Monday 18 FebruaryA short ride from Baton Rouge through Plaquemine and Donaldsville and we arrive in New Orleans. As this was our first visit to New Orleans, we obviously had no idea what the city was like pre hurricane Katrina but still over two years later, the aftermath was soon apparent. Many of the buildings at the north end of Canal Street are still abandoned, bear the tidemarks of where the water level was or simply just need to be demolished. Unfortuna...

Sunday 17 FebruaryWe take "15" South from Ferriday to track alongside the Mississippi river for around 60 miles, passing three sets of flood control gates which resemble the Thames flood barriers in London. There seems to be quite a few buzzards around feasting on road kill and the trick is to sound the horn from 100 yards as these "big suckers" take some time to get airborne. Then a couple of miles further on we have to dodge a Louisiana meat...

Tuesday 12 FebruaryToday is the first time we have seen rain since leaving San Francisco but unfortunately it is pretty heavy with thunder and lightning. We therefore have to re-think our plans for setting off to Natchitoches, and further, and just wait until the storm eases. Michelle very kindly lets us hang out at the Hardeman House but we know for certain that if the storm doesn't stop by late afternoon, we do have to move on as the B&B is full tonight. ...