Day 5: Friendship

The as-yet-unnamed Volvo has seen some long days of late, and today was no exception. It carried us all the way from New Orleans to Dallas, TX, through some of the hottest weather we've seen yet, but it chugged along without getting tired, needing a pee break, or taking a nap -- more than can be said of the occupants. That Swedish Tank is an American hero.

Yes, we got off to a slow start yesterday as some of us were still recovering from the night before.  Pressed for time, we threw our clothes in the trunk and slammed the door. We said goodbye to our generous host and tour guide, Annie Mabus, promising to return to NOLA another time, and headed west for Texas.

But before leaving the city, on recommendation from a local friend, we stopped by Café Du Monde for some much needed coffee and beignets.  Breakfast in hand, we were on I-10 for approximately seven seconds before Johnny passed out in the backseat (more beignets for the rest of us!).   The three of us that were still conscious passed some time discussing some of our favorite classic TV shows.  After The Captain and LT2 explained the plots and complexities of Lost and Buffy to The Ocho, LT2 joined Johnny in a peaceful slumber. Under The Ocho's command, that Swedish Tank kept chugging along.

After a quick change with LT2 in Shreveport, LA, The Ocho spotted a billboard for a gator park, and LT2 made the call to check it out.  In no time at all, the Swedish Tank pulled in at the parking lot of “Gator and Friends: Gator Park and Exotic Zoo" and took a little snooze while we headed inside. Our wish of seeing gators in Louisiana had been granted!  Not only did we see gators, but we got to feed their friends: a variety of exotic animals, including kangaroos, lemurs, llamas, and an ostrich that will dominate Johnny's nightmares for years to come. It was a short stop, but a good one -- a good halfway point between NOLA and our destination.

It was not long before crossed the border into Texas.  LT2 immediately started playing the Friday Night Lights soundtrack and Johnny settled back into his slumber. The Ocho wondered if Warren had dogs, but nobody knew for sure. This was a big question for the Ocho. The tension was unbearable. Moments later, we pulled up to the Loegering Ranch where we were reunited with our dear friend Warren, which was great, but then Devan's question was answered when we met his two dogs, Memphis and Lyla, which made the day just overwhelmingly amazing. Odds are good that Ocho will try to take them with us when we leave for NM. Beer in tow, Warren drove us over to a beautiful park on a lake near his house.  As we enjoyed our local brews, we watched a gorgeous sunset over the lake and saw the Dallas skyline come alive with lights.  Needless to say, we were very impressed with Dallas. And the dogs. The dogs were amazing.

We headed back to Warren’s house for some much-needed showers and to meet up with Rich, another friend from Harvard.  Before heading uptown, we feasted on some of Wes Loegering’s famous smoked BBQ.  Warren and Rich showed us around the local scene as we hit Black Friars, Renfields, and the Ice House.  We were able to enjoy the phenomenal weather as all three bars had outdoor areas.  For the second time in as many days, The Captain was told that he looks like Mark Wahlberg  (it must be the recent facial hair).  After enjoying our last round of shots at the Ice House, we headed back to Warren’s place for a peaceful slumber. The Volvo, too, will enjoy its first rest day tomorrow. Warren's dad has promised waffles for the morning. Here in Dallas, TX: the good times, they are a-coming...