AZ Day 11 - A White Sport Coat and a Puerto Rican

The coffee is strong
at the Cafe Du Monde,
And the donuts are too hot to touch;
But just like a fool, when those
sweet goodies cool, I eat 'til I eat way too much.

--The Wino and I Know by Jimmy Buffett

I've had a visit to the Cafe Du Monde on my mind ever since I hatched this half-baked route in my head some months ago. But the French Quarter of New Orleans itself wasn't enough of a draw. However, throw in a chance to see my good friend Chico and meet his family and I'm there!

After yet another late start I found some decent coffee and hit the road.

Plugging "New Orleans" into my GPS I headed south and over the causeway into the city. Nearing the city I looked up Cafe Du Monde and was surprised to find several listings. Reading between the lines I figured they must have opened satellite locations as the name itself would be a big tourist draw. I picked the one that looked most likely to be the original in the French Quarter and continued into town.

Stopping just 0.3 miles from the cafe I did a little business and answered emails. I'm loving that Blackberry more and more each day!

Back on the bike I arrived at the Cafe Du Monde....



Only to discover I'd picked the WRONG one. Crap!

Undaunted, I headed into town to find the French Quarter.



Out of the corner of my eye I spied something familiar and followed my instincts...GPS be damned!

One quick look around and it was obvious I'd found the French Quarter.

I found this line of school kids on a field trip through the French Quarter amusing.

Still looking for the cafe I found a tell tale sign that my buddy Chico wasn't far away.



Today was yet another hot day but at least I had the air rushing by my bike to keep me cool. Locals actually have to carry around a fan and plug it in when they stop for rest.

After asking the fan lady for directions I found my target!

The cafe is an New Orleans institution and a pilgrimage is only appropriate...and the food's good, too!

I ordered my coffee and beignets and watched the staff fill orders.

Victory!

Unlike Jimmy Buffett I didn't wait for my pastries to cool. DAMN good eats!



Chico and I touched base on the phone and made our plans for me to head to his house so I said good bye to the French Quarter and hit the road.

Heading through town I saw some old neighborhoods.

And then hit the interstate.

Even from the interstate there are obvious signs of post Katrina construction.

And destructions.

Arriving in Slidell, LA, I made my way to Chico's house.

We BOTH were holding in our gut for that shot!

I had a chance to meet all three of his daughters (or was one his wife?) and his son, Harry.

Despite Chico's request for me to stay the night with his family I wanted to hit the road and try to put some of my journey behind me. It is 470 miles from his house to mine and I wanted to put at least 100 miles behind me before bed time. Rolling into North Mobile, AL, about 9:30 p.m. CST I found a motel with only 360 miles between home and myself. While I'm sure I'll get a late start in the morning I should still make it home no later than 6 p.m.

In other news...the roadkill count is now hovering around 6,457 given today's added dead Love Bug count. Instead of washing the bike I'm considering buying a hammer and chisel.

Tomorrow: Home