Today I drove about 495.7 miles and will spend the night in Mobile, AL. Tomorrow I plan to continue on to New Orleans, LA. I might spend a few days in that area before heading toward Texas. Let me know if you have any suggestions for what to explore on this journey.
West of New Orleans – check-out Avery Island, home of Tabasco Sauce. Right next door is Jungle Gardens. Here are links for more info.
http://www.tabasco.com/tabasco_history/visit_avery_island.cfm http://junglegardens.org/pagesjg/getthere.htm
I know you have done Route 66 previously (with fantastic pics to prove it) but it amazes me how much I missed on the “first trip” down a particular section of highway in my experiences. Any opportunity to check out missed things is always good.
If you continue West (to Texas) young man, make sure that you stop off and spend a few days in Big Bend National Park. That place is AMAZING!!!! (Black Gap road, the Chisos, and other assorted stops you never thought expected will turn up some amazing views).
I’d love to see your depictions of those areas and watch out for the Mountain Lions!!!
Hank
Ben, if you want a view into the past take a run up to Natchez, MS. It is just north of New Orleans. Old anti-bellum mansions (pre civil war). The month of March is the annual celebration that produces period costumes and reinactments (color and pagentry. If you are a history buff you will enjoy the use of your camera. Enjoy
Ben, if you make it to Big Bend as recommended above, take an extra day to drive north to west TX on hwy 302 between Odessa and Kermit. That’s oil country, just take your pick of which pumpjack you’d like to silhouette against a sunset on this stretch of flatland.
Situated between Odessa and Kermit is the thriving metropolis of Notrees, pop. approximately 3. It sits atop a caprock (mesa) which gives a stunning sunset view of hwy 302 and the flatness of the land below.
Also, at the base of the caprock (west) are caves which were, at some point in American history, were inhabited by the native indians in the area…any of the locals (if you can find one)should be able to direct you.
Of course, no trip to west TX would be complete without a stop in Wink, TX (6 mi west of Kermit) for a visit to the Roy Orbison museum.
The entire area is noted for its ridiculously low traffic and friendly folks.
Wherever you end up, have a good time!