Tack reference Tuesday

I visited New Orleans several times in the mid-1990's, mostly without my camera. As a result, I have just one picture of the city's iconic carriage mules from that time frame. 

Last month, I flew into New Orleans to visit my friend, Carol. She picked me up and the airport, and we spent the day with my nephew, Tom, and his wife, Erin, before heading east to Carol's Ocean Springs, Mississippi home.

For the return trip, we decided to spend a little more time in New Orleans. We drove over the day before my flight, checked into a hotel and then walked to the French Quarter.

Eventually, we found a quieter place...

for dinner...

and drinks.

After that, we walked to Jackson Square...

and found the mules!

This time, I took all the pictures.

Old habits die hard. Even though I'm sure I'll never need them, I still took a slew of harness and carriage reference pictures. Just in case.

Of course, then we decided we needed to go for a ride.

This is "our" mule, Archie.

And we're off!

It wasn't the most exciting carriage ride we've been on together - those honors will forever belong to Robby in Bruges - but it was fine.

I enjoyed seeing New Orleans framed between Archie's big ears.

Thanks, friend!

And thank you to Carol, too. I'm so glad we got to do that!