Fact: Day Three

This was another day of less-adventure, more-travel.

We woke up early (especially since I'd been up until about 2am getting our last stuff loaded on this blog!) and got moving. We drove through Texas and saw even more picnic tables and things shaped like Texas--including an enormous steak (things are bigger in Texas) and earrings.

We all cheered when we got to Louisiana just because the scenery was a little different. And then the traffic began.

We thought we'd make it to New Orleans by 6pm. Then we figured 7pm for SURE. And at 8:30, we rolled in. We saw some of the effects of Hurricane Katrina (five years ago, right?) and were amazed by the beautiful buildings and bridges.

This is the first night we've arrived early enough to swim.

As part of this trip, Will has the responsibility to track our gas mileage. Every time Jim gasses up, Will keeps a tally of the gallons bought, total cost, and miles driven since the last fill-up. He takes this job very seriously. And there is much calculation going on in our car for the first 10 minutes after we leave a gas station (gallons per mile, miles per dollar, dollars per day...you get the idea).

Matt's job is a bit more complicated. It involves reading the giant atlas about every 4 minutes (he is getting very good at tracking the mileposts and announcing what state we're in and how many miles to the next exit, rest stop, national forest, or campground) and also keeping Jim in line. He offers helpful advice like "Dad--get in the other lane" and "Can you get around this truck so we can go faster?" and "Change lanes!" and "How many more minutes until these miles are over?" He has definitely earned his backseat driving license on this trip.

Dwight at a roadside stand. You put the best-looking beets on top. Those are the money beets.



Another state without a good spot to stop. We did take this picture 3 times, however, because the traffic was at a dead standstill...so at least we were able to focus well...

To get away from the traffic, we decided to see what mexican food in Louisiana tastes like. Not-too-authentic-but-fine was the general consensus.Dwight was impressed with the unique bathroom fixtures.
The whole place had a theme-park-decorations feel to it. It was too open and cafeteria-ish in seating so I felt uncomfortable taking pictures in the main area. In the bathroom, however, I didn't feel weird at ALL taking pictures...
Matt and Dwight at the table. Because all authentic mexican restaurants have fake-leather tablecloths...

Traffic and a huge bridge ahead.

Dwight (and Matt) recommend going to the right.