip and decided to have another out West car trip.  The last time we set it up to drive only 3 or 4 hours a day.  This gave us time along the way to see a lot of places.  The downside was setting up and breaking down camp A LOT.  This time we’ve decided to have heavy driving days with motel stops and then when we get to a destination point, we stay for 3-4 days.  This cuts down on the camp setting up and breaking down.  We’ll see how it goes.

Last week we said we wanted to leave about 9AM on May 8.  Last night, it was clear that wouldn’t happen.  We celebrated David’s and my birthdays last night.  Strawberry, Rhubarb pie for me.  (Brought the leftovers with us and enjoyed some along the road).  Cake for David.  

We had hoped to have the car all packed before they came over for dinner.  Well, when they arrived, the living room staging area still looked like an explosion had occurred.  We adjusted our departure expectation to somewhere between 10 and noon.  We pulled out of the driveway at 11:43.  Not bad! 

Our first stop was very close to home.  We got several empanadas to go at our favorite empanada restaurant.  Stop at the bank, fill up the gas tank and we’re really on the road by 12:10. 

The drive to New Orleans was uneventful.  Just the way you like a long drive.  A little rain in Alabama but nothing that slowed us down much.  We gained an hour which was nice.  Nick drove all the way which is the way he likes it.  I did some embroidery on the travel tablecloth.  We listened to several chapters of the book Sweet Dreams which our friend, Patty Shade reads.  An episode of the podcast “Hidden Brain.”  All in all, an enjoyable travel day.

We got to our hotel, NOPIS, in New Orleans about 6:30 PM.  It is an elegant, older hotel in downtown.  Our room is huge and gorgeous.  The sitting area is quite separate from the sleeping area. 

Randy and Amy had suggested a place to go for dinner. – Basin.  A specific recommendation of crab beignets.  They were delicious.  We also had some gumbo, short ribs, corn something and I ordered Brussel sprouts.  It was all good but those crab beignets were the best.  The restaurant was on Magazine St which is quite cute.  After dinner, we strolled along, looking at the shops and little eating places, hearing music float out of some them.  It felt good to walk after being in the car most of the day.  Speaking of which, it is time for bed……..