Armadillos and Bourbon Street

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|| Rio || Canyon || Hoover|| Hot || Crime || Trees|| Pacifica || Links ||

We drove through Alabama, past Biloxi, witnessing hundreds of miles of alligatorinfested swamplands. Contrary to how it might sound, it's beautiful country. We arrived inNew Orleans before sunset, and camped at a site about fifteen mile outside of town.There's nothing quite like watching two large dogs attack an armadillo. There was at leastone of these strange creatures assigned to every campsite. The dogs had never encounteredanything like it. Regardless how viciously they bit, the armadillos completely ignoredthem, continuing their foraging as though the dogs didn't exist.
    After nightfall, myself and Jane ventured into New Orleans. While itwasn't Mardi Gras, the streets were still packed. At first, I was disillusioned, realizingthe famed French Quarter was every bit the tourist trap that Key West had become. Butafter a fine Cajun meal and a healthy sampling of local spirits, I was caught up in thespectacle. The highlights included a visit to a vendor of arcane goods and myparticipating in a Burlesque show.
    The next day came very early. We set off to find Hot Springs, Arkansas.
    The trip took us through a nameless town I have since christened"Malaria". I was attacked by thousands of mosquitoes, and now feel more thanqualified to play a role in Roger Corman's next film.
    Although born in Hope, Arkansas, our illustrious president moved to HotSprings when he was  an infant, residing there until leaving for college. Everywhereyou turn, the small town has statues, busts and murals depicting Clinton. The majorindustry there is crystal mining. Tourism is fueled by an endless parade of hippiespurchasing large quantities of crystals to resell in various forms. For twenty dollars,you can do the mining yourself and keep what you find.
    I met many interesting people at the campground. I must have said"No thanks, man" at least a dozen times.

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