Despite the fact that Saturday dawned cold, windy and rainy, the Krewe of Choctaw River Parade was still a great success, with over 200 people in attendance.
After running through the rain to the Gretna Ferry Landing, we boarded the Steamboat Natchez, where it was warm, cozy and dry. The steam tables were filled with jambalaya, red beans and rice, sausage and bread pudding. Of course, the longest lines were at the bar, where the terrific staff was serving up their famous Blood Mary's, which were a meal by themselves with all of the garnishes!
We sailed up and down the Mississippi River, around the crescent of the river at Algiers Point and had a great view of the city as we cruised along.
Inside, the sounds of Carnival were playing as the court, krewe members and guest danced the morning away. Much too quickly, we were back at the ferry landing...left wanting more and waiting for next weekend's street parade.
Be sure to come to Terrytown or Gretna on Saturday, January 26th for the Krewe of Choctaw Parade, starting at 11:30 am. I'll be on float #17 on the driver's side. Yell to me and I'll throw you something, mister!
Visit the krewe's website for the complete parade route.
Happy Mardi Gras!
Lisa, I hope the Bloody Mary you had for me was delicious. This all sounds like so much fun! I know there will be parade pictures to follow. Wish I was riding along!
What is in that cup?
John, my husband is the Captain of Choctaw. We have been active in the club for almost 30 years now. If you make it to the West Bank, make sure to look for me!
Mana, we go all out here with drinks as well as food!
J Mac...you'll be in my thoughts as well.
Elaine, they all were :) That cup contains the best Bloody Mary you have ever had, along with pickled green beans, olives, pickled okra, carrots, tomato, peppers and red onion. It's like a little salad on top of your drink...that way you don't drink on an empty stomach!
Lisa, great photographs. How fun this looks - except, of course, for the weather! I especially liked your photos of your tour along the Mississippi.......thanks for sharing.
Teri, wouldn't you know that today was bright and clear! I'll be sharing other photos soon...
Carole, it was really nasty and I thought I would freeze to death trying to take my pictures, but we had a wonderful time. I can't wait for Saturday for the street parade!
Elaine, thank you...I love it too!
Judi, thanks for thinking about me....it was FREEZING out there, but I couldn't resist the view and the opportunity to take pictures :)
Cindy, we do things just a little differently down here :)
Kathy, it's a very busy time of year in NOLA. Parades started rolling this past weekend and will continue through Mardi Gras Day (Feb 5th)...can you imagine trying to schedule showings around where the streets will be closed for parades?
LISA - You are a true localism expert. You somehow managed to make a cold, rainy, windy day look like an outing that wasn't to be missed. The photos are great. I've never been on a steamboat before, but I'd like to now. Nice job.
BTW - I'm not one to point out graphic words normally, but this one was "riverflat"