Sunday - I Think We Are Paraded Out!

After all the rain we had yesterday (about 2 inches) it was remarkable that it was so sunny today.  We left camp about 11 am and headed into town.  Little did we know how long the day would be as we did not get home until 11 pm!  Today we had 3 morning parades from the Okeanos, Thoth & Mid City Krewes.  It is not too often that you get to see and hear a bagpipe band so I had to make sure and at least let you see them!  It's too bad I couldn't record them for you as well, though I am sure the blogger might have a way to do that.

Some of the auxiliary groups have really young kids.  I'm not sure if you can tell by this picture but I don't think some of the smallest were much older than 6 or 7 years old.  Can you imagine performing the entire length of the parade at this age?

Most of the time the bands march, but this one was lucky enough to have a ride.  They were a pretty good group, too.

Even cowboys and indians show up for the festivities.  This was a huge group but I didn't get my camera out in time to capture the whole thing.  With all the yelling and crazy atmosphere it is amazing how calm most of the horses are.  I would love to ride Penny in a parade but I think it will take a lot to make sure she could handle the crowds!

After the three afternoon parades we left for a walk down to Harrah's Casino for dinner.  It was only about 5 blocks away and we got to see some of the parade again as it wound around the city streets.  We had a buffet dinner with every possible cajun and creole dish you wanted as well as the normal fare you would find in a buffet in the west.  We saw many of our group go for plate after plate of food.  I was full just watching them eat!  After relaxing a short while we headed back to our reviewing stands to watch the big parade of the night.

I tried to take a picture of all the confetti that was being shot all over the skies but it didn't turn out real great.  The stands were really crowded by time we returned and Gary and I had to sit behind a light post.  We could see the parade fine but were not able to catch the throws because the pole was in the way.  That's okay - we have enough beads to give our own Mardi Gras party!

I am not sure if you will recognize the "King" of the Bacchus Parade - - - - Will Ferrell !!!  I guess it is common to have celebrity kings for some of the Super Krewes.  This group had at least 30 floats and 30 bands and the floats and music were magnificent.  Gary had enough of the parades and walked back to the bus about halfway through this final parade.  I stayed and just enjoyed the atmosphere but sure was tired when I walked back to the bus.
Monday we will have a casual day - time to get some laundry done and the RV straightened up.  Our group will have lunch in the tent and make some costumes to wear on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras day!  Gary and I might go out to celebrate our 41st Anniversary!  Our adventure in New Orleans is almost done and we have been treated to first class arrangements by the Adventure Caravans.  We decided that the price of the package is well worth it!