Backstage along the river

This is just a little ways down the river from the shot yesterday. This river walk area is between the Mississippi River and the French Quarter. A lot of infraststructure in this area, yet they managed to keep it very scenic. Notice the three railroad tracks by the street car. In addition to the street cars, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad runs along here.

Notice the wall behind the street car? That's the flood protection wall. "How can you protect from a flood with a big hole in the wall?" you ask. Look on the left side of the opening where the yellow signs are. If you look carefully, you will notice the wall is a little wider there. That's a flood gate that rolls across the opening on tracks. Fortunately it doesn't get used very often.

Next comes the parking area for the river walk, the Shops at Jax Brewery and the whole French Quarter thing. Your only a block or so from Cafe du Monde -- a required visit when you come to New Orleans -- for beignets and coffee.

Then you climb the steps up to the river walkway. (Feel free to step on the grass -- its a favorite spot for lounge for events like the French Quarter Festival.)

The tug boat is almost always anchored there -- I guess so it can be close at hand when it is needed.

Below, I just wanted to revisit yesterday's post. How do you get from where we were yesterday to where we are today? -- Through this passageway. Notice all the electrical apparatus? If you were walking through this passage, you wouldn't. You'd be oblivious to it all. Strange that we see only what we want to see.