I haven’t written the last several days because I haven’t had anything to say. Mostly we spent our time inside (a casino or the RV) since it’s been either foggy or cold or raining.

We spent nearly a week in Buccaneer State Park at Waveland, Mississippi. Hurricane Katrina nearly obliterated this park back in 2005. When we were here a few years ago they were open but still working on getting things back to normal. They’re looking good now, with all new facilities, new bathrooms, a wonderful new wadding pool, a new camp store and new laundry which was not open. They have even replaced a big water slide and a wave pool, but they were not open either.

Buccaneer State Park, #129

Frost!

One side trip we did take on one of the nicer days was to visit the The Depot at nearby Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.  This was on higher ground and survived the storm surge of Hurricane Katrina unlike a lot of the rest of the city. It is now Visitor Center and Museum.

The Depot at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Included in the museum were some Mardi Gras displays with some really amazing costumes. Oh what fun it would be to party in that!

Mardi Gras Costumes

Buccaneer State Park worked out very well for us and the price was reasonable, but we’re ready to move on. We’re now at New Orleans East RV Park in Slidell, Louisiana. The weather is warming up a bit, hitting 70 degrees today. It’s more expensive here now because of the Mardi Gras draw. We’re paying $55/night but it could be worse. There is a very nice park in New Orleans just a few blocks from the French Quarter and all the big Mardi Gras parades and parties that would have cost us $199/night IF we could even get in.

New Orleans East RV Park, Slidell, LA, #E8

There are several parades in the area and in New Orleans which is only 30 miles away. There will be more as it builds up to the big bash on Fat Tuesday just a few days from now. Last night we went to one in Slidell, about two miles from our campground. People lined up hours ahead of time waiting for the parade. We got there early, too, and waited with the thousands of people lined up on the streets with their lawn chairs and ladders.

Bad Selfie

Loved the parade. It was NOTHING like any parade I ever saw in Minnesota. There are so many more people here, the crowds get big. The floats are very creative and filled with costumed and made up riders who toss out strings of the coveted beads along with stuffed animals and candy and toys. Some Moon Pies too. People run right up to the floats, raise their arms, and shout HEY! HEY! There were lots of children here and the crowd was really very well-behaved the whole time. We had fun!

Mardi Gras Parade

Mardii Gras Parade

Double Decker Float

• Gasoline Expense:  none
• Lodging Expense:  Buccaneer State Park: $24/night
• Lodging Expense:  New Orleans East:        $55/night