Good morning! As promised, here are some details and photos from yesterday’s ramble from Mid-City to the River, through the Marigny and back home via Esplanade Ave.
This is St. Ann St. where I started. It’s a street in Mid-City just like any other except that it is home to (conservative estimate) probably 200 black cats. I mean, they are EVERYWHERE! They are not at all afraid of people, so they sit and stare at humans eerily. It’s like “The Birds” but with cats. It’s creepy.
For today’s path, I chose the Lafitte Greenway which is a 2.6 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail. It is the latest incarnation of a transportation corridor that has been in continuous use for over 200 years. Once a canal and later a railroad right-of-way, this path connected the Bayou St. John with the Mississippi River. It’s an attractive, useful track that includes green space that has been planted with over 500 native trees and meadow species.
The Greenway overlooks lots of public art and graffiti that is so integral to modern culture in New Orleans. The koi fish that can be seen all over New Orleans (and San Francisco as well, I’m told) are the invention of street artist Jeremy Novy. We cherish artists here in New Orleans.
When I reached the French Quarter, it really felt like a hurricane with everything boarded up and the streets silent and empty. (I did run into a fellow bartender on his way home from the grocery store, however!)
Can you believe this is Bourbon Street? And Coop’s without a line-up? Frenchmen St. is equally eerie.
The Mississippi is sitting at 17.2 feet at New Orleans. Flood stage is 17 feet, so we’re expecting some minor flooding. The city is protected to 20 feet.
Esplanade Avenue is one of my favorite streets in New Orleans because of its big, beautiful Greek Revival buildings. These balconies are where the well-bred young ladies of the city sat on Sunday evenings as their beaux promenaded below.
I know I’m in Mid-City when I spot this little monument. I confess, I do not know what it is or who built it, but it’s a sweet landmark that I love to see.
Later in the afternoon, we took a little jaunt to the Perino’s Garden Center, a real pleasure! I look forward to visiting every few weeks during these weird days! More later on my new succulent species.
I hope your Sunday was wonderful and that you took in some fresh air, sunshine and exercize!
Love,
Cheryl
