Alligator Po’ Boy

08/19/2007

The crew in New Orleans has been working and playing hard. Thursday was their first day off in the Crescent City and they took full advantage of it. They spent the morning at Mardi Gras World where many of the parade floats are made and a lot of different characters are stored. Everyone got the chance to try on some of the costumes and make a mask. The kids had a blast and took some great pictures. There has been some technical difficulty with the transfer of pictures to a computer, but that should be resolved soon and I will be sure to post them as soon as they come in. They spent the afternoon exploring art galleries and shops in the French Quarter. Dinner that night was at the Gumbo Shop. Jambalaya, gumbo, and pecan pie were on the menu as everyone went for some true New Orleans food. Then it was back to the YMCA for showers and some relaxation time before bed.

Friday was another early day as work continued with Habitat for Humanity. Everyone worked on some framing inside the house and installing “rat runs” which is what they call the supports between the rafters. Then it was back to the YMCA for a movie and some pool. Apparently, Bohao is becoming quite the pool shark.

Saturday brought an opportunity to work at City Park. The crew met Lisa, the volunteer coordinator, at 9 and got to work on the football field. The city football leagues are beginning soon and the field needed a lot of help. Our crew helped by raking the field. After their morning of work, lunch was in order. They ended up at the Parkway Bakery – the city’s [self-proclaimed] oldest and most entertaining po’ boy restaurant. Katie got the Alligator Po’ Boy and a lot of the kids tried it as well. The food has been great and everyone has been trying new things frequently. The afternoon was spent hanging at the YMCA before they headed to the New Orleans Zephyr’s AAA baseball game. They got seats right behind third base as the Zephyr’s took on the Oklahoma Redhawks. Sian jumped up and got her picture taken with Boudreaux D. Nutria, the Zephyr’s mascot. Nothing says baseball like a large South American aquatic rodent. The Zephyrs lost a tough one 5-4, but everyone had a great time and headed back to the YMCA for the night.

Sunday is another day off with the Audubon Aquarium as a possibility. Check back late Tuesday for another update.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zach eigenbrodt

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Zach couldn't keep himself out of the woods when growing up. He started working at a Northern Wisconsin YMCA Camp as a wilderness trip leader while in college and fell in love with getting kids into nature. The smiles on kids faces after returning from a once in a life time wilderness experience is why he is here today. Zach brought his talents to Frost Valley YMCA, in 2014, when he started as the Trips Coordinator and soon was promoted to Adventure Director. Zach loves all forms of Wilderness exploration, though some would say his heart lies most with canoeing.