We have arrived at home. We left New Orleans Monday morning and drove for 17 hours and got into Austin at 12:30 AM Tuesday morning.
A big thank you to Dave & Julie for being part of the team & making it such a fun trip. I would also like to thank all of are web site followers & those that made comments. I apologize to those that tried to comment & it would not go through. I am not sure what the problem was but thanks for trying. To those of you that we did not know & met along the way & followed our site & made comments it was a pleasure to meet you. To the Trabeaux 's in your response to your question of what is our next adventure we are not sure. If you said us your e-mail we will answer that question when ever we decide.
A big thanks also go out to Greg Bednark, Tim Torgerson, the Delaney's & the Timmerman's for opening their homes up to us & making us feel like part of their family
It was a FANTASTIC trip. I enjoyed every minute of every day. As Julie did such a great job of describing each day I can only say she could not describe how much fun I was having.
I will say good night for now. I will be talking to Julie & she might put her final post on also.
Again a great big thanks!!!!!!!!
Good night You All
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Sunday, September 1, 2013
End of the Road!
Morning came and we all headed off to St. Bernard's State Park to begin the last leg of the journey. Sara and Jan Fox too!Wheels were rollin by 7:00 am. The humidity was thick in the air. Terry and I took off down the road in a mist of early light. The roads were flat and in great condition so we were off to a smooth start with a quick pace. We had a 76 mile day ahead.
Today we had low expectations of the scenery as we thought it would just be open fields and swamp. Much to our surprise the southern end of Louisiana is populated with both large industries and communities. There were remnants of Katrina around every corner. Many abandoned homes that looked to be quiet lovely in their day. Many of them all brick. The insides were gutted. Also a few plantations.
We saw some groves of what looked to be some kind of fruit trees so upon a closer look sure enough they were lime trees. We didn't steal any though for our margaritas.
We came to a point in the ride where we needed to cross over a back water way to get further south so we took the Pointe La Harache Ferry. Sara and Jan went ahead in the car to find out what time the ferry left. It ran every hour. Sara was not sure we would make it in time so she ran ahead to stall the ferry driver. We arrived just in time to load and then shove off. Ferry gods were shining! It was a 10 minute ferry ride and we were on our way again.
We were riding along much industry again and we could see the tops of ships over the tree tops. There were several large schools being built on stilts so the water could run underneath them. They are really planning for the future. Most of the new structures were being built on stilts. If you saw the remnants you would be building like that too. It was very enlightening.
I have to say the roads were great to ride on all day and there was plenty of shoulder. The day flew by and
Terry was like a horse heading for the hay barn. When we got about 2 miles from the end there was some road construction and it was soft gravel in large chunks. There is a sign at the end of this road that says The southern most point in La. So we loaded up the bikes and headed down the road to find the sign. It just didn't seem right to ride all this way and not get to see the sign. Sure enough it was there at the end of the road and we got the photo to prove it.
We got in the car and headed north back to New Orleans. When a little rain cloud opened up and sprinkled a bit. Which was absolutely amazing since we had not had one drop of rain the whole trip.
We celebrated this evening at a restaurant called Red Fish with great cocktails, fine seafood and a decadent chocolate desert. Turn out the lights the party is over.
The End!
Terry, Dave & Julie
Day 23 Pictures
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| Ferry crossing! |
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| Ferry deck and operating tower |
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| Dave and Ferry worker |
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| Swamp land |
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| Southern most Y in Louisiana |
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| Southern most town in Louisiana |
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| Seafood traps |
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| The end of the road!!! |
Saturday, August 31, 2013
The Home Stretch
Another night of creature comforts in a Hotel served us well. We headed down early for the continental breakfast then Terry and I headed down the road. Yesterday was a 110 mile day and today was only 56 miles so we had a short day. Terry and I rode along the river road for awhile but the levee was high and you really could not see the river. Then we saw some cyclist go by riding on the levee so we figured it was paved so thought we would give it a try. It was worth the adventure. There was some construction going on but the view was better and it was doable. As We rode closer to New Orleans we began to see more and more cyclists. Must be the place to ride if you are a local as we saw a group gathering in a parking lot below.
The morning ride was educational to say the least. The amount of mfg. that goes on. It is pumped directly into barges over the top of the levee with large pipelines. It went on for miles and miles it was amazing!
