if Davy Crockett and Marie Laveau were friends, they would not have this much fun!!

So the journey has begun. I have not had the time or, oddly, good internet access for a while so this will be a big chunk of the past few days. It all started in Marianna Florida (click on these links to see pictures). A late night convoy to the middle of nowhere ending at the coolest house I've ever seen. Rachel's parents house was crazy filled with tons of antiques and other collectables it was designed to be fun. After a quick slumber-party-like view through Rachel's old year books it was off to bed to prepare for the festivities the next day. We spent the majority of the day (rated G version) kayaking down a local stream (rated R version) kayaking down a stream while drinking enough alcohol to kill all of the gigantic spiders living outside of Rachel's parents place. We made it down... some shorts were lost along the way (they don't float so well). In the morning, a little from the festivities, we left for New Orleans.

Doug's house was excellent. A great location plus fred the dog. A few po-boys and a good nights sleep later we were ready to brave the french quarter. If you havnt been there, the french quarter does not contain any regular groups of girls flashing people. Shame, but there is a lot of other good things to do. Between bars, (drunk) Karaoke (we walked past that place quickly), Preservation Hall, A wine and cheese bar with great music, Beignets (or as helen liked to call them Ben-gays), there is a whole lot to do. The big highlights were the wine and cheese place called Baccanale which we went to after taking a tour of the Lower 9th ward, the area hardest hit by katrina. There were many places that were being rebuilt, but many were still in ruins. Our friend Doug works for the Army Corps of Engineers so he knew a ton about the area. I found it a shame that non of the big corporations had rebuilt anything in the area. Abandoned KFC's and Taco Bell's which could be the first step towards rebuilding. I think the big companies with a lot of money missed the boat. Fred was another great highlight (and Doug). Sadly, we had to move onward to Texas!!

First stop, Austin. The capital city is pretty cool. We stayed in an off campus dorm for a few nights located right on "The drag" next to the university. We had a fabulous visit to the Texas History Museum and learned way too much about why Texas is so cool. Next we walked downtown and watched the "Largest Metropoiltan Bat Colony" fly off into the night from congress bridge. After a few miles of walking later around 6th street and some air hockey we headed back to the dorm. It was time to leave in the morning, but not without a stop at Whole Foods Headquarters. If you are ever in Austin, do not pass this up. It was everything I ever hoped for in Whole Foods and then more. We could have easily spent all day there. But we had to go. A quick stop in San Antonio to see the Alamo (highly recommended) and go on the River Walk (also amazing) and we drove through the montains of Texas (who knew) into the sunset all to end up here...in Pecos. I dont know whats here, but they have a hotel with laundry...we were both starting to smell.

Tomorrow it is on to Carlsbad Caverns. More fun soon.