I mentioned in my last post that I was big on intention but not so good with the actual planning of trips. However, I did have a start date and a first reservation for this adventure.
I was planning to meet up with Pat and Shelly, friends I met during my second year on the road. We were both camped at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. We got to chatting and it turned out that we were both from Buffalo. What a small world! We had been comparing travel schedules and finally found an event that would work to meet up. We were going to meet up at Bayou Segnette State Park near New Orleans and go see the Mardi Gras Indians as they all take to the streets in their intricate suits parade and perform through the streets.
According to the gonola.com website:
“Mardi Gras Indians form a vibrant subculture of local Carnival traditions. Though their exact origins are hazy, the common belief is that Native Americans sheltered runaway slaves, and Mardi Gras Indian tradition is a way of paying homage. Their practices date to the 1800s. Mardi Gras Indian traditions germinated within the period of Jim Crow and segregation when African Americans were forbade from participating in mainstream carnival organizations.
“Because of this, unique and territorial tribes emerged across the city. While for many years confrontations could turn violent, the culture changed, largely due to the efforts of the late Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana of the Yellow Pocahontas tribe. Now, when tribes meet, they perform dances, chants and other rituals, working to outdo each other.”
Doesn’t that sound amazing? Anyway, we were planning to go take in the spectacle of Super Sunday, which was to take place this year on March 15, 2020.
I planned to arrive at Bayou Segnette State Park on Friday, March 13. Hmm…Friday the 13th. Maybe that was a bad omen.
Anyway, I got myself organized and got the trailer packed so that I would be ready to head out as early as possible on Wednesday, March 11.
I hit the road at the crack of 10:30. I loaded Cora the Travel Cat into her carrier and hoped that she would ride calmly in the Jeep. With the temperature at 37 degrees, I didn’t want to put her in the T@b unless it was absolutely necessary. But, Cora handled it well. She just curled up and slept most of the way.
As I pulled out the driveway, I snapped this photo of the front of the house. I ws thinking that it would look a lot different when I got back in May.
As I headed south, I drove out from under the perma-cloud in Michigan. I played tag with a T@b from Minnesota heading down I-57 as I headed to my first planned overnight stop.
When I stopped at a rest stop, I reveled in the blue sky.
I was thrilled that I had driven into spring! I always love it when I see the first dandelions of the season.
Drive, drive, drive, drive
And then I was there! My stop for the night was Cracker Barrel in Marion, Illinois.
The sky was blue and it was as warm in my trailer as it was in my house. I went into the Cracker Barrel for dinner. I had my usual bowl of pinto beans cooked with country ham and served with an onion slice and chow chow relish. It was served with some little corn muffins and real butter.
Is your mouth watering? No? Well, I do like my beans.
After dinner, I unfurled my blankets and snuggled up with Cora and I had a decent night’s sleep.
I was up early and headed south. My next planned stop was a Cracker Barrel in Jackson, Mississippi.