Louisiana - NOLA

Rick found a great day trip for us to do - Jean Lafitte Airboat Tours. It is located in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve protects significant examples of the rich natural and cultural resources of Louisiana's Mississippi River Delta region. The park, named after Jean Lafitte, seeks to illustrate the influence of environment and history on the development of a unique regional culture. The company offers small airboat (9-12 people) and large airboat (12-16 people) tours. Being that the smaller boat holds less people The smaller boat it can get into the smaller tributaries, therefore closer to the wildlife.

It was only about 30-40 min drive from New Orleans and very easy to get to. The swamp tour was very interesting. We found out that the swamp is a floating system of water, reeds, trees and mud. The trees are essential to maintain the existence of the mud base. Quite a few years back they harvested some of the trees (cyprus) and the mud base was washed away, resulting in a higher water level; changing everything that lives in the swamp. The swamp is like many other

ecosystems - delicate and dependant on stability of the system for everything to survive as it is intended. Our guide grew up in the area and has spent time in the nature reserve and on the water ever since "before I could walk" as he puts it. Made for a wonderful adventure.

In Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve you can see many animals and water dwellers. During the day, nine-banded armadillos and eastern grey squirrels can be seen foraging next to the trails. In the marsh, swamp rabbits, minks, and the introduced nutria munch away. While many large mammals are secretive and nocturnal, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a coyote or a white-tailed deer. There are several species of bats known to inhabit the park and feed on its abundant insects.

The Barataria Preserve is literally crawling with reptiles and amphibians. Tree frogs, green anoles, and water snakes are often seen. The species that attracts the most attention is the American alligator. Thirty years of protection and management have allowed alligator populations to thrive and they can often be seen sunning themselves along waterway banks or partially submerged in the water. We saw a ton of small gators but the best one was a 30-40 yr old gator - male. Our guide mentioned that it is rare to see one so old

and big in the wild, especially a male.

When we got back into New Orleans we spent some time with Roxy before heading out for dinner. We decided to try "The Gumbo Shop" for dinner. Definitely my favourite Gumbo so far.

A little history on Gumbo:
When the French and European settlers came to the New Orleans area they found that the Choctaw Indians were already living in this swampy mosquito-infested piece of land; below sea level and shaped like a crescent on the Mississippi River. They introduced powdered sassafras or file_ which they called “kombo” to settlers as a staple for one of many styles of the indigenous soup we call gumbo – from the African word “kingumbo” meaning the vegetable okra. A gumbo usually contains either file_ or okra as a thickener. Just as gumbo is a blend of many cultures, so is the origin of the word.

However, the base of most gumbos is “roux” – flour and fat with seasonings that is browned to provide an almost nutty flavour.

After dinner we went back for Roxy and decided to check out the action on a Friday Night on Bourbon Street. Roxy did well with all the crowds and music. Large groups of people were out in full force having a great time. When we were here last we saw an older lady and her motorized vehicle driving on Bourbon Street. She is about 75-80, dressed in sequins and cranks the music for the crowd and dancing to the beat of the music. She was out again on Friday night, having a great time. Another great night on Bourbon Street!