After the fantatsic hospitality of Ian, Jackie and Bevan, and the free supper and bar at the 'llew coch', Louisiana was our next state. We made a swift exit from Downtown Houston, and headed for Port Arthur, the Texan equivalent to Port Talbot. The air was rancid. Anyway, after crossing a ma-hoosive bridge, we found ourselves on some man made land, aptly named 'pleasure island', and were heading east, towards New Orleans. What laid in store were some mental cross and headwinds, which made the miles difficult to rack up. Again, following yesterday, the arms and shoulders were in bits, bit the legs seemed fine once they got going.
Good time was made as we cycled alongside Johnsons Bayou and Holly Beach, two areas that were devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, today the strong winds meant that we only just missed the ferry that crossed Lake Calcasieu. No panics, Andy and Phil will continue until we get there.
A couple of chats with some people on the ferry crossing, and we were literally 20mins behind the van, we had the support car for company. As the ferry docked, quick discussion between crews, and off sped the Toyota to hunt down the other two. This was at about 1pm,
4 hours later, and after battling the strong winds for what seemed like an eternity, the support car was still nowhere to be seen. With us travelling through the Louisiana Bayou, surrounded by gators, the excitement in finding one sunbathing in the centre of the road passed the time by, but unfortunately, we only saw them bathing in the roadside canals.
5.30pm and we finally meet just south of Lafayette..starvin marvin. By now, there'd been a bit of blue language in the van, but this was over by the time skipper Cooper and Phil van Morrison treated us to the first 9 verses of the official tour song.
Were currently on our way to the hotel, the French quarter of New Orleans. A quiet night and food at the hotel...no chance says pirate stone as we must all try the local cocktail, aptly named the hurricane!! We'll see what happens.
Texas this morning, Louisiana now, Mississippi and Alabama tomorrow, there can't be that many states left?? Roll on Friday, even though I think everyones had a great time, there are some very tired bodies and minds in need of chillout, and a break from Ian's snoring. As for the logistic nightmare today, Merv was right, we'll get it right by day 14.
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