Leg 7 - Houston to New Orleans

 I woke At 6:30 am not knowing what weather to expect. Pulling open the curtains I was greeted to clear blue sky. I packed up quickly, wolfed down a small cup of oatmeal (thanks Wendy!), and called for a Lyft ride to West Houston airport. 

There was a scattered layer around 2500 feet as I called Houston approach for flight following. The air was smooth but the forward visibility was somewhat limited by heavy haze.

In the distance I noted a line of building cumulus that initially caused me a little angst.  Was I going to run into thunderstorms?  As it turned out I would pass some number of these lines of building cumulus none of which developed into thunderstorms.

 It was a beautiful morning!

 As I headed West towards Abbeyville, my planned fuel stop, I realized that I was flying over nothing but empty swamp land. If my single engine decided to die here, even if I survive a landing, this swamp would probably get me.  

As a pilot there are certain things that you can do to mitigate your risk and then there some times when there is nothing you can do. I used to get stressed when I was in these situations. Today I just relaxed and enjoyed the amazing scenery. Linda - I took you're advice and just enjoyed myself! You would have been proud of me. 

I have read so many books involving the mighty Mississippi River. To me it is a mystical river that holds so much of our country's history. When it finally came into view, it was another emotional moment for me. I have a lot of these.  Linda calls me a whoosy man. She has a point.

I was going to be flying into the New Orleans Class Bravo and called up approach control. There is something a little intimidating about Bravo airspace.  It has everything to do with being in close proximity to commercial airliners. Also you need to be very precise about altitude and heading control. 

This is the third Bravo airspace I've been in on this trip. I have learned the secret to dealing with ATC. When you initially call up the approach tell them you are unfamiliar with the area and request vectors to your destination. It's like magic. They start treating you with kid gloves, making sure you understand their communications and direction. New Orleans approach was great in guiding me into Lakefront Airport (KNEW). They even read me the current weather at the airport.

I am very grateful for the way air traffic control has dealt with me on this entire trip. All of the controllers have gone out of their way to help this nervous pilot through complex airspace.

And soon Lake Pontchartrain came into view. As a reader of James Lee Burke books, this too was a sight that I was anxious to see for myself. 

On final to 09 at Lakefront

ATC basically allowed "own nav" direct to Lakefront Airport. I skirted the lake at 5500 feet until ATC cleared my descent down to 2000 feet. The wind gods were on my side as the control tower cleared me for a straight-in approach to runway 09. 

On final I could see downtown New Orleans and the Superdome. The sky was clear and the whole scene was stunningly beautiful. I pulled up to Flightline First and they fueled me up and put 972GL in a hangar for me.

You can see the Superdome in distance

I took a Lyft ride to the Fairfield Inn and checked in. I immediately headed out to the National WW2 Museum. The scale of this facility is monstrous. It is a beautiful, artistic, and moving experience.

I had to see Bourbon Street, so I got a Lyft and headed for it. Once there, I lasted about 2 blocks before I had to get the hell away! This was at 5pm. I can't imagine what it's like after dark. Screaming, crazy people, and blasting music was more than I could deal with.

I walked two blocks away and found a great little restaurant. I ordered a martini, fried alligator, and crawfish ettoufee. Everything was wonderful. After dinner I  listened to an amazing street singer as the sun began to set over New Orleans.

I had an amazing day. One I will never forget.