OUR PLAN

We are writing this blog for one reason and one reason only. To provide a vehicle to make it easier to remain in touch with our family and friends back home.



Our plan is simple. Depart our home port of Goderich, Ontario in the Summer of 2011. Cruise Georgian Bay and the North Channel of Lake Huron while visiting some of the ports and anchorages we have missed over the years. As well as revisiting some of our favourite haunts hopefully with some of our very good friends with whom we have cruised with many times before. All the while adding up the miles and gaining experience with our new trawler. Our first and only self imposed deadline is to be in the Chicago area around Labour Day. South of Chicago, weather and circumstances will guide us!



Thursday, December 8, 2011

NOV 20-29,2011 - NEW ORLEANS, LA

What can I say – Terrmar in New Orleans – who would have thought!  We were ready for the sights, sounds, food and culture which define the city, specifically the French Quarter.  New Orleans was founded in the early 1700s by the French, with the Spanish taking control mid- 1700s, back to the French in 1800, when a treaty was signed by France and Spain.  In 1803 Louisiana was sold to the US in the Louisiana Purchase agreement under Napoleon’s rule.  The city has been influenced by French, Spanish, African, American, and Creole cultures as evidenced in its architecture, cuisine, music, traditions and people.


MARK AMONGST THE FLORA IN NEW ORLEANS

We were not disappointed.  We were very fortunate to tour the city with Kemba and Bob from Spirit Dancer who had previously visited the “Big Easy” and guided us to some of the most popular and historic attractions.  Special mention has to go to The Bourbon Street Oyster and Seafood Restaurant where we celebrated the US Thanksgiving Day.  The raw oysters and "Turducken" (roasted de-boned chicken stuffed in de-boned  duck stuffed in de-boned turkey) were delectable! 
With lots of laughs, great food, music and companionship we were able to experience the energy and flavour of this Náwlins that draws people of all ages and places.

TERRMAR SQUEEZED IN AT ORLEANS MARINA

CHI-CHEEMAUN 11 TAKING BREAK FROM NORTH CHANNEL?
DECORATED WITH SNOWFLAKES!

THE ART OF CIGAR SMOKING

CHEERS KEMBA-WE MADE IT!

OVERLOOKING ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL

KEMBA & BOB & CHRISTMAS TREE

JACKSON SQUARE-CAFE DU MONDE IN BACKGROUND

 
ENJOYING BEIGNETS @ CAFE DU MONDE (C..1862)


MARTI GRAS MASKS FOR SALE

OH, ITS SO YOU MARK!

OLDEST PUBLIC MARKET IN USA
SANTA NEW ORLEANS STYLE
BEAUTIFUL CAFE

SAMPLE TOURIST SHOP

TAKING BREAK @ MARGARITAVILLE

BEAUTIFUL BALCONY

LUNCH @ PAT O'BRIEN-HOME OF THE HURRICANE




PURPLE GUY WORKING FOR TIPS

MAKING CIGARS @ FACTORY SHOP

TERRI & KEMBA GETTING FORTUNES TOLD
JAZZ TRIO @ COURT OF TWO SISTERS

KEMBA, BOB & SISTER MICHAEL MARY(OLD FRIENDS)

OUTDOOR COURTYARD @ COURT OF 2 SISTERS

ANOTHER GORGEOUS BALCONY

ST. LOUISE CATHEDRAL

ROYAL TOUR OF FRENCH QUARTER

JEAN LAFITTE'S BLACKSMITH SHOP TAVERN-(C..1772 STILL LIT BY CANDLES)

SISTER MICHAEL MARY & KEMBA TRY DUELLING PIANOS @ PAT O'BRIEN

ANYTHING FOR TIPS ON BOURBON STREET

YOU'D ENJOY THE SWAMP HERE TOO AL!

REALLY?

ENJOYING BOURBON STREET

CLASSIC ROCK BAND ON BOURBON STREET

WHAT A HOOT!

MARK KICKING UP HIS HEELS ON BOURBON STREET

A weather window has opened so we must leave Orleans Marina, centrally located to grocery stores, parks, shopping etc. to travel to our stopover destination at Seabrook Marina, before heading back home for the holidays.  The convenient passage to the second marina, located a few miles south on the Industrial Canal was closed due to construction of gates to protect the area from high water levels.  This meant that we had to back track through Lake Ponchartrain, through the Rigolets and connect to the Intercoastal Waterway leading us to the Industrial Canal.  Done!
WAITING FOR TRAIN TO CROSS BEFORE BRIDGE OPENING

 Spirit Dancer travelled with us, as they were now headed home to Texas after accomplishing the completion of their Great Loop adventure.  We saw them off the next morning.  It has been a pleasure to travel with Kemba and Bob.  Thank you for all your advice, cruising tips, laughter and wonderful memories.  Bahamas?  Cross fingers.
WAITING FOR RIDE HOME @ TORONTO AIRPORT

The temperature dropped like a snow ball and reminded us that home was just a few days away.  We got busy with preparations and set up the warranty work to be done in our absence.  Wouldn’t you know- the day of departure, temps in the 70’s again.  Travel went well and for a first- time flyer, Smudge did really well.  The stewardess was surprised when she finally noticed Smudge at the end of the flight.  Good puppy!

SMUDGE DRESSED FOR CANADIAN WINTER


Home Sweet Home!
See y’ahl in the New Year
Terri  

  

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