We had a long haul today traveling from Austin to New Orleans. Of course, we could have made it a bit shorter by going a straighter route, but I was much more interested in exploring Cajun Country. Like I'm sure all of you have been doing, we've been following the high levels of the Mississippi River and the potential flooding in the Atchafalaya Basin and the possible submersion of Morgan City. As we crossed into Louisiana at noon, we thought this song, playing on the iPod, was only fitting. (Sorry Josh for subjecting you to this song one more time! I know you heard it growing up too many times). Louisiana 1927 click here to watch We drove the swampy back roads passing sugar cane fields and crawfish pods, eventually stopping for a late lunch in New Iberia. Keeping in line with our desire to only eat local we stopped at a nondescript, windowless cinder block building that actually looked abandoned from the outside. It was recommended for one of the best ever Po'boy Sandwiches. We hadn't eaten since an early morning breakfast at 5:30, so decided to go all out. We had a combo crawfish & shrimp Po'boy with a side order of chicken sausage gumbo. Delish!! After this wonderful gastronomical fare, we then decided to further explore the Cajun region and were particularly interested in how far the bayous have risen and how well the towns have held up. After watching or listening to the media, one would think that everyone was in a panic, boarding up their homes and leaving en mass. Au contraire! Kids were playing, people were hanging out and there was a general laid back vibe everywhere. We eventually made it to Morgan City and were able to walk up on the concrete walls that were holding back the river and have a first hand look. It was pretty amazing! The water had completely swallowed up the wharf and a sign showed it was 8 ft. high. Parts of the concrete wall from 1973 were still there and if this current flood occurred back then, the city would have been under water. Interestingly enough, nothing in the town was boarded up, businesses were still open and life was going on as usual. As we continued our drive into New Orleans, we could see the high level of the bayous next to the road, but nothing was flooded. As I sit here drinking a glass of wine, I want to make an official toast to the engineers who've designed and built the levees and concrete walls. So far, job well done! We are camped in a sweet state park, close enough to the city for day trips yet still able to enjoy nature. I'm sitting here watching bunnies and armadillos running around the grounds. Mmm, a thought just occurred to me. Do you think the high bayou levels will bring alligators into the campground at night?! Kinda makes me think twice if I decide to make a midnight bathroom run. Geez, I hope Megan isn't reading this. We pick her up tomorrow morning. We have 3 days of playing in New Orleans together. It'll be good to share some time with her and be in one place for awhile! Until later..." coooh luk at da size o dat crawfish!". Click here for today's pics - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Bayou Segnette State Park, LA
