Baton Rouge to New Orleans

This morning I drove the short distance from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Before that however, I stopped to get an oil change. My maintenance light came on yesterday and I noticed that I had put on about 5K miles since the beginning of the trip, so it made sense. The staff at the Watermark recommended recommended the Firestone Complete Auto Care around the corner and that sounded better to me that Jiffy Lube. Robert at Firestone was able to accommodate me and had me in and out in about an hour, for a very reasonable price. And then I was on my way.

Before continuing, I have to note that I missed the most recent tornado in Mississippi by two days. While it was North of Jackson, where I was staying, I’m sure it as still wild. This makes two near misses this trip, the other being Oklahoma City. And apparently the warm Gulf of Mexico waters portend an active tornado season. Once I start moving up the East Coast in a couple of weeks, I should be mostly out of tornado territory. However, given the crazy weather all over the country this year, that may be less dependable than it might have been in years past. Well, that is why I have a two weather apps with warnings.

Moving on, at least for now, I arrived in New Orleans and checked into Hotel Peter and Paul . I’m taking a break from the Marriott to stay in this hotel which was once an historic church, school house, rectory and convent. The room is spacious and comfortable and the staff is exceedingly welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful. They also have a restaurant and bar (The Elysian ). I splurged on dinner and it was well worthwhile.

I took a quick walk into the French quarter as the next few days promise rain and thunderstorms. It was already hot and humid. How quickly winter has turned into summer.

Tomorrow’s activities will be dependent on the last minute forecast.