We loaded back up and were on the road by 9, headed to … Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Battlefield. Actually the battlefield has its own name. Something like Charcuterie?
On the way we tuned in to worship with Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco. We love watching Caleb lead worship as part of their choir. Doesn’t hurt that his Dad is the preacher as well. After that service we switched over to listen to Seaside on Facebook Live. I guess New Orleans didn’t care much for that decision. We lost the feed shortly after the first song.
We crossed over the Mississippi River numerous times on our way to our next stop. We pulled into the National Cemetery next to the battlefield Memorial in the Jean Lafitte National park honoring those who died in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. We may or may not have sat in the parking lot and listened to Johnny Horton sing that iconic song, The Battle of New Orleans. YouTube it. It’s a great one. And listen carefully to mention of the alligator.
Next stop was downtown to the French Quarter. We intended to have lunch at yet another place Nathan and April speak highly of- Gumbo YaYa’s. And as luck would have it, the parking lot we randomly chose was right next to that restaurant. It was not open yet when we first walked up, so we strolled around the Jax Brewery Building looking at the gift shops. Mostly tourist items, but then, hey. We were tourists.
The gumbo place finally opened, so we made our way in. The waiters were all distracted, for sure. The Saints were playing on TV, and nobody wanted to miss a moment. We did get served, though. And the seafood gumbo with okra was some of the best I have ever had. Good call, April.
We decided to walk around and see if by chance we could get another of the National Park stamps Chris needed. The route we took led us through the French Market. I guess that’s a big deal place to visit. Looked to me like a lot more tourist stuff. The route also took us right by Cafe Dumond. How could we pass up a hot, drowned-in-powdered-sugar beignet. (For the uninitiated, that’s a fried donut). Thanks to Christi for introducing us to this one. Sweet, sugary goodness. And the donut was good, too.
Speaking of alligators, we crossed over the Mississippi River numerous times on our way to our next stop - the Jean Lafitte National Park wildlife preserve. (Yes, Jean Lafitte had his name on both places. Not sure why. And yes, Chris did get stamps for her book at all these places). At this last site we did the short hike from the visitor center and saw in the swamp none other than a Momma and baby alligator. I’m pretty sure they were direct descendants of a certain crazy gator from around 1814. (Told you that you should have listened to that song). Pretty exciting critter sighting.
We were pretty exhausted when we checked in to our hotel. We couldn’t rest yet, though. The only place anywhere nearby to eat was a Wendy’s. Not a horrible option, but we had to walk there. Just a few blocks away, but we were tired. And my back hurt.
Let me make an observation at this point. The floor at Wendy’s and the floor of the bathroom at the hotel we stayed in the night before were downright slippery. Not greasy, just slippery. Weird.
Back at the hotel we finally settled in with a heated up beignet and the Dallas Cowboys football game on TV. Whew. I need a vacation.
Matthew 5:8 says, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Father, thank you that we were able to get several of the National Park stickers Chris needed. That completes Louisiana. Feels nice to have completed something. Amen.
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