Started out the day with a meagre motel breakfast (La Quinta has a continental plus without the warm bar). They always watch me with hawk-like eyes while I devour their waffles and chocolate chip muffins. I wonder at what point they’ll draw the line.
Started out with a trip to the local bike shop, but they were out of bike tubes (!). They didn’t sell Halt, although by this time I have two little canisters of pepper spray.
Hit the trail and got out on a busy road. Tailwind, great speed, but saw heavy clouds forming. The road opened up outside of the city and I flew over the rolling countryside. Made the Mississippi border and the shoulder became low quality but it was tolerable with the wind.
Passed a couple a port towns, still scarred from Katrina, and made the state park with time to pitch and make dinner. Mosquitos in large numbers. That’s what I get for camping right next to a bayou.
For sixteen bucks it’s a fair way to stay out of the rain. Started comin’ down just now.
Five hours later. The storm came down hard and I felt overwhelmed with tiredness. Thunder, lightning, and driving rain are not a problem for the tent but I was amazed at just how little control I had over the sleep reflex this time. Those who know me well may be less surprised.
Now I’m wide awake in my tent with nothing to do and it’s only 10pm. Gonna be a long night.
The camp host told me that the other state park on the coast is closed from Katrina, so I’m looking at my options. I will make Louisiana in one or two days and will have to decide where I’m going to cross the river.
