nosidetrips60sp2

--Lake Pontchartrain. During the mid-60's on those numerous trips to New Orleans from Atlanta, we'd often arrive in the wee hours (me, the driver always, exhausted from the 11-hour ordeal), park the car here by the Lake and catch some z's before going into the "Quarters" (French Quarter) to make connections and find a free place to stay. In those days, we were no different from the "flower children" who followed later, seeking a place to "crash" for the night or a few days. We were college kids (and working kids) and just didn't have the money for hotels. It never took us long to find a "pad". People were generous, and there were no strings attached. Those were wonderful days, and I met some nice people along the way. But those weekend trips from Atlanta were killers--I'd drive while my travelling companion(s) slept, going and coming--they arrived fresh in time for work or school Monday a.m. back at home. I arrived back home, too, but very, very tired and sleepy. Mondays back in Atlanta after those trips was an exercise in endurance. The trips when I'd stay in New Orleans a bit longer were the best ones.