Austin, Texas

Spent the day kayaking on Colorado River followed by some sampling of the eating/drinking scene.

The park along the river is beautiful and clean and runs directly through the city. This a great place to run or rent a kayak. The night scene is very lively and 100% worth checking out. No pictures of this quick visit but thought I would highlight would a couple days might look like here.

San Antonio, Texas

The Alamo 

Because I'm a tourist and history is interesting

San Antonio Rodeo

A visit to Texas isn't complete without checking out a rodeo

The District 

This rock climbing gym was probably my favorite little discovery in San Antonio. While this place is pretty small, they seem to have it all. On top of the bouldering walls and a weight room, they even have a ninja warrior obstacle course.

(Photos courtesy of The Districts website since I was too busy climbing to think of snapping shots: www.thedistrictsa.com)

New Orleans

New Orleans!

Up there with the greatest parties I have ever been to. Thanks to Chaz’s Hilton points we stayed in high class a block down from Bourbon Street.

My first beads rattled the side of my face as they landed in my French fries almost causing me to drop them. I threw the beads on the ground with anger only to realize that I had the wrong attitude. Those were my first beads and I should have slung it straight around my neck with joy.

The energy was high with people dressed in wild celebratory costume, massive amounts of beads often hanging from their necks, and lots of shenanigans. The crowds were concentrated near Bourbon and got more spaced out as you wandered into other streets and alleyways. Days were accompanied by drinks in hand and mass consumption of delicious Cajun food. Floats would glide by, beads would fly, and people got freaky.

The oldest bar in the U.S.

(Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop)

Food!

Crawfish Boil

(Amazing fried chicken and mac n cheese)