Greg Thurnher's golf cart has putted around the streets of New Orleans for years, transporting him and his friends to Mardi Gras parties.

Now, his golf cart is starting to see a little more of the world.

The 26-year-old began his trek on his golf cart from Los Angeles back to New Orleans on Sunday, expecting to pass through Yuma today.

Thurnher, who graduated from high school in Scottsdale and recently from Tulane University in New Orleans, said dwindling tourism and residential figures since Hurricane Katrina prompted the journey to remind people that New Orleans is "truly American."

"Just hundreds of years of history is all intact," he said. "Just the people there are fantastic. ... It troubles me to think they may forego what New Orleans has to offer.

"I'm taking what means a lot to me as a symbol. It may not be a golf cart waiting for you in New Orleans, but I guarantee there is something fantastic. If it takes me what I'm passionate about cross-country to get people (to notice), so be it."

The golf cart, which is registered and has been inspected by the Arizona Department of Transportation, will keep to back roads as much as possible. If highway driving is needed, Thurnher said, he would do it only with local law enforcement permission. Otherwise, he has a lead car with a trailer, just in case.

Thurnher is expected to arrive at 7:30 p.m. today at the Jack in the Box at 2678 W. 16th St.

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Sun staff editor Jackie Leatherman contributed to this report. She can be reached at jleatherman@yumasun.com or 539-6849.