Westward, HO!

Judy, Gene and I rushed off to a doctor's office this morning, hoping for a minimal delay in departure, which was scheduled for 10 A.M. They had him back in the treatment area for an hour, but gave him an inhaler and antibiotic. A quick stop at the pharmacy and we arrived at the airport at 11. The plane was loaded already. and Peggy had gotten lunch for us which was stowed in the cooler. There will be 7 traveling. For the first time when I have been aboard, one of our new members is riding with us on the first leg. Kathy Wright is an RN Midwife and a fun person about our age. She will fly back home from New Orleans. This will also be the first destination ride for Jim Skelly and Dennis Pugsley.
It was almost noon before we took off, but still in a good time frame to make New Orleans before dark. Once we were across Florida, we flew over the ocean, just off shore with a lovely view of the beaches and coastline. Unfortunately, my sleep deprivation made me stupid and I did not take photos. Jake's ipad was set up in the cockpit in GPS mode and you could follow the little blue airplane to see where we were. Dennis took the controls for awhile and could not figure out why he had difficulty maintaining his altitude. Gene explained that as people went in and out of the cockpit, it changed the pitch of the plane. With headphones on, he had not been aware of the comings and goings. At one point, I looked around and noticed I was the only person still in the cabin. There were six in an around the cockpit.
We landed at Lakeside Airport which is the original one, and close to downtown. There were two cabs waiting. We loaded up and were delivered to the Drury Inn prior to 5PM local. They are on central time here.
The Drury is a downtown hotel, vintage and nicely appointed. Dark wood, crystal chandeliers. The cab driver says they have the best breakfast in town. Our room is also nice and quite spacious. A far cry from some we have had on our treks. The FBO (fixed base operator or manager of the airport) makes deals for crews and the cabbie tells us we would pay around $200 for a room otherwise. I think we are paying $76. Gene is startled to realize that he has stayed here before in his corporate flying days and remembers that the breakfast is great.
We gather downstairs for happy hour. An extensive event with beer, wine, and mixed drinks along with chips, dip, hot dogs, chicken fingers and salad and potatoes. All this is free. We only partake of the liquids while perusing local dining guides. Jake is such a foodie that we generally defer to him on making choices.
The decision is a seafood place called Deenies in the French Quarter. We set off on foot and as we approach Bourbon Street, the crowds and noise level increase. Many folks are in costume and wearing the madi gras beads. Many of the places we pass are decked out in Madi Gras decor. Kathy says there was a King Cake in the FBO at the airport. Much merriment is happening.
We soon arrived at our destination and are seated right away. They bring us a platter of steaming hot red potatoes and butter. The potatoes are cooked in crab boil and are quite spicy. A wide array of food is ordered, from soups to salads to appetizers. Folks love the seafood salad, the crawfish etoufee and charbroiled oysters on the half shell. I got shrimp stuffed with crabmeat dressing and topped with crawfish and a cheese sauce and it was to die for. The waiter had told me to order it.
After a delightful dinner we make our way back to the hotel, parting ways with Kathy along the way as her hotel is two blocks away. She will fly back to Palm Beach tomorrow.