New Orleans Reports: Ole Man River

Mark Twain's Life Along the Mississippi

By: Charles Giuliano - May 03, 2008

The broad Mississippi.

View from the Moonwalk.

From another angle.

Approaching the riverboat Natchez.

A rear view showing the paddle wheel.

A musician played tunes on a calliope to greet boarding visitors.

On the deck of the ferry to Algiers.

Harbor view from the ferry deck.

The waterfront from the ferry.

Another panorama.

The colorful tugboats.

A tug at work.

Forrest Whittaker in rehearsal.

Whittaker on the set along the waterfront.

Discussing a scene.

Whittaker aking a break.

A pensive moment.

Back at work.

 

Steps from the market in the French Quarter opposite Jackson Square is the Moon Walk of New Orleans. Strolling along the waterfront one comes to the river boat Natchez. On the top deck a musician plays the colorful calliope as folks board for an excursion.

Life along the Missisippi has been celebrated under numerous flags and is a part of our literature, culture and heritage.

The Natchez offers a four hour tour of the river. But, for free, pedestrians may take the ferry from the bottom of  Canal Street to Algiers. Cars pay for the voyage which lasts only a few minutes but offers a great view of the waterfront.

As a surprising bonus, on the oher side, we encountered a film crew at work. From the deck of the ferry we managed a couple of shots of Oscar Winner, Forrest Wittaker, at work.

Disembarking there wasn't much to see on the Algiers side of the harbor facing New Orleans. Other than that magnificent view. But we stopped at a pub for some succulent shrimp and then took the boat back. The price was right.