Mississippi, Alabama, Florida!

Thank heaven Jamie is documenting this journey so well in his blog
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1mr&doc_id=20106&v=1Ty

There is so much that happens in a day that it’s hard to remember.  We had a serendipitous detour to a bike shop for repairs and decided to “go rogue “ on the route.  This resulted in lovely pedaling through bike trails and more bayous with a quicker arrival to the gulf coast.

We’re now in Florida and will likely only post now on Facebook which is quick and easy.  Thanks to all of you who have taken a peek at our blog💕

Bayous, Cajun food, New Orleans

It is surreal to be riding through the bayous. Even riding along the highway, you are surrounded by water.

Sampling the local Cuisine has been very interesting and fun.

Our day in New Orleans was so much fun! We soaked up as much as we could in a day and definitely want to return.

Enjoying a beignet at Cafe Du Monde

Live Jazz

Sheila and Paula with keyboard player....

Fun time with chess master Jude Acers

In Honorof the "Prickly Pear" Cactus

For approximately 2000 miles we have seen the Prickley Pear everyday. Yesterday for the first time we did not see a single one.  We bid our constant companions a fond adieu and honor their beauty and presence with a few pictures.

How Can We Miss You When You Won’t Go away?

Texas....it's not Alaska, but  it's big.  It made the song words Jamie remembered (blog title) seem apropos.  To put it in perspective, we were already through California, Arizona and New Mexico and into Texas when we logged our first 1000 miles.  We were still in Texas and our odometer turned to 2000 miles shortly before we left Texas for Louisiana. 

Once we left Texas Hill Country the terrain changed again to more lush greenery growth, pine trees, and trees beginning to be hung with moss over ponds.

Loblolly Pine

Texas Contrast

We spent a night camping at Pedernales Falls State park where we hiked to a waterfall and got to see an Armadillo. It was quite  remote and a beautiful spot in the Texas Hill Country.

Then the next day we rode into Austin and spent the evening soaking up the downtown area, including a tour of the state capitol.  It is a lively, happenin' city.

Texas Hill Country

We've spent the last three days cycling through Texas Hill Country just west of Austin. This is legendary Lance Armstrong training ground.  We can see why!
   The surroundings have changed from desert to oaks, maples,  and grasses. It is a startling change in ecosystems. We camped two nights at comfortable campgrounds (with trees now!) with nice showers (yay!).  Yesterday we traveled along the Guadalupe River and it went from poor, destitute, abandoned buildings to affluent. We saw elk, deer, pronghorn,and  2 more tarantulas crossing the road.  
     We stayed in Kerrville at a motel last night and the four of us went out for a prime rib buffet.  We are all counting our blessings for good health, cheer, and camaraderie 🙏

Lessons From the Past

We camped at Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site along the Rio Grande near Del Rio.  We went on a tour of the Native American paintings and caves.  This rock art rivals that of France and Spain.  You can read more here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/seminole-canyon

We were profoundly struck that there were n o depictions of doing harm to one another or of gender.  A beautiful lesson from 3500 years BP (before present) to be treasured.