The Final Girl Day
It’s Swamp Day! And clean up day. But Swamp Day is more important! I gathered my crew, kidnapped one of the bridesmaids, and journeyed out into the swamps of Louisiana. Alligators. Snakes. The DEAD! Who knows what will be crawling out of those murky waters.
–Note from a friend of the author: She’s being dramatic. It’s not that bad.
–Note from the author: It’s called building suspense! Let me finish!
(Stop cringing, Kenneth.)
Swampy Excursions
After getting separated into largish groups, we made our way to the boats. Our guide, Scott, mentioned that I could sit at the end to help make room. I didn’t tell anyone, but I’m incredibly grateful for that tidbit because I didn’t have to squeeze in between people or keep myself from crowding in with others. I got my own seat right next to the captain. I could hear everything he had to say and joke around with him.
While I loved every tour on the NOLA trip, the swamp tour was the most relaxing one. It was a beautiful day, and there was a light breeze keeping us all cool in the Louisiana spring heat. We weaved along the maze of wetlands, learning about trees whose roots grew up out of the water, the jumping spiders that sprung from the grass, and the alligators that probably wouldn’t show themself due to varying temperatures the past couple of days.
A moment of excitement hit when a raccoon heard our propellers and mosied into the area. It was SO CUTE! Its tiny, wet face looked around, asking for food. They had very little time to gather the protein pellets our guide was throwing because a wild hog meandered into the area. Apparently, they’re fantastic swimmers, and we got to see her in action as she swam toward us for food. She was so close we could pet her, but we didn’t. While this may seem like nothing to some people, being close to these animals in the wild feels thrilling.
Going out on the swamp water is more soothing and exciting than ever expected. If I go back to New Orleans, this is definitely an excursion I’ll do again.
As we sped through the waters, we saw more raccoons and turtles. A couple people thought they saw a gator here or there, but if they did, then it dipped back under the murky waters before others could take a gander. We didn’t see any alligators by the end of the ride, but it was still worth the tour. (It helps that we went to the gator farm earlier in the trip.) I was happy to leave this excursion without a sunburn, no bug bites, and a relaxed state of mind.
A Walk in the Park
After the swamp tour, we drove over to the City Park. I heard about a place called “Storyland,” and the bride’s maids spent time there the day before. They said it was excellent, and I’m all about nostalgia stories. So while I wanted to take the group to a nice/cheap place to hang out for a bit, I also had ulterior motives.
The weather was sunny, just right for some time at the giant park. It was packed full of people; cars parked bumper to bumper. Casey almost parked us at the entrance in the first spot he saw. I quickly told him to keep going because this place was huge, and I was not about to walk all the way to the area we were heading.
Storyland was awesome. It was a little rundown but so much fun. It’s fairly interactive and cute. A couple of us got to be astronauts or mer-peeps. I got to live my lifelong dream of being the old woman in the shoe–that’s what I get for hanging out with the younger crowd. CReesey tried to ask the mirror where the Dippin’ Dots were, but it didn’t know. I thought one of my favorite parts would be Captain Hook’s boat, but actually, it was the “life-sized” Candy Land game. (The yellow questions were broken, so if you go to play and look like they’re not fixed, go back and spin for a new color.)
The boys had a lot of fun running up the beanstalk and then took their ever-lovin’ time sliding back down. By that point, the other girls were on a mission to find the Dippin’ Dots advertised. (I’ll let you in on the secret: there are no Dippin’ Dots there.) While this place caters to children, I can honestly say that the little town at the hefty price of $6 is worth checking out. There’s also putt putt nearby and a little amusement park with rides and everything. It’s a good day out trip for visitors and locals.
Once we left, we hung out by the park area. Many people were out enjoying their time in the sun, playing games, or laying out. Seems like a great place to meet family and/or friends for a picnic. You may even get a chance to find the Dippin’ Dots! (Check in the putt putt building.)
I made fun of the girls for getting two packs each as we were about to go to dinner, but then I ate my words as they let me eat some of their flavors. Eventually, our group grabbed some spoons and shared in the super frozen delight.
By the time we ventured for seafood, I knew I was walked out. There was no way I would make it back out into the city for any “last night” events. Seemed like I wasn’t the only one, as the whole group ended up staying in that night. Some wanted to check out the live music in town, which I suggest people go experience the New Orleans live music scene, but sometimes your body yells at you to stop after all the go-go-go. We enjoyed our night with games and pool. It was fun to hang out with everyone before the send-off.
My lasting impression of New Orleans?
- Beautiful
- Incredible history
- The music is awesome
- More than just all the alcohol
- Gators are tasty
- Always know where to find the Dippin’ Dots
