So training in the finer arts of drinking beer was going just fine down here in New Orleans as we conditioned for the start of the trip next week.... until.... members of the law enforcement community took exception to it.  The best we can remember  it was something to do with allot of beer, a broken chair (or two), a French Poodle and threats that went something like, "...OH YEAH?!"  Anyway, after a brief tour (courtesy of the city of New Orleans) of a city owned vehicle, a city owned building and the Parish courthouse, we lost our case.  So much for representing yourself at trial after studying law for 7 years watching Law & Order reruns on the USA network.

There is good news, however!  While the start of the trip next week appeared in jeopardy because of some technicality involving 30 days on some sort of work crew, we appealed (learned that trick on Law & Order - cool, huh?)   Anyway, after retaining a low priced public defender, a high priced judge that accepted out of town cash, and staggering into the Court of Appeals - all charges were dropped, we were released on our own recognizance and ordered to leave the state within 5 days.  Perfect!  We were planning to leave in 4 days anyway, so we still have the weekend to continue the training where we left off and if you believe any of this... then you need another beer too!
 

VICTORIOUS!  Taken as we leave court after "paying" the price for justice (if you know what we mean!)