Project Beignet Trip Recap
We traveled 2300 miles, burned almost 292 gallons of diesel fuel, 10 gallons of DEF, spent 20+ hours behind the wheel over 7 days and would do it all over again. Either we know what we are doing and planned well or the RV Travel gods were on our side either way everything along the way went according to plan.
Friday March 23rd/Saturday March 24th
Since we had the RV completely loaded the night before we started off the day with a hearty, healthy and smart breakfast and then spent the extra time double checking our to-do lists. When 12 noon rolled around we picked up the girls and headed down the road.
The journey to New Orleans was relatively easy--->6 hours behind the wheel, followed by an hour long kick ass power nap and then a yummy dinner, 4 more hours behind the wheel followed by a 30 or 45 minute kick ass power nap. The only downside is that I drove through most of Alabama and Mississippi when it was pitch black dark out and did not have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery.
Once we got close to New Orleans and the magical sun started shining we all were energized after spending close to 20 hours in a 41 foot RV. We separated- Tawnya taking the girls to see the French Quarter & to pick up a healthy lunch to bring back to the campsite. I told them that the healthiest lunch in town could only be found at The Central Grocery. While they were picking up lunch I went on to set up camp and catch some zzzz.
We arrived at Jude RV Travel Park-I was expecting...well my expectations were very low based upon the area of New Orleans that the park was located in. If an episode of Cops was filmed in New Orleans they would film 90% of the episode in this neighborhood. Once we pulled in we were greeted by the super friendly owner who was more concerned with me getting set up in my spot than registering and paying.
Sunday March 25th
Being the super responsible parents that we are we took Addi (our 10-year old) and Riley (her 11-year old friend) on our own tour of the French Quarter. Keep in mind that Tawnya and I have been to New Orleans many times before and can give one hell of a drinking tour of the Quarter. Never had we thought about a family friendly tour...until Sunday March 25th. We started off with Beignets and then it was off to Jackson Square, the lunch at Acme and then an eye opening walk down Bourbon Street. The look of shock and amazement in their eyes was comical.
Monday March 26th
Based upon a co-workers recommendation we had Beignets for breakfast...ok my co-workers really didn't suggest Cafe DuMonde 2 days in a row, but I have to shift blame somewhere. After another dose of healthy Beignets we drove out to Slidell, Louisiana and took a tour of the swap with Dr. Wagners Honey Island Swamp Tour.
Tuesday March 27th
Based another friend called Groupon- we did a guided tour of the Garden District and St. Louis Cemetery-1. I used to laugh at people who would take the guided tours...now I have turned into one of them and loved it!
Wednesday March 28th
It was time to pack up and hit the road and head up to Stone Mountain. The drive was relatively easy and since it during the day, I was able to see the beautiful parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. The drive from Louisiana to Stone Mountain Georgia took about 8 or 9 hours depending upon who is counting and the time zone change. We arrived in time to set up camp, make dinner and chill out.
Thursday March 29th
We all spent an awesome day at Stone Mountain Park (hiking, touring, mini golfing and shopping)
Friday March 30th
The day that every RV'er dreads...the drive home. I drove 20 hours down, so I figured that driving 10-hours back home would be a breeze. HA...thats what I get for thinking. Traffic around Atlanta and getting out of Atlanta sucked!!! and then once I made my way onto 77 (Between Asheville and I-81 in Virginia) it sucked even more between the up and down mountains, the wind, the volume of traffic, the wind...at one point before I pulled off to take a nap I seriously contemplated finding a spot to camp for a few hours and then continuing the drive home later that night. But 11hrs later we made it home safe and sound & cleaned up ferocious but fabulous for the next great adventure.
Key Learnings From This Journey
Once we got close to New Orleans and the magical sun started shining we all were energized after spending close to 20 hours in a 41 foot RV. We separated- Tawnya taking the girls to see the French Quarter & to pick up a healthy lunch to bring back to the campsite. I told them that the healthiest lunch in town could only be found at The Central Grocery. While they were picking up lunch I went on to set up camp and catch some zzzz.
We arrived at Jude RV Travel Park-I was expecting...well my expectations were very low based upon the area of New Orleans that the park was located in. If an episode of Cops was filmed in New Orleans they would film 90% of the episode in this neighborhood. Once we pulled in we were greeted by the super friendly owner who was more concerned with me getting set up in my spot than registering and paying.
Sunday March 25th
Being the super responsible parents that we are we took Addi (our 10-year old) and Riley (her 11-year old friend) on our own tour of the French Quarter. Keep in mind that Tawnya and I have been to New Orleans many times before and can give one hell of a drinking tour of the Quarter. Never had we thought about a family friendly tour...until Sunday March 25th. We started off with Beignets and then it was off to Jackson Square, the lunch at Acme and then an eye opening walk down Bourbon Street. The look of shock and amazement in their eyes was comical.
Monday March 26th
Based upon a co-workers recommendation we had Beignets for breakfast...ok my co-workers really didn't suggest Cafe DuMonde 2 days in a row, but I have to shift blame somewhere. After another dose of healthy Beignets we drove out to Slidell, Louisiana and took a tour of the swap with Dr. Wagners Honey Island Swamp Tour.
'Wild' Russian Boar
Family of marshmallow loving Racoons
Tiny 5-6ft gator
Tuesday March 27th
Based another friend called Groupon- we did a guided tour of the Garden District and St. Louis Cemetery-1. I used to laugh at people who would take the guided tours...now I have turned into one of them and loved it!
Pirate Sam was Great!
Wednesday March 28th
It was time to pack up and hit the road and head up to Stone Mountain. The drive was relatively easy and since it during the day, I was able to see the beautiful parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. The drive from Louisiana to Stone Mountain Georgia took about 8 or 9 hours depending upon who is counting and the time zone change. We arrived in time to set up camp, make dinner and chill out.
Thursday March 29th
We all spent an awesome day at Stone Mountain Park (hiking, touring, mini golfing and shopping)
71flights of steps up- according to fit bit!
View from top of the mountain
Friday March 30th
The day that every RV'er dreads...the drive home. I drove 20 hours down, so I figured that driving 10-hours back home would be a breeze. HA...thats what I get for thinking. Traffic around Atlanta and getting out of Atlanta sucked!!! and then once I made my way onto 77 (Between Asheville and I-81 in Virginia) it sucked even more between the up and down mountains, the wind, the volume of traffic, the wind...at one point before I pulled off to take a nap I seriously contemplated finding a spot to camp for a few hours and then continuing the drive home later that night. But 11hrs later we made it home safe and sound & cleaned up ferocious but fabulous for the next great adventure.
Key Learnings From This Journey
- We can make it New Orleans. We used to think that The Big Easy was soooo far away now we know it really isn't that far away. The next time that we want crayfish or a beignet we can hop in the RV and head down to the Big Easy
- Proper Planning makes the trip easier and less stressful. I used RV Trip Wizard and included all of the rest stops and Pilot/Flying J's along my route
- The drive home is going to suck no matter if it is 1 hour or 10 hours...just deal with it
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