Though I am often near the Gulf Coast during Mardi Gras, I have never been to New Orleans for the big event. The only time I was in New Orleans at the right time, my camping neighbors made Swamp People look like Rhoads Scholars so there was no need to go down to Bourbon Street to see real characters!

If you are unaware what Mardi Gras is about, it’s actually a time where people can go out and sin as much as they can before Lent kicks in and spoils all the fun. Or something like that. They dress up in all kinds of weird costumes and throw five-cent beaded necklaces to the crowds who are begging for them like desperate masses hungry for bread. Not being too attentive, I know where lint comes from but not sure why it’s important this time of year.

Beads end up strung on light poles and trees, kids get lost, men wander off and screaming women lose all sanity in their rush for more beads and moon pies.