Today’s ride started almost twenty degrees warmer than yesterday. It was also more humid and that humidity turned to off and on rain and drizzle. I had carried rain gear in a small pack today, and I pulled it out for a short time. At lunch I took off my rain shorts because it was just too warm, and luckily, I really didn’t need them any more later in the day. As it turns out, there was a down pour shortly after we got to the hotel. Yes, a hotel!!! The hot showers with real towels was a welcome change from campgrounds and schools (and paper bath towels). Because of the rain, we didn’t get too many pictures. However, luck was on our side when we (finally) crossed into Louisiana. Our fifth state!! We were able to photograph the welcome sign – and also look back and get the welcome to Texas sign that we didn’t get when we entered Texas (there wasn’t one where we entered). After my shower, and Janet’s three-mile run, we walked to the post office to take a picture. Tonight, crawfish were on the snack menu and I had my first crawfish. A lot of work for so little meat! Right now, there is a 70% chance of rain at 8:00am tomorrow. I’m hoping it updates in our favor overnight.
Stats from the day:
Start city: Silsbee, TX
End city: De Ridder, LA
Miles: 72.60
Total miles to date: 1940.69
Pedaling time: 4 hours, 47 minutes
Avg. speed: 15.2
Feet climbed: 719 (flat)
Fatigue factor: 5 out of 10 (10 is the worst);
Wind: start: SE 4 mph; end S 12 mph
Road condition: 4 out of 5 (1 is the worst) a few places were 3
Temperature extremes: 66 at ride start, 75 at ride finish
My last Texas Post Office of the trip. Bon Wier, Texas
Just before lunch and I had on my rain gear. Lunch was at the State Line Café. about 1 mile later we were in Louisiana,
A few of the riders at the counter at the café. And Janet back there picking on her friend Ray.
19 nights later, I finally got my welcome to Texas sign!
One drive way before the hotel was a DQ. I stopped in with a few of the guys.
I forgot to ask this gentleman his name, but he enjoyed talking to our group about our adventure.
One of two murals on the building next to the hotel. It made me think of Jeff Prange's stories about Frontier Johnny.
The crawfish table.
