Friday, June 27, 2008

SOUTHERN ROUTE: New Orleans to Santa Barbara - June 6 to June 15

HALIFAX TO LARRY'S RIVER: THE LONG WAY
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As we conclude our East Coast journey.... the French Quarter section of New Orleans (related video) awaits. Parking the bike on Bourbon St. was a challenge but got it done with the help of Chuck (Guest House Manager). We highly recommend the Bon Maison in every way and any return visit to New Orleans for us will again include this quiet, safe and convenient guest house. (a street-side view from Google Earth )
( and a bit higher up view of the neighborhood )
Merci fève que Maison pour aider rendent notre visite de retour à la Nouvelle-Orléans si mémorable !











The fanciest 'garage' this bike will ever frequent!

Mary sends a unique hello to her son Rejean, who has been following our blog back in Halifax.


Chuck and Mary in the courtyard. Chuck is the Manager of Bon Maison. When we first arrived, Chuck had a couple of cold beer waiting for us at check-in. As if that hospitality was not enough, he offered to pick-up some beer for us when he was out. What an outstanding welcome for us after a long hot ride that day and a very 'skin of our teeth' entrance with the bike!


...and down Bourbon Street for a bit of FUN with Waylon Thibodeau and his band at the Tropical Isle
( Google Earth Street-side view )
Rising to the challenge, Mary shows her own moves on the (related video from the Tropical Isle with Waylon) rubboard

The local music scene in New Orleans is quick to focus on new talent which they can include in a monthly talent publication- FAME! (not!)


...and if you want to have a look at a bit of dancing to this music then follow this dance or, if you have lots of energy, try this one here
You don't need a lot of room... you just need the right moves. Lots of instructions video on utube. So, as they say, "dance like noone's watching"!



A luncheon stop at Pat O'Brien's on Saturday, June 7th Try their Hurricane drink. Reported to be the best in 'Nawlins'.




A few words reminding everyone who founded New Orleans...


One of the many wonderful views while shopping



Another shopper with a little afternoon refreshment


...and now for Saturday night. Not much for pictures because we took a disposable camera and the lighting was dim (as you might expect). Take our word for it: it was lots of fun with music and refreshments in abundance! Mary ready to go.


Preparing to leave this gorgeous courtyard setting on Sunday, June 8th. Next stop is Texas..... as soon as we get back out of the doorway. Thanks to Chuck for making us very welcome at the Bon Maison Guest House (835 Bourbon St).
PHOTO BY: CHUCK (BON MAISON)

PHOTO BY: CHUCK (BON MAISON)

PHOTO BY: CHUCK (BON MAISON)

Leaving New Orleans on June 8th. Next stop: Houston, Texas



On to Houston, Texas to visit with Kevin and Bernie


You know you're in Texas when the guy next to you fuels up and then goes back the trailer to visit his friend


On the way to Houston. Anyone for great Texas ice cream?




HOUSTON, TEXAS: On June 8th we arrived in Houston to visit with friends Kevin and Bernie. After many hot and long days on the road, their hospitality was very much appreciated. After cleaning up and changing into our 'civilian clothes', Kevin and Bernie treated us to a terrific Texas steakhouse meal at a specialty house. Thank you both very much for great conversation and inviting us into your home. An oasis indeed!


Mary and Bernie and daughter, Delaney, in the middle


Kevin and Bob


June 9th: Mary and Bernie as we ready to travel on to Austin.


Arriving in Austin, Texas on June 9th



Not many music bars open on Monday night but we did find this Blues Bar: Nuno's on Sixth





The second band (above), brought to the stage Mississippi Delta Blues legend Mr. Pinetop Perkins. Mr Perkins is 90 years old and still very much a part of the Blues scene.



Our waitress also attended to Mr Perkins during his performance and the sale of his CDs.

Mr Perkins moves back to his table . Yes , we bought one of his CDs and we were fortunate enough to have him sign our copy.


On the following morning, as we move out from Austin for Gene Autry, Oklahoma, we stop at Lone Star BMW because of an ABS brake system concern on the bike.

What exceptional service! Our first contact was Erin at the Service Counter. Erin assigned our problem to Mike O. in the shop. In a short while the problem was resolved and we could continue our travels. It was most impressive that they did not charge us for their services. Their approach to Customer Service is unique and rare. Thank you Lone Star BMW/Triumph

Also note that the Austin city Sheriff's Department wisely uses BMW motorcycles in the performance of their duties. Lone Star services all their bikes.


Next Stop: Gene Autry, Oklahoma to visit the Gene Autry Museum. Located in this small town is a museum dedicated specifically to the memory of the singing cowboys of the 30's 40's and 50's, such as Gene Autry himself, but also to all of the film and television cowboys (and their sidekicks) of those times.


We had the wonderful opportunity to be guided through much of the museum by The Old Man of the Mountain himself, Mr Paul Belanger. Paul is a National Yodeling Championship and was first in the International Swiss Yodeling Championship in 1995. He also wrote, among many other songs, an Honorary State song for New Hampshire 'Old Man of the Mountain'.


Thank you Paul for that great serving of ribs at the airport diner. Oklahoma hospitality at its best!


As we left Gene Autry we knew that a much more solemn moment awaited in Oklahoma City. This is the site of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. As stated on their site "The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The Memorial and Museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected."

A very inspiring visit to a most memorable place.

The Survivor Tree



From Oklahoma City's very profound memorial, we move westward into the history of The Road. The Mother Road. Route 66.




Here we stop at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Ok.


We captured bits and pieces of this historic road as we moved from Oklahoma City toward Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

With Elvis singing in the background, we wandered through a recreation of the old Soda Shop.



As the tour concluded we were treated to some film footage which documents the development of the road and how it played a prominent role in commerce and travel in the early years of the U.S. road system.



Welcome to Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas!














Traffic slows for an 18 wheeler which caught fire on the road. No casualties and we all passed by without any difficulty. The temperature at the time was 106 F.