3/8

Best made plans of mice and men... She Who Must Be Obeyed wanted to explore downtown Lafayette, so we stopped at the visitor center on the way. Found out there was a parade, and a restaurant that serves beignets. Caught the tail end of the parade and drove past many folks camped by the route, cooking and eating - and perhaps enjoying a cold beverage. We passed several floats/party wagons returning and/or going to the next parade. It rained most of the day, and we drove several miles through torrential rains west of Baton Rouge. Visibility very limited. Slowed to 45, made sure the lights were on, and hit the flashers. Haven't driven in that kind of rain in many years. Stopped for lunch at 1:30 at Don's in Hammond. Many places close for Mardi Gras, but the parking lot was packed. Another dozen oysters, and a cup of crawfish bisque. Made it to Gulfport around 3:30, and checked into a Holiday Inn Express with gulf view. Put only 200 miles on the car today. Local weather is full of tornado watches in Miss. If weather does no cooperate, we will stay another day.