2,013 Miles

We are camped just above New Orleans right now and can see the city lights from our tents. The plan was to get there tonight but the city is not at the river mile that we thought it was. We should pass through tomorrow morning which is probably better because it will be Sunday and we won't be tempted by the Bourbon Street nightlife. Although, we are told that place never stops. We want to save as much money for our couple nights stay after the Gulf arrival, and for gas to get home. Our moms are coming down to pick us up in Venice and are going to "explore" New Orleans with us on the way back. It should be a blast.

Just as the Army Corps of Engineers told us, the current has completely stopped after passing Baton Rouge. Ship and barge traffic is very heavy now, though, and we were told it is usually worse. The river hasn't rose at all and has even done more falling in the past couple of weeks. We ran into an awesome family of people at mile 149 who waved us to come over. They actually waved Jerry and Jake over first, then Shawn, and I hit shore last. Just before I got there, a few people actually saw a dolphin swimming up river! None of us had ever seen or even heard of dolphins 149 miles up the river. No one was able to get a picture but he/she came up two or three times and they are positive that's what it was. Later on, after a swim, a couple of us noticed the taste of salt water on our lips. The river is so low that the salt water is actually pushing upstream 150 miles. It is contaminating a lot of cities drinking water. The Army Corps is attempting to slow the contamination by building underwater dams to hold it back (the saltwater is denser than fresh water).

Everyone at that Paulina campground was awesome. We saw what southern hospitality is all about. Lots of food, beer, laughs, and more. I actually remember most everyone's names, but I don't wanna leave anyone out so thanks to you all, especially Charlie who called us in and takes care of the place (he's the guy carrying the soda in the pictures). We took a group pic, if someone has it send it to me and I'll throw it on here. They loaded us up on food, bug spray, water, MREs, and a lot more stuff. We let Jerry and Jake take most of it seeing as they're continuing on the Great Loop. We only snagged a couple of MREs and some bug spray, but it is much appreciated. We said our goodbyes to everyone, including Jerry and Jake who stayed to party it up, and went on our way.

In other news, sadly, we left my canoe behind on Charlie's land. I jumped in the front of Shawn's and we both slimmed our gear down a bit. It is much safer and easier for us to maneuver around these ships with two people, plus, we can make better time. We are gonna pick the rest of our gear and my canoe up on the way home.

New Orleans is a big checkpoint for us, and is actually our last big one before the mouth. We will be under 100 miles tomorrow. The countdown begins...

*This was supposed to be up a week ago. My phone didn't finish uploading it at that time, I guess.