March 21, 2008The causeway across Lake Pontchartrain was long and very rough. I could only go 40 mph in places - it was like a piece of ribbon candy. The sheer size of that body of water is an argument against building below sea level. It is so wide the other shore is not visible. New Orleans is divided by I-10. Lake Pontchartrain and all the low lying areas are to the north and the Mississippi River and the higher ground of the French Quarter, Business Centers and Garden District are to the south and were largely unaffected by Hurricane Katrina. Curiosity begged me to see the other side of the city, but time and good sense prevailed. Neither walking or driving an RV through seemed like a good idea and it is an extremely large city to see in one day.They have an RV park right outside the French Quarter. It is a bit pricey at $62 but if I was going to paint in New Orleans I needed the RV to be air conditioned for Holly and Boo. And parking within walking distance in a safe neighborhood is an issue even if you can find a space. I set out walking with my painting backpack down to the heart of tourist central. Jackson Square is a beautiful place but it is flooded with people at midday so I kept looking. I eventually wandered up the Esplanade and found a quiet shady spot to paint. All in all, I think New Orleans has some very beautiful locations but I found myself wishing I had been there about 25 years ago. Tourism is fierce and the money is certainly flowing into the city again. How much of it is ending up to the north of I-10, I don't know.
