Welcome Home Rafteers!	Rafting on the Mississippi River Chicago to New Orleans, June-July 1964 Arrival Photographs (Click on images to enlarge)

The appearance of a harbor tug let us know that we were nearing our destination.		The Greater New Orleans Bridge was a familiar landmark, guiding us home.		To those waiting for us, we were a speck compared to a nearby ship or the steamer President (far left).
As we approached Eads Plaza, we could start to see the crowd that had gathered for our arrival.		We used the motor to stay clear of docked ships and to work our way close to the landing.		The Mississippi was cooperative that Sunday with only a little choppiness.
A large crowd of family, relatives, and friends gathered to greet us. Sunday was a good day for that.		As we made our landing, Ron took a picture of the gathering. Thankfully, no one fell in!		Ron's picture as we came in. Our parents looked the happiest—and the most relieved.
Our landings were usually an adventure. This one was no exception.		A "Welcome Home Rafteers" sign was held up by Kathleen Hellmers (left) and Judy Wedig (right).		Once tied off, we could relax for a few pictures: Les, Norm, Mike, and Ron leaning over.
Ron said we should hold up our sugar cane stalks, souvenirs of our stop in St. James Parish.		Les, Ron, Norm, and Mike with sugar cane stalks.		Once on land, we were interviewed by WNOE (radio), WDSU-TV, The Times-Picayune.
The raft that carried us 1,391 miles. Those who saw us arrive were surprised by its small size.		The 10 by 15-foot raft was our home for 33 days; we had mixed feelings about saying goodbye.		We left the landing at Eads Plaza and headed downriver for Chalmette, our last stop.
The United States Coast Guard landed their helicopter near us to have one last look.		The last leg was made with six voyagers, including Ron's brothers Bruce and Rich.		Norm gets his "land legs" back and poses with his parents, sister Eileen, and brother Leonard.
Raft arrival home movies by Jim Turner
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