As we rolled into Louisiana, we could tell this state would be great because the sun came out, the birds started singing, and we found something to eat on the side of the road.
Jim and Mary rode out to meet our trio plus Gary, another cross country cyclist whom we've enjoyed getting to know.
Our posse of six rolled into DeRidder, Louisiana together.
My sweet aunt and uncle have turned us into quite the pampered pedalers with magnificent motor home meals and lightened loads. After mountain biking the Continental Divide in 2003, they know exactly what bicycle tourists crave.
I feel especially thankful to get to spend this time with them before my impending move to Seattle. We have much in common, including our great style.
April 18 started off with a display of Mary's gourmet resourcefulness: omelettes boiled in bags.
They were delicious!
Inspired to new levels of resourcefulness, we discovered that newspaper stands outside of gas stations double decently as chairs.
We've been so impressed with the kindness of the Louisiana locals that we're trying to be a bit more like them. After meeting Eva Lou, we decided that Louisiana is a state for first and middle names.
Henceforth, we became Jessica Claire, Caley Sue, and Mauddie Williams.
We took a dip in a river and met some more locals who told us all about "noodling." Unfortunately this fellow said the water was too cold or he was too old to show us how it's done, but he gladly posed for a photo.
In search of something pink for Tad to wear, we landed at the Oberlin thrift store perfectly on a Fill-the-bag-for-$2.50-Wednesday.
Not only did we find something pink (to be displayed at a later posting), we also found some shirts to cheer on the local team. Go Tigers!
I'm not sure if we've told all y'all about the Adventure Cycling group yet. We first met the 14 riders and their snazzy van in Marathon, Texas. Since then, we've played a sort of "Where's Waldo" as we find each other along the route. Beyond offers of food, camping, floor pumps, and beer, we've appreciated their company and commaraderie through headwinds, chip seal, and rainstorms. They've enthusiastically listened to our stories and taken pictures when we've gotten ourselves into a pickle (such as the time I was caught like a hog in a snare with my foot trapped in the river rope swing). In return, we've added at least 10 ideas to their list of alternative uses for chamois butter and given free (albeit useless) medical advice. We will certainly miss them down the road as we pick up the pace in our final weeks.
After a likely last beer with their group, we pedaled down roads lined with flooded fields.
Turns out they grow rice by winter and crawfish by summer. This kind man explained the process to us and let us play with his catch.
After another 20 miles of pedaling and a lesson from a local, we were ready to eat crawfish.
We refined our skills on 4 pounds of boiled Cajun crawfish.
We washed them down with a drive thru daiquiri.
We finished the day off with the other two members of our squad,
s'mores around a campfire, and our first sighting of a live armadillo. We saw it hop and later read that they have a "habit of jumping to about fender height when startled" (Wikipedia). No wonder we'd only seen them in their road kill form.
April 19 brought more bayous and surprises.
Our shirts have gained us supportive honks from passing cars but also a whole new slew of comments. "Did y'all ride here from the college?" or "You should know where to find gators; you're from around here." I guess we're fitting in.
We couldn't find a turn we were supposed to take so we carried on down a lovely road, waving at farm implements along the way.
Unfortunately, we had to take a gravel road for four miles. Look at those positive attitudes!
We noticed another set of bicycle tracks in the gravel, later met this cute couple, and bonded over our trek down the bumpy but scenic road. They'll be my neighbors in a couple months.
A serious morale boost was waiting for us at the post office in Simmesport.
Our friend Becky Selling sent treats for our journey, including money for ice cream. Thanks, Becky!
So we went to the Family Grill. We couldn't resist hush puppies, po boys, and fries. Before we even ordered ice cream, much of the family related to the Family Grill stopped by and chatted with us.
Darling Sadie made us a brownie delight and then a banana split.
Carter made one for Gary.
Apparently, ice cream treats made by the grand kids are on the house! Thanks so much Margherite and family! Guess we'll have to eat ice cream again, Becky.
We spent the night next to False River, which was truly part of the Mississippi 300 years ago.
Highlights of April 20 and 21 included crossing the Mississippi
eating local food
riding past plantations and castles
meeting up with other cyclists
and just having fun with Louisiana in general.
Louisiana has also taught us some lessons.
#1. If the fines for littering are high...
leave it in your yard
hide it in the river
or burn it!
# 2. Fire ant piles make poor bike rests.
# 3. When using a caterpillar as a mustache, be sure to select the non-nose stinging variety.
# 4. Kissing bugs don't kiss the way most people would like to be kissed.
# 5. Our dirty clothing can be used for cockroach extermination.
But Jim and Mary are survivors.
After 80 straight hours in our Oberlin Tigers shirts and 5 days in the great state of Louisiana, we've cleaned ourselves up to move on to Mississippi.
We'll miss you, Jim and Mary. Thanks for everything!
It sure has been fun reading this blog. I can't belive you guys are alresdy in Gulf Shores! Have you seen any evidence of the oil spill along the Gulf Coast? We were there just before that happened. I really liked the white beaches of Orange Beach that should be just coming up for you.
ReplyDeleteKeep having fun!
Geni
2 Joes and Karin in Hurley, NM
ReplyDeleteEnjoying sharing your trip!
Keep on riding!