Day 5

Moored at Oak Alley and had a tour of two Sugar Cane Plantations.  Built in the 1830's there are magnificent oak lined entrances to both homesteads that included many outhouses for the 200 slaves for each property.

The American Queen moored alongside the Oak Alley Sugar Plantation.

200 year old oak trees leading to the homestead.

The homestead has been built on hand made brick pillars to keep it above a possible flood from the Mississippi River.

French Quarter garden.

This water well was their only source of water.

Large iron pots used to boil up sugar now used for pot plants and lily ponds.

The area where the slaves grew vegetables for up to 200 people on the property.

Numbers of slaves working on the property.

Value placed on each slave!

Another out building being restored.

Housing for slaves, sometimes 3 families in each one.

The walk back to the Paddle Steamer.

And again.

And again.

Many motor bikes touring around the New Orleans area.

Underway again.

Many barges on the river carrying fertilisers, grains, coal and silt from the River.

Sunset on a balmy evening of 87 degrees.

Then we head for the evening floor show.

Many great singers and dancers on board.

Blues and Soul were the theme for the night.

And could they dance.

This one was an Opera singer, now a member of the quartet.