We got up early this morning and drove to the Algiers Point ferry terminal to take the ferry across the Mississippi River to the Canal Street ferry terminal in New Orleans. It was a great way for us to get to the city, because we were concerned about not being able to find parking for the F450 (it's 22 feet long, and signs warn that "oversize vehicles will be towed"). We were able to find easy, free on street parking near the ferry terminal and just walk on to the free ferry. It won't be free after October 1, 2013, when passengers will pay $2 each way to ride the ferry--still a real bargain.
After the five minute ferry ride we walked to the meeting point of our bicycle tour, on the east side of Washington Square. There we met our guide, Casady, were fitted with bikes and helmets, and heard the safety talk before setting out through the Faubourg Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods to learn about the diverse groups who contributed to New Orleans culture and history. We had seven people on our tour, most of whom were half our age or less. Casady's approach was more entertainment than education, but he did manage to pack in a lot of history and legend, including recent history.
I couldn't pass up the chance to have some beignets at Cafe du Monde, so that's what we had for dessert.
We caught the 5:00 p.m. ferry back to Algiers Point. I collapsed in the truck while Ken drove home. We had a very interesting, unusual, and enjoyable day, and now we are very tired.... The Confederacy of Cruisers tagline is "Not even close to exercise," but by the time we pedaled six miles and probably walked another four or five, we felt like we'd had some exercise to work off the butter and cream in the Meuniere sauce!
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