Travel Day

 Not too much to report, other than a rugged start to the day for me, we packed up and got checked our of Le Meridien.  Some thoughts on the slow recovery from COVID-19.  The rules and restrictions were applied haphazardly, with mostly performance inspection of vax passports etc. Just about every business we passed by had help wanted signs posted.  Staffing at the hotel was very short, no room cleaning or towel refresh occurred while we were there.  Much of the area appeared tired and dirty, more than by design.  The hotel was somewhat in disrepair and in need of a touch up.  Regardless, the locals we encountered were very happy to be back in the game and hosting a fulsome Mardi Gras celebration.  The activities we partook in outside of the French Quarter were non-threatening and very enjoyable.  FQ was a different story, as usual - crowded, boisterous, filthy and a bit scary on Bourbon Street.  Our cab to the airport was on time and very comfortable with an engaging driver.  Got there in plenty of time so my concerns about getting out of downtown on Fat Tuesday were unfounded.  We decided upon check in to test Hugh’s suggestion to upgrade our boarding order and paid the $30 each to move up to A3/A4.  Turned out to be a good move on this very full flight. Interesting change up at security where the usual trays for loose items were withheld, devices left inside carry on bag, initially  no removal of footwear.  Of course in those circumstances, by boots set off the alarm.  So then I had to remove them along with my belt.  While trying to get out of my right boot, I heard a loud pop and pain in my hamstring/gluteal was intense.  Really struggled to get that boot off, and of course now flustered an way behind Karen and my bags, plus belt fell through the rollers and had to get an agent to retrieve it.  Sometime later, after deciding to grab some junk food, I noticed I didn’t have my money clip/cash in my pocket.  First thought was I left it in a tray at security, but recalled that they didn’t provide trays and perhaps I put it in Karen’s purse?  That turned out to be the case, phew.  Our second leg boarding order (B28/B29) was much better and didn’t require an upgrade, plus the flight was sparsely occupied so my error in neglecting to check in 24 hours prior on the dot turned out to be not too bad.  Flights were smooth and on time and we were pleased to meet Bill and Jane in Savannah followed by the shortish drive to Hilton Head Island and a light meal at Dockside.  On to the Owner’s Club where they have a very comfortable house for our upcoming wind down of this lengthy road trip.