Wandering in the French Quarter

Spent most of today just relaxing in the park, visiting the old church and doing some sightseeing. Walking alone, I wandered wherever the best shade trees took me. I stumbled upon this little park, where I am now writing today’s blog.

AJ awoke early this morning to prepare breakfast. "Coffee," he calls out soon after. I can truthfully say AJ's grits made my day!  Those grits were even better than my favorite breakfast, which is normally Bays English Muffins with butter, cream cheese and honey.

Over the past four days, Austin Graham and I were able to read the water and paddled the fastest currents. We arrived in New Orleans a day ahead of expectations, which means that I will be able to pull this expedition off.  At the end of Saturday, I will have paddled the Mississippi River, Source to Sea, in exactly 80 days, one day for each year of my life.

When we arrived in New Orleans yesterday, we shuttled our boats and gear to AJ Foret's home in the French Quarter. I was able to shower for the first time since we left Donna Graham’s "Camp" last Friday. What a great feeling, especially since it has been so hot these last four days.

When I dreamed up the idea of paddling the Mississippi River to raise awareness of and research funding to fight Juvenile Diabetes, I set a suggested donation goal of 8 to 80 dollars per mile. I still feel this is possible and I thank each of you for your donations, no matter how small and insignificant they may seem. May God bless each child afflicted with this awful disease. And I thank each of you for what you have given, whether that be direct donations to research, or River Angel support for making my Journey down the Mississippi River a reality.

We will paddle out tomorrow from the steps where we arrived yesterday, with a new member joining the team. Dominique from Sksgchawsm, Canada. His purpose for paddling from the wooden steps her in New Orleans is a true story worthy of being told.