Sleeping at Perry’s bike hostel was pretty magical. Frogs and peepers, leaves falling, and acorns hitting the metal outbuilding roofs and sounding like gunshots. I slept until about 1 AM and could not get back to sleep. It stayed 1 AM for a really long time because at 2 AM we turned the clocks back. Sleep did come eventually.
We intended to head out as a group for our 73 miles today, but fate slapped the tandem riders again. Their electronic shifting stopped working and the bike would not charge. This meant they’d have one gear for the entire ride. Not great on a Sunday morning. They did find a place a bike store that was open in the afternoon in Baton Rouge and headed out.
Sue and I headed out for the first 20 miles. I didn’t take many pictures as the scenery was mostly open fields or thick woods. The day got warm quickly and by lunchtime it was 83°. Outside our lunch stop the zinnias were growing as if it was July.
We are seeing more water but no gators so far. I’m a little disappointed. Maybe as we move east? Also fewer cows today, but the ones I did see were amusing.
What was also amusing was the scene set up in a field Santa watching over a flock of sheep and waiting for the Resurrection. I don’t remember that story from the Bible but maybe I missed it.
Our route took us up and down and up and down all day. I think my legs have forgotten how to climb. By the last 10 miles we decided we were hot and tired enough for a beer. The Sunny Hill Grocery and Grub had no craft beer which is my favorite, but a Budweiser did the trick. I may have to drop drop my beer snobbery.
Tonight we are sleeping in a field behind the Franklinton police department. They have been very accommodating and we’re anticipating a good nights sleep. Tomorrow is our last day of this 12 day stretch. I think we’re all ready for a rest.
Things I learned today:
- Herrs Hot Sauce potato chips make a great mid morning snack
- Franklinton Louisiana, population 3581 is the home of the worlds largest free fair. Between 20 and 50,000 people attend this week long event each year.
I loved the picture of the Christmas decorations. Debbie
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