Oberlin, LA (Pop. 1770)

We were headed for a short day into Oberlin. Jeremy sent a package for us to the local post office. Delivery was scheduled for yesterday, but as the fickle postal service determined, it did not arrive. So, I was hoping for a Friday delivery instead. At this point, it is still in Baton Rouge—go figure. I didn't mind the short day, as rain was forecast for this morning at around 10:00. I left at 7:30 and headed out. I only had about 25 miles, so I figured that, without any unexpected delays, I should get there in plenty of time. I arrived before 9:30 and beat the rain. Just as an FYI, it is almost 1:00, and it still hasn't rained. I sit here thinking I should have kept riding.

However, there is a chance the package will arrive overnight. If it does, all will be well. If it doesn't, we will push ahead. The postal workers said we can just let them know where we will be, and they will send it on ahead. They were super helpful and seemed like they had done this before. We wait in painful anticipation.

The route this morning was mostly on country roads without any shoulders, but they were, for the most part, smooth and lightly traveled. I’ve mentioned that the open country is also home to quite a few free-range dogs. I have gotten in the habit of looking at the yards of homes and listening for barking dogs. I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting them ahead of time. However—and with that word, you know a story is coming—I was riding along, minding my own business, when all of a sudden, I heard two dogs barking at my heels. They were both even with my back wheel. In an instant, my heart rate accelerated, and all my bodily functions wanted to join in the action. I resisted the urge to let them give their full expression. Typically, when I hear a dog coming, I grab my air horn and blast it into their faces. One blast, and they are ready to go home. In this case, I didn't have time to grab the horn before they were already nipping at my heels. After a few seconds, I grabbed the horn and blasted it directly at the face of the one closest to me. They halted and soon headed back home. I think I gained 5 mph during those few seconds and nearly had a heart attack. It didn't kill me, so according to the cliché, I must be better for it. I have my doubts.

A short time later, I saw two dogs headed my way. They were barking and chasing, so I waited until they were about 10 feet behind me and gleefully blasted the horn in their faces. They stopped in their tracks and watched me disappear into the sunset. I have to say, there was a certain deep satisfaction in seeing them cower under my anger. I rode on with a new spring in my pedals.

After checking about the package, we were told that we could park at the local park. I asked about staying several nights, depending on the weather, and was told that would be okay as well. It is a nice park, with a nice bathroom, and for a bonus, a shower with hot water. Maybe the dogs actually killed me, and I am in a "better place."

We are hoping for a good meal tonight, but there aren't many options in this small burg. There is a bar and grill and a "Crawfish Shack." No more crawfish for us today, but I think they might have more than just that.

We will keep watching the weather and, hopefully, will be able to squeeze in some miles before we get better weather.

Wishing you all peace and blessings.Lue lisää