We arrived at the Pontchartrain Landing (Marina and RV Park) around 11am. Because we were only going to be New Orleans one day, we immediately hopped in the Beast and headed to the French Quarter right after we set up. We parked just off Frenchmen Street and walked into the French Quarter. It was hot. The temperature was 100 degrees with a humidy factor of 90.

Since it wasn't lunch time, we walked up to Bourbon Street headed for the Hard Rock Cafe. (I collect Hard Rock Pins of cities we visited.) While Barb and I went into Hard Rock, we sent the boys on a mission to find a place to have lunch. We didn't have to go far. Nola was just across the street. Bob buddied up to the barker for the restaurant and wrangled a 10% discount. Come to find out that Nola is Emeril Lagasse's casual and funky eatery. We had a great table in front of the restaurant where we had front row seats to watch the parade of all aspects of humanity. Our waiter had a Saints jersey on and so did several patrons. Go figure that there was a Saints game that evening. They were playing the Atlanta Falcons and there were a few of those fans, too.

They love their Saints. After we had lunch, we walked down to Royal Street and headed towards the direction we parked the truck. There were locals wearing Saints Jersey every where we turned. Plus, there were folks painted with Saints logos all over their bodies...not to forget those folks dressed in outfits that were not of this world.

We had every intention to stop on Decatur and get some beignets at Cafe du Monde, but after our lunch of crab cakes, etoufee, gumbo, and rice and beans, we just couldn't do it. So we continued to walk off our lunch.

One thing that stood out were the numerous musicians playing music on the streets. The music is the heartbeat of the French Quarter. The architecture is the background. The people are the soul. The French Quarter is a very unique and special place to experience. I can't even fathom what it is like during Mardi Gras.

On the way out New Orleans, we headed towards St Charles Street enduring bumper to bumper traffic to see, supposedly, fantactic stately homes. Maybe we had the wrong street, because it was a business district. Oh Well.

We headed back to the RV Park to relax before heading back into town for an early dinner to get back in time for the debate. When we checked in, we asked the receptionist what we should see and do if we only had one day in New Orleans. Besides, the French Quarter, she recommended Jacques Imos, a restaurant that was in the business district and a bar next door that had great music. She said we had to order the Alligator Cheesecake appetizer... So we thought we had dinner plans all set. Like I said earlier, folks in New Orleans love their Saints. Just before we were getting ready to leave, I checked the website for the address and they had a notice that they were closed...they were going to the Saints Game!

Plan B..Barb had a list of restaurants recommended by friends. One of them was Bacchanal's. It was close by and it was highly recommended. It was located in the Ninth Ward...not the best area. This was a bizarre experience. You walk in and select a bottle of wine. Then, you go to a refrigerator and select cheese and meats. Pay dearly for them. They plate the cheese and meats for you. Next step, grab wine glasses out of a crate and a table outside in the courtyard or go to a dining area upstairs. We elected to eat upstairs in an air conditioned room with no mosquitos. They delivered the cheese platters...that was it. No waiter, get-it-yourself waters and plastic utensils. We didn't have time to find another dining spot and get back in time for the debate. So we ordered another expensive cheese/meat platter. That was dinner.... not what some of us had in mind. On the bright side, the cheese selection and wine were good and we got back in time for the debate.

Tomorrow, it will be a long day....four states: LA,MS,AL,FL