Had a good nights sleep in the tent although it is much warmer now. Have quite a few 'lumps and bumps', not sure if they are heat spots or bites. Probably bites as there are a few red ants and mossies about. Very hot early morning with 73.1 miles to cover today. No jumper, just shorts and t-shirts from the start. I usually feel sluggish for the first 25 miles, but not today, I felt rested and strong. The land has really flattened out now, just long rolling roads winding through lush countryside. There were no services so Sean parked the van at a halfway point for snacks and to refill water bottles. Thank goodness. In 73 miles I now have no long stops - today I stopped for a couple of photos and to graze at my packed lunch. I was ambling along when I suddenly spotted a tortoise in the middle the road. I thought, I'll need to help that little guy or he will get squashed. By the time I turned round and cycled back he had made it over. Lisa helped one across too. Tonight we are camping in Van Cleave, Louisiana by a lake and I wish you could hear the racket...as night fell the frogs started croaking...then the ducks started quacking, the noise is unbelievable ....no sleep tonight unless it stops. Tonight we went to a very popular local Cachun Restaurant for our meal. It was wonderful - I had chicken fahitas with salad, guatomole and sour cream. Huge portions. Of interest to some, I asked the guys what type of bike they brought on the tour - the 4 ladies have 2 hybrids, 1 tourer and 1 mountain bike. The 8 men have 5 road bikes and 3 tourers. The 2 leaders have tourers. I have been very happy with my hybrid 'Spike the Bike', fairly light weight with a range of gears capable of coping with the rigours of the trip. Another 70 miler tomorrow and we enter Louisiana...bring it on.....still loving it....although I wish those darned frogs and ducks would SHUT UP.....
Friday, 27 April 2012
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Homeless in New Orleans !!!!
Spent a very comfortable night in a big soft bed. Great. At breakfast I made myself a huge waffle, and smothered it in maple syrup. Makes a change from pancakes, I hear you say. We were staying in the French Quarter which was untouched by the floods. I saw no signs of destruction, apparently it was about 5 miles away and is mostly rebuilt now. I decided to visit the Civil War Museum, a half hours walk away and enjoyed strolling, slowly, through New Orleans, observing its streets and inhabitants, as it gradually awakened. Very friendly people but very tourist orientated. I arrived at the Museum before opening time so sat on the steps and took my shoes off. The biggest black man you have ever seen, wearing a T-Shirt stating, 'Social Volunteer' , stopped and described someone he was looking for. I said I hadn't seen him and as he turned to go said 'You're not homeless are you?' I laughed and said 'No I was a tourist'. I know I haven't ironed my clothes for 6 weeks and I live in a tent but...... The Civil War Museum was old and musty and slanted towards the Confederate side. I was amazed at the smallness of their uniforms and hats. The guide agreed that they were men of small stature. I am told there is still ill-feeling in parts of the southern states and some say 'the war isn't over yet'. Afterwards, I watched a paddle steam ship cross the Mississippi and visited 'Cafe du Monde' again for another 'Beignet'. A farewell look at Bourbon Street then we headed back to camp in the van. Sean said, at one point, he looked round and we were all sleeping. We had Subways for dinner, so no cooking for anyone tonight. Managed to get all my laundry washed and dried, well I thought I should make an effort, get rid of the homeless look. It is very hot in the tent tonight, with a lot of creepy crawlies about. Enjoyed my two days off but it takes you out of the 'zone'. Back in harness tomorrow, another 75 mile day looms..... loving it still.....
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
The Magic of New Orleans.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Mississippi State - Poplarville 79.9 miles
Tent is always wet with condensation in the morning. Not so good for packing away. I was up at 6.00am and washed, packed, breakfasted and ready to leave for 7.10am. I was surprised to find that I was one of the last on the road. Everyone was away sharp as we were cycling 80 miles. I hate being near the back so perhaps because of this I felt the first 30 miles dragged. I watched the bike computer tick over every half mile. Not good. I eventually caught up with Dee, Todd and Merv and felt much happier. The terrain was rolling hills with a mixture of expensive houses and poorer housing estates. The bigger houses all have massive fields, with a lake, as gardens. They all need to use sit on lawn mowers to cut the grass. We had a mixture of tail and headwinds to help us along. About 40 miles in we left beautiful Louisiana and entered Mississippi. As usual I was chased by dogs today, it is happening so often now it is almost not worth mentioning. Near the end of the ride we cycled into a 'drive in' cafe and I ordered a yummy vanilla milk shake. All cream and ice-cream - delicious. I was on dinner duty with Dee tonight and we cheated by not cooking but made tuna salad, olives, tomatoes, green salad, cottage cheese and crusty bread. It was a refreshing change and everyone enjoyed it and took seconds. Tomorrow is our first day off in 11 days and we are heading, in the van, for New Orleans. Staying the night there, then returning to this camp the following day. Looking forward to the break and as there is a jazz festival on, looking forward to New Orleans. Want to come Mhairi ?? Life is good....still loving it....
House Letter Box with Spring Decoration, Entering Mississippi State, Drying out Tent at Poplarville Campsite.
