John is heading out of somewhere in Texas Thursday A.M. for New Orleans and the Jazz Festival!

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John's Journal

Day Seven

(OK, now I am confused about what day it is, if I count Friday as Day 1, this is Day 7, right? Should I change it??)

Mileage- ~350 (sorry this is approximate, the bike is downstairs, I am in a comfy bed and don't want to check for the exact amount)

Route- I-10 East to New Orleans (boring, but straight here)-

I got on the road around 9:20am, after calling the hotel in New Orleans to get directions (I though that would make actually getting there more effective). Travelling across Eastern Texas and into Western Louisiana is kinda of windy today, with a lot of traffic.

I do notice, though, that parts of this countryside remind me of growing up in Indiana. Flat, grassy fields with groups of trees breaking up the flatness every so often.

I cross over a lovely river and into Louisiana (did I mention that I have dutifully honked my horn several times each time I cross into a new state?). Things are obviously much greener, finally, than the other parts of my trip through the Southwest.

I have got to say, that parts of Interstate 10 East really need some help. Man, it's just like running over a little bump every 2 seconds for miles! No fun in a car and even less fun on the bike. But, it goes away after 30 miles or so.

OK, a few road sign observations:

1. SIGN: "Rough Road" My Solution: FIX IT!
2. SIGN: "Loose Gravel" My Solution: PICK IT UP

More to follow, I am sure.

Beautiful scenery crossing the bayous of Louisiana. The roadway rides up above the marshy, watery tree-filled lands below. Lots of fisherman out trying their luck, seems like everyone of them drove a pickup, too, based on the numbers of them parked alongside the road.

I arrive at the the lovely Bed & Breakfast in New Orleans (McKendrick Beaux House) around 3:15pm, right on schedule. I must tell you that my whole trip came about in part due to this New Orleans stop. My friend Wendy had the idea to surprise her boyfriend Matthew with this trip to New Orleans for Jazz Fest. Well, several friends indicated that they would go along, and the next thing you know there are 7 of us all in this B & B. I figured that since I didn't have a job, well, full-time gig anyway, I might as well use the time and ride out. The next thing you know, I am off on this 6 week jaunt across the US. -

So, I arrive here in New Orleans and dump my stuff to head back to the airport to pick up the rental van and the other 4 people arriving from SF. You see, since I have been away from home so much in the last few years, I was able to get the biggest discount on the mini-van we rented and I had to be present to win, er, uh, pick up the van. Plus, Matthew still had no idea that we were all going to be there, so we wanted to show up together to surprise him.

We all get back to the B & B (this place is really great!), get settled in our rooms and head out back for a beer to wait for Wendy and Matt. They show up after an hour or so, Matt is really surprised. We all agree on the odd feeling that we are not sure if we are all just at some new place in San Francisco, or actually all here in New Orleans.

It is great to be somewhere unusual with so many friends. Especially for me for two reasons:

1. I have been on this journey for several days, which none of them have been a direct part, and
2. most all of my travels the last few years have been by myself for business, what are all these people doing here with me?! No, seriously, it's is going to be a great time!

Julie (Wendy's roommate) went to college here (Tulane) and was reminiscing while she drove us to dinner. It's nice to have someone who knows the city a bit drive us around. Tomorrow we start in on the Jazz Fest. Tonight we all rest.