New Orleans was amazing. We stayed near this beautiful city a little longer than I’d originally planned. I couldn’t believe it when I realized we’d actually been there for a month!
What a fascinating city with so much to see! I love all the art that surrounds you as you walk around. I mean, how many times do you see a bass player in the middle of the street?
Part of the reason we weren’t in a rush to leave was that we really enjoyed the Bayou Segnette State Park. We formed some nice lasting relationships with fellow RVers there and loved the spot. Serena made a wonderful new friend, which is always fun.
It was tough to leave! The children all protested, but in the end we all agreed it was time to move on. It is wonderful that we have such flexibility. We really don’t have to follow a schedule.
We didn’t have to go far before we hit Baton Rouge, the state capital of Louisiana. We found a horse farm with RV hookups called Farr Park Equestrian Center. Being that Serena’s birthday was coming up, I splurged and purchased riding lessons for us all. The children loved it! Here’s a rare picture of Mommy. Our friend Chris took the shot.
Another treat was when we met up with a fellow fulltime RVer who has gained fame through his YouTube videos. Eric, otherwise known as the Nomadic Fanatic, has been on the road with his charming seven-toed cat for over five years. He devotes his time to sharing everything he can with his viewers. Honestly, he was an inspiration for us and answered many questions for me throughout the year of research prior to making this leap of faith, so it was wonderful to meet him! Thank you, Eric!
I have to say that I really loved Baton Rouge. They have streetcars that carry you around the central part of the city. We took one to the state capitol, where we all enjoyed riding the elevators up to the 25th floor. What a view!!
The building itself was incredible, too. I adored the stairs that featured all the states with the years they entered the union. I am always learning as I teach the children. For instance, I discovered that Arizona only became a state in 1912. It was on the top of the staircase.
We also visited the Louisiana Art and Science Museum and decided to become members. This membership will allow us entrance to many other museums all around the country! Our next stop, Houston Texas, has six museums on the program alone!
The Louisiana Art and Science Museum had a planetarium, which featured four different educational films about various subjects. We learned about a cool variety of subjects including the stars, sun, butterflies and Louis and Clark. It was a diverse selection.
As it turned out the butterfly film featured Dr. Urquhart, an internationally renowned expert in the migration patterns of the Monarch butterflies. When he appeared on the screen my husband said, “I worked with that man!” It turned out as a boy he had volunteered to help tag Monarchs so that Dr. Urquhart could complete his research. Needless to say, I was impressed!
We spent a few days walking around Baton Rouge. One day, we were informed by a streetcar conductor that the downtown area was shut down because our President was there. Once he knew he was there, it wasn’t hard to find his motorcade. There were a dozen cars, but I managed to find him through the tinted windows. It was a first for me!
So, now we’re off to see Texas! I can’t wait to see what this huge, independent and glorious state has to offer!
Laura,
How neat to see you in that wonderful photo with Serena on the big brown horse.
Your descriptions of things you saw in New Orleans and Baton Rouge gave me a picture of Baton Rouge (where I’ve never been), and told me about lots of sights
I never saw when I was in New Orleans for just 3 days (many years ago).
Meeting Eric, the Nomadic Fanatic, another full time RVer, after corresponding with him for over a year, must have been exciting. And I know Dan must have been thrilled to see the butterfly film featuring Dr. Urquhart; I remember us driving Dan around to tag Monarchs – up to Ventura, out to the desert, etc.
What lasting memories all 5 of you will have long after this adventure.
Love, Mom
Hi, Mom! I’m glad you liked the article! I have been having fun learning about photography and snapping pictures. Ah, I wondered if you were the one to drive Danny around tagging Monarchs. What a cool experience!!