new orleans time warp

where to start??? from Mobile, AB headed back towards Mississippi. saw this really neat building (the Beer Barn above) beside the road that in a temporary brain freeze moment I decided we had to try. note the door height - I believe clearance is 9'6". The vent on the top of our van was 9'8". The crashing noise was not pleasant. Luckily it was just the vent and there was an RV dealer a few miles down the road. $20 and 10 minutes later the problem was fixed. Biloxi was an eye opener - I had no idea that Katrina had caused so much damage outside of New Orleans. we stopped at the Hard Rock Casino there (Monique lost $5 on penny slots) which has just reopened. Saw a couple of display cases of guitars/jackets/etc. that were on display before Katrina and then were fished out of the Gulf after. From Biloxi we drove along the coast to Bay St. Louis. I think was about 50 miles and it is still all a mess. Most buildings have just been torn down, very few back up. The picture of the foundation above is basically all you see along the entire coast where I assume before there were restaurants, hotels and tacky tourist shops. the beach, however, was gorgeous with white sand that went on for miles and miles. camped at Bay St. Louis where is stormed all night. and I don't think I mentioned how hot and humid it is here. Sleeping has been a challenge but sweating has been no problem at all. 85 - 90 degrees during the day and 70 degrees at night with 100% humidity.

then on to New Orleans - arrived early and relaxed by the pool and then caught a shuttle to the French Quarter to meet Todd (from our wedding party) who we had not seen for 15 + years. He hasn't changed a bit. Him and his partner James met us at the shuttle stop and then the time warp began. Stopped for a beer, a bite to eat and then another drink or two and suddenly it was 3 a.m. I think it was a really good time. Going to see their house today and tour, should be a blast.

head hurts now so have to stop typing - hope everyone is doing well!!