Just a short drive south into the Gulf of Mexico, on a thin strip of land aptly nick named
"The End of The World", lies Ground Zero. This where the worst hurricane in
history, Katrina, made landfall. Temper your apprehension, as
the drive down Highway 23 turns that feeling into awe.
This is where it happened. The devastation, while apparent, did not put these wonderful
people down for the count. The adventure starts in Belle Chase and
goes deep into The Gulf, ending in the tiny town of Venice. Watch the mile markers
as you travel south 59 miles. The beauty is indescribable. Soon you'll know
why so many songs revolve around the southern parts of the United States.
The Mississippi river on one side of the highway with the Gulf of Mexico on the other;
that in itself is daunting. The power of the water, though harnessed, makes you realize how
minute we really are. Orange groves and every type of fruit and nut tree line the roads.
The smells are delicious and fresh.
The land has been cleaned and for the most part all debris removed, piled, and burned.
Where houses once stood, are clean and neat mobile homes with well manicured
lawns overlooking the rebuilding of brand new homes. What is most apparent is the heart
of these inhabitants. Love of the land and family overflowing. Not only visible to the
naked eye but also touchable, and it's contagious, it slips up on you and you'll feel it in
your bones. The smiles and the "how ya'll doin today?" come from all directions.
You'll feel welcome and a part of the fabric of this great state. Katrina might have knocked
them down, but they will have the last laugh, for not only did they get right back up, but
they also got up united and stronger than ever.
If you get to Louisiana this should be a must see.
It's America the way it is supposed to look.
Proudly serving New Orleans and Southern Louisiana
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