We passed acres of crawfish farms and hundreds of crawfish trucks on the highway. \240

The oaks are estimated to be about 300 years old. \240Their arms stretch the entire length of the front property. \240Although some branches are weighted down to the ground, they continue to thrive.

Different from the Antebellum plantations, the colonial main house exterior design is less garish and more functional. \240Inside is where you see the french influence; ranging from wall and ceiling colors to the china, fireplace detail, and wall paper.

The open hearth kitchen is separate from the main house, so not to add heat or smells to the rooms. \240The garden is directly in back of the kitchen.

Herbs and vegetables continue to grow in the ample garden block.

Here you can see artichokes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, celery, beets cabbage and lettuce.

The kitchen is amazing, with spits, an oven, and tons of cooking tools.

Jim checking out the privy...

...which happens to be a three-seater. \240

This is a sugar press, where the slaves and donkeys would squeeze the juice from the cane stalks. \240Although there were slave quarters on the property, and we did see them, I don't feel right about making them part of this journal. \240I do not doubt the building housed slaves, but question the quality and decor of the rooms.

Standing on a mill stone, you can see how massive this oak is. \240There are ferns growing on some of the branches.

This building is a pigeonnier, housing pigeons and doves, very common to the creole farms.

Our guide, Alan, is native to Louisiana and manned the boat while spotting all bayou creatures. \240It was amazing to watch. \240He took us as close as possible to the finds, while respecting the bayou. \240At times, he shut off the engine and let us drift, so that we could just listen, look, and enjoy.

If Alan had not spotted and pointed out the alligators, I am certain I would have missed them. \240

The cypress trees are marvelous to look at and provide so much in the bayou. \240The old cypress are hollow inside, and we briefly talked about how they are used by lizards, squirrels, snakes, birds, and bugs.

The tinest frogs, called cricket frogs, sing the loudest song.

Alan caught and showed a crawfish, which is the primary food source in fresh water bayou.

Although this cypress is hollowed out in its core, we could see its green leaves budding.

The floating carpet in the bayou is full of life. \240

As we finished the day, a steamy mist rose from the water, and the temperature would change from warm air to cold in seconds. \240Alan took us down the main channel back to the dock. \240It was an incredible experience.

The stunning beauty of a most eerie place:

We learned that the Mardi Gras party begins well before the day of Lent. \240The parties, associated days, traditions, and feasts are based a complex and cherished custom. \240There are krewes, and kings, queens, cakes, masks and beads.

This guy wanted us to purchase some of his street art (at $100 per). \240When we declined, he had a lot of names for us.

Inside the balconied buildings are beautiful gardens. \240This was a grest surprise to me.

Jackson Square was filled with costumed and masked people, music, food, horses and carriages. \240It lies directly parallel to the Mississippi River. \240While standing on the banks of the river, it is easy to see how the french quarter lies below sea level.