Sazerac

Yesterday was a long and frustrating day. For starters Mrs. Hawking and I fought early and often. It took me 2 hours to convince her that Baton Rouge was not North of Jackson, MS, but rather South and in Louisiana. When it became obvious that the Baton Rouge Audubon was unreachable I headed for the Orleans Audubon HQ. Mrs Hawking sent me into a condominium complex in Metairie, just NW of New Orleans. As it turns out however, she was right. Unfortunately the Audubon headquarters in Orleans is run out of an apartment. A few calls where made and i remain on more and more volunteer lists. I secured lodging a few blocks from the French Quarter and decided it was time to relax and seek out drinks, music and maybe some local knowledge or contacts on the relief efforts.

I was successful in all three regards. After meandering the French Quarter at sunset I settled into Bar Tonique and was quickly served the official drink of New Orleans, the Sazerac. Composed of Rye Whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters, Angostura Bitters, sugar, a twist of lemon, and a dash of Absinthe, I must say i have never had anything quite like it. The prep and mixing is a work of art and it became quickly apparent midway through mine, that no more than two of these should be consumed within a 24 hour period, lest one never find their way out of New Orleans.

Then I was off to Donna's Bar and Grill, located right on the border of the French District and Treme, for their traditional Monday night local musician Jazz Jam. The music was fantastic and I was surrounded by an incredible cast of characters. I felt very much like i had wandered into a bar in Mos Eisley. I began a conversation with the bartender that led to contact info for the head chef at the Ritz Carlton. He works with local fishermen on a daily basis and the bartender believes that my help could be greatly needed. So another option has presented itself.

I said my goodbyes to the fine people at Donna's promising to keep in touch, then full of drink, free bbq and new hope, walked back to the hotel using Bourbon Street, just to see what it's all about. I can say that even on a Monday night, Bourbon Street is everything you've ever heard it to be. An alcohol fueled playground for adults, wonderful madness, sex, drugs and jazz. I quickened my pace but promised to return.

This morning has been spent sending emails and making calls, trying to reach someone that will put me to serious work asap. I don't mind doing the little things, but i'm qualified for bigger. I head out shortly with the updated NOAA map and will begin clearing the beaches of litter in advance of oil's arrival.