It's Carnival season once again in New Orleans and Mardi Gras is only a few short days away. I've been to four parades this year, and I have to say, I'm just not feelin' it this year. I got a few beads, but I wasn't even into trying. Last year was a lot of fun, but it was still new, a novelty for me. My mom got to be here for a few parades and we had fun going together, but this year all the excitement of it seems to be gone. Because the super krewes roll this weekend, more and more tourists are here and driving is a nightmare.

Out-of-towners don't seem to grasp the u-turn etiquette and yesterday one stopped on the neutral ground, right across the trolley tracks. I had followed her into the intersection thinking (as anyone who drives here regularly would) that she would continue to cross, even if the light turned yellow or red. But no, she stopped both of us right acorss the tracks through an entire light cycle.

It was then that I made my final determiniation: I am not staying in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. It would drive me nuts to be stuck in my house all day but going out is not an option. It will be a bit too chilly to spend a day at the beach in Pensacola (3 hours away) and Baton Rouge is likely not far enough away from all the action.

I am spending today working on a plan and location for my escape Tuesday. The rules are that it not be more than 3 hours away (since it's a day trip), it can't cost more than a tank of gas and one or two meals and it can't be anywhere that has anything to do with beads, crowds or alcohol. So, I've got my work cut out for me.

I'm currently leaning toward a park in Mississippi that has more than 40 waterfalls and some decent hiking. There is also a national forest in Mississippi that is a possibility. I'll be sure to post photos of my final destination.