Laplace, LA (Pop. 28,841)

We spent the night in a Walmart parking lot. That seemed logical to us, and as we got closer to the parking lot, the traffic got pretty heavy. Soon, we heard a band playing. There must have been a festival of some kind going on. We parked our PLUM and settled in for the night. The music played until around 11:00, and the thumping of the bass was enough to drive me crazy. I couldn't hear the music so much, but the thump—well, I could hear and feel it. I didn't sleep well at all. I did fall asleep but slept fitfully, and by 5:00, I was wide awake.

Dana had discovered a nice coffee shop yesterday, so we headed there first thing this morning and ordered coffee and a sandwich for me. We were about finished when we met the owner and spent the next half hour chatting with him. He introduced us to Dubai Chocolate. I guess it’s the hottest thing since sliced bread, although I am confident he never tasted my mom's freshly baked bread. Now that I mention it, that was some of the best, if not the best, bread in the world. Just saying.

At 8:30, I headed out for the day. My mission today was a 50-mile ride that would take me through the center of New Orleans and then west on the bike path on top of the levees next to the Great Mississippi River. I was only about 6 miles from the center of New Orleans, and soon I was heading into the heart of town. Just before getting there, I found myself riding into an organized run of some sort. The police officers motioned me on, so I tried to stay to the side and away from the runners. It was definitely not a serious run, but it looked like everyone was having a good time. After the run, I passed the French Market and soon found myself passing through the French Quarter. I loved this part of the ride. It was slow and peaceful. The French Quarter looks so different on a bike.

Soon, I was heading out of town and onto the path on top of the levee. The levee runs alongside the river. Now most of you might think this part of the ride must have been peaceful and beautiful, with the river, boats, and gorgeous scenery. You’d be wrong. There was lots of barge loading equipment, and the river was hidden most of the time. After a while, the path was pretty boring. However, I didn’t have to fight traffic, so for that, I was grateful.

Today was a bit warmer, so I took more breaks and drank more liquids. When I arrived, I was pretty whipped. At one point, I was thinking about how much I was dragging, and I remembered I just hadn’t gotten the sleep I needed. It had nothing to do with my age—simply lack of sleep. I’m believing that, and I’m asking you to believe me, for once. :-)

So much for this day. Heading toward Baton Rouge tomorrow and hoping to land just short of the city.

Be kind—it is the cheapest, life-changing act you can ever experience.Les mer