Day 33, October 23, Winding down and Steamboat Natchez cruise

We had light rain through the night but it was quite a comfortable 19.2C when we got up.
Went to Walmart as the rain continued. I guess the skies are sad that our tour is almost over!

At lunch, the WM showed a slideshow of the trip, which brought back memories of our adventures over the past month.





Of course, we had to eat, and the park provided a great lunch buffet which included French bread for Po-Boy sandwiches, fried catfish, shrimp, crawfish pies, a veggie tray and fruit tray.








We have had plenty of practice with buffets over the past month!












At 4:45, it was still raining as we boarded the shuttle buses to go to the Toulouse Street Wharf for an evening Jazz cruise.




The Steamboat Natchez is 265 feet long, 46 feet wide with a draft of 7 feet. The Paddle-wheel is 25 feet in diameter and weighs 26 tons. Steam is the sole means of forward and reverse propulsion.











After boarding and being seated with friends, at 6:00 we were subjected to yet another buffet! During dinner we were treated to New Orleans swing style music by the Grammy nominated "Dukes of Dixieland". It was VERY loud!








Following dinner we were free to wander around the three decks of the boat. At 7:00, we cast off for the cruise up and down the Mississippi River, enjoying the lights.









St. Louis Cathedral from the boat.



On our return to the dock at 9:00, our shuttle buses met us and took us back to the park.

Our amazing adventure is sadly coming to an end.