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Week 5 - DeRidder La to Gulf Shores Al
James Wilz
April 08, 2024
Week 5 - DeRidder La to Gulf Shores Al
Hello Friends,
Wow! I have completed five weeks of my journey and only one week to go! The support and encouragement that I have received from all of you has been overwhelming! Thank You ! To date , this journey has raised enough funds so that over 300 breast cancer survivors can participate in outdoor adventures as part of the healing process. If you would like to support Move Beyond Surviving, click on the link below and enjoy the rest of my blog. Peace Jim
My trip this week: 475 miles and 10,042 feet of elevation
My Trip Since March 3rd: 2515 Miles and 70,010 feet of Elevation
Day 31 - De Ridder La to Villa Platte La (77.77 Miles ,945 Ft elevation Gain, 4h 37 m in Seat) This was our first whole day in Louisiana and by far the cultural differences from Texas to Louisana has a been the most significant state to state change. From Longhorn Steers to Alligators, Ranches to Plantations, and BBQ to Crawfish. At our first stop of the morning, a local man gave us some Alligator advice. “ If an Alligator looks at you directly, then puffs up its chest, and then looks away run or pedal as fast as you can ! Our ride today was in lowland farming country dominated by Crawfish farms, with rice and sugar cane fields along the way.
Crawfish Harvesting Near De Ridder, La
Day 32 - Villa Platte La to St. Francisville La (79 Miles 869 Ft Elevation Gain, 4h 56 m in seat) We crossed the Mississippi River Today. This crossing was one our milestones for the trip. It was the first time I have crossed the river on a bicycle . Interestingly, we crossed on the James Audubon Bridge. Upon arrival in St Francisville, the town was dominated with things named for Audubon. The Audubon grocery was next to our hotel and Audubon State Park was just down the street.
This Audubon find has an interesting connection to Cincinnati. James Audubon published a famous book called the Birds of North America .In 1819 he was hired as the first taxidermist and artist at the Cincinnati Museum Center. In that role he painted five of his famous bird paintings. Upon leaving that role in 1821, he settled in St Francisville, La and completed 32 of his paintings at the Oakley House now located in Audubon State Park.
Audubon Bridge across the Mississippi
The Mighty Mississippi River
Audubon’s Famous Painting of a Louisiana Heron completed in St. Francisville.
Day 33- St Francisville to Franklinton La (88 Miles, 3530 ft elevation gain, 5h 28m in seat) A day of riding through lots of rolling hills in the Louisiana countryside. we did past Glencoe, one of the best preserved former cotton plantations in the south.
Glencoe Plantation near Norwood, La
Due to Logistics, we had an afternoon and morning layover at Mc Donalds in Franklinton, La. That’s where I met Murray the dog and his friend. Murray eats breakfast every morning here and the staff fix him a special meal on his own tray.
Day 34- Franklinton,La to Wiggins Ms. (83 Miles 2851 ft elevation gain 5h 17m in seat.) We crossed the Pearl River today into Mississippi. Only three more states to go. We are crossing lots of rivers and seeing much more water than we did out west. Today was the first day my legs started feeling tired !
Day 35 - Wiggins, Ms to Moss Point Ms ( 74 Miles 1657 ft elevation gain, 4h 54m in seat) We rode at a slightly slower pace today to do a little recovery. The ride was just beautiful today. The road to our lunch at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Wildlife Refuge was among the most scenic on this trip so far.
The Road to Sandhill Cranes!
We did see Sandhill Cranes while visiting but they were in a distance. This is a mounted Sandhill in the museum.
Day 36 - Moss Point Ms to Gulf Shores Al ( 70 miles, 800 Elevation Gain, 4h 54m in seat) Early in the day we crossed into Alabama ( Only 2 states to go !) The remainder of the ride was along the coastal waters of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Just a gorgeous ride, including six miles on a ferry .
Sweet Home Alabama !
Shrimp Boats in Mobile Bay
Lots of Natural Gas Oil Rigs in the Bay. They have pipelines to the shore.
While waiting for the Ferry, A calm heron posed for many pictures. This is my favorite.
I would like to introduce you two of my fellow riders, Tom and Athena. They are riding a tandem across the country after bicycling around the world. Before retirement Tom worked for the US Government US AID doing economic development in many countries. Those that I have had stories about include Nepal, Taiwan, Yemen, Ivory Coast and Mali among others. Tom always took his bicycles on these sojourns and has also raced bicycles in many of these countries. In Colombia, he completed the longest paved bicycle mountain climb in the world of 51 miles and over 13,000 feet. Athena had an illustrious medical career with the Peace Corps and State Department throughout the world often with Tom. On this journey, they have had their share of flat tires and mechanical problems, yet everyday they are cycling together happily !
Tom and Athena on the Road in Louisana
My trip has been organized by Cycle of Life Adventures. The owners, Elli and Dennis do a wonderful job on all the logistics related to bicycle trips. If you are inspired to do a bicycle trip after reading my blogs, below is a link to there Cincinnati to Cleveland trip. This trip is on bicycle trails with only a few roads through Amish country. If we get six riders, we can possibly do a private tour. Let Melissa or I know if you are interested.
Upon finishing this weeks Blog, I realize there are quite a few bird references. That comes from my Mom. I hope you can enjoy the eclipse today . If not, try the donut below. I’m looking for one in Gulf Shores - Jim
