Spectacular floats move along the parade route at the 2011 Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, the highlight of a 5-day bus tour. Traveling from Sun City Hilton Head in South Carolina, we overnighted at a gambling hotel in Biloxi, MS before proceeding to New Orleans, then spent two nights in a hotel right on the parade route. On Wednesday, we motored to the San Destin Hilton resort along the Gulf Coast on the Florida Panhandle where the Gulf of Mexico beaches were wonderful. We can cross Mardi Gras off our bucket list.

Left: Upraised arms beg for beads thrown from floats during Mardi Gras parade.

Upper: Karen displays some of her beads. She had a shoppng bag full before the parade was over.

Above: The parade king. Right: Gays hold a costume contest.


Here we are on Bourbon Street. We became alarmed at the unrully and drunk crowds and left without any bourbon.


Left: All worn out from standing on the parade route, we sip a cocktail while watching the parade from our hotel room.
Above: Band majorette struts her stuff.


We watch the sun rise over the Gulf of Mexico from our hotel at Biloxi, MS.

Karen and I enjoyed this tour presented by Lorraine Alen Tours escorted by Loraine herself.
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