A nasty thunderstorm with high winds was to have come through last night. It rained a little bit, but nothing severe. Dark, low clouds greeted us when we woke up.
We decided to hitch-up before the weather changed. We almost made it. The rain was coming down pretty hard when we jumped in the car. Little did we know how bad it would get.
We stopped at Cash's Diner (a truck stop just down the road) for breakfast and to wait out the downpour. It was lighter and the rain had slowed when we left.
We took I-10E to New Orleans and I-610E into the business district. The rain increased to a torrential downpour as we approached Lake Pontchartrain. Clouds (or fog) hung low over the lake and interstate traffic slowed from 70 to 35 mph. The heavy rain and wind continued until we got within 3 miles of the campground. Water stood 3-5" deep on many of the streets. Thanks to many courteous drivers, nothing bad happened during lane changes.
Pontchartrain Landing campground and marina is located in the middle of an industrial area, right on the Industrial/Navigation Canal. The views as we approached the area were discouraging. The campground, however, is quite new and has many amenities. Carol got us into a premier site for $35/night (normally $61/night). Our site (#19) is right on the canal. Large power boats and sail boats are docked nearby.
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| Pontchartrain Landing |
Intermittent showers continued through the afternoon and the temperature continued to drop. It was 64°F with wind gusts up to 20 mph at 5pm.
The clouds gave way to sun as we headed to Landry's Seafood Restaurant on Lake Pontchartrain for dinner. Dick's fried fish and shrimp dinner was light and delicious. Carol's salmon dinner was very different and very good. The key lime pie was pretty good, too. Our server (April) was exceptional. Thanks to Fred & Ann for the recommendation!
We head downtown and to the French Quarter tomorrow.
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