Well, after a little technical mayhem, I'm able to get out a new post on our blog. Not that everyone's hanging on every word, but I'd like to get a post out after each visit to the chalet. My wife, Judy, and I spent the weekend of February 23rd. Even in the Winter, it's still a great place to get away. While the scenery isn't as pretty as Spring through Fall, it still has it's look and (of course) it's still very quiet. We had a nice surprise waiting for us when we visited that seemed to coincide with my travels the week before. The "Fawdas" from New Orleans (or more correctly Kenner, Biloxi, Memphis,etc.) left us a Mardi Gras throw for our cabin. Thanks a lot, guys! We have made it a permanent part of our chalet for all of our guests to enjoy. This seemed to fit very well with my trip leading up to our weekend at the Chalet. I was in New Orleans the Wednesday after Mardi Gras for a conference. Judy and I used to live in Kenner when we first got married and have many great memories of Nawlins. My visit this time was the first since Katrina hit the area and even though the Weather Channel runs a Katrina feature a week (talk about exploitation), I was still shocked by what I witnessed. While much has been made about the destruction of the 9th Ward, the damage is much MUCH larger than that(not that the 9th Ward didn't suffer some of the worst damage and loss of life... it did indeed). Areas of Metairie east to the gulf are still suffering. Many many homes are still unoccupied, while others are still being recovered. I can't express how bad this is. Eighteen months after the storm, the area is still severely damaged. Still, this is Nawlins. Historically, it's been through a lot and it always bounces back. I'm glad that Mardi Gras was good this year and the tourist areas are still able to generate some much needed influx of capital. Hopefully, some of this money will make it to the folks that so badly need it. My recommendation is to try and visit New Orleans on your next vacation (if you're not coming to Serenity Hill that is) and help contribute to the rebuilding of the area. It's still a great place to spend some time and you might even be moved to throw in some “laniappe” for the good people of New Orleans. ========== Spring's coming to the mountains, so if you're looking for a beautiful place to see the season's change, give our chalet a try. We think you'll find it a great place to experience this time renewing time of year.
