Southern Calif to New Orleans

[jenna]

I am a photographer going to New Orleans from California to photograph post-Katrina homes/landscapes. The original plan (going) was to stop in Tucson, Austin & then NO but I would like to deviate from the itinerary on the return to get the most out of the trip. I would appreciate any suggestions about places to see along the way or locations that I should stop to photograph some of the aftermath of Katrina & Rita. I have already traveled extensively through AZ, so please post ideas for NM, TX and LA. Other scenic locations for images (old towns, buildings, architecture - cultural locations vs big technologically advanced cities) and anywhere warm w/ water (mineral baths, natural pools) to swim in for a break. Thank you in advance.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I am a photographer going to New Orleans from California to photograph post-Katrina homes/landscapes.

Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum!

I have already traveled extensively through AZ, so please post ideas for NM,

I really like the area up by Eagle Nest lake and find the "big sail" an amazing place to find unusual light in the early morning and raking light at pre-dusk.

and anywhere warm w/ water (mineral baths, natural pools) to swim in for a break.

There are some hot springs alongside the Rio Grande in the Big Bend National Park -- but I think you would really enjoy some of hot springs profiled here by Jaimie Hall.

Happy Planning!

Mark

[Quebec Gen]

Hi Jenna,
Welcome to the RTA Forum!

In addition to Jamie Hall's article, here's another link to various hot springs in the south west.

Hum off the beaten path uh? Have you been in South Eastern Arizona? San Xavier Del Bac, Nogales, Patagonia, Bisbee, Bowie and Ft Bowie, Douglas and Agua Prieta (Mx)? In New Mexico, I once followed more or less the Mexican border on highway 9 from Rodeo, NM to El Paso, TX. There are not many tourists and lots of interesting small towns like Columbus and its Pancho Villa State Park and the Railroad Depot Museum.

In Texas, check out downtown El Paso and the Old Mission Trail and historic San Antonio (Ft. Alamo, Spanish Missions, Brackenridge Park). I think the area of Big Bend National Park provides lots of photo opportunity. On your way to Big Bend, Valentine on US90 is an interesting ghost town with adobe ruins and a Prada Window Display in the middle of nowhere.

I went in New Orleans in December and the part of the city just east of the French quarter was one of the places where the damages were still pretty visible. You can also check out Lafayette Cemetary and take a trip down to Biloxi, MS.

Have a nice trip!
Gen