Then I dropped out to join Dave and drive just south of New Orleans to St. Bernard State Park. That was the finish for the day. It was a gorgeous park. St. Bernard was devastated during Katrina but it is looking healthy from what we can see. Terry's wife Jan and their daughter Sara had flown in yesterday so they drove to meet us at the end.
Terry continued on the levee and then entered in the City of New Orleans. The streets were pretty quiet when he came through the city. It was about 9:30 am in the morning and the city was still asleep. Then he rode south to meet us but the traffic proved to be a bit of challenge. Traffic was not so courteous and they were driving to close for comfort. He arrived at the park around 10:45 am safely so it all ended well.
We all then packed up and headed to the French Quarter for some good seafood and culture. We checked into the hotel and met with the Fox family. We did wonder around in the French Quarter a bit just enough to see Jackson Square and the street artists. Had lunch at the Acme Oyster House and then walked the riverwalk back to the hotel.
We are so relaxed we almost forgot we had a blog to write and pictures to post. Almost!
Well tomorrow is the home stretch! Bittersweet it will be!
We have heard rumors that some of you are trying to comment but they are not showing up on the post. It may be a compatibility issue with your computer I am not sure. Or just type it in as anonymous and sign your name at the bottom and see if it shows up. Thank you for trying anyway! We do love to hear comments for sure.
Curious to see what the last stretch has to offer for scenery!
Terry, Dave & Julie
The morning ride was educational to say the least. The amount of mfg. that goes on. It is pumped directly into barges over the top of the levee with large pipelines. It went on for miles and miles it was amazing!
Then I dropped out to join Dave and drive just south of New Orleans to St. Bernard State Park. That was the finish for the day. It was a gorgeous park. St. Bernard was devastated during Katrina but it is looking healthy from what we can see. Terry's wife Jan and their daughter Sara had flown in yesterday so they drove to meet us at the end.
Terry continued on the levee and then entered in the City of New Orleans. The streets were pretty quiet when he came through the city. It was about 9:30 am in the morning and the city was still asleep. Then he rode south to meet us but the traffic proved to be a bit of challenge. Traffic was not so courteous and they were driving to close for comfort. He arrived at the park around 10:45 am safely so it all ended well.
We all then packed up and headed to the French Quarter for some good seafood and culture. We checked into the hotel and met with the Fox family. We did wonder around in the French Quarter a bit just enough to see Jackson Square and the street artists. Had lunch at the Acme Oyster House and then walked the riverwalk back to the hotel.
We are so relaxed we almost forgot we had a blog to write and pictures to post. Almost!
Well tomorrow is the home stretch! Bittersweet it will be!
We have heard rumors that some of you are trying to comment but they are not showing up on the post. It may be a compatibility issue with your computer I am not sure. Or just type it in as anonymous and sign your name at the bottom and see if it shows up. Thank you for trying anyway! We do love to hear comments for sure.
Curious to see what the last stretch has to offer for scenery!
Terry, Dave & Julie
Day 22 Pictures
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| Industrious river |
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| Dripping Spanish Moss |
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| Yeah Rose you are a Saint!!! |
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| Trolley car in New Orleans |
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| Major Port just South of New Orleans |
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| Ship navigating up the Mississippi River |
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| When we are to old to pedal this will be our next mode of transportation |
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| Lunch at the Oyster House in New Orleans |
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| Jackson Square |
Friday, August 30, 2013
Biking through the Bayou
Well we are now officially on the luxury leg of our trip. No more camping. We are thoroughly enjoying the air conditioning and lack of mosquitoes in the evenings. We are getting a good nights sleep and some fine vittles. Last we night we ate at "This ain't your Mama's Cafe" they did serve alligator but we declined and went for the poboy sandwiches. They were huge!
We woke in Livonia, LA this morning well rested. Terry snuck out the door early and headed down the road alone once again. Dave and I lagged behind to do our chores and have breakfast at Penny's Diner. Then off to chase Terry down. As we drove through the Louisiana back country I was so mad at myself that I didn't rise early and ride with him as the scenery was something to behold. Tree lined windy roads along waterways, old lift bridges, a tree house the size of a small garage built in a big old tree, charming small towns and lets not forget to mention the fabulously newly paved roads.
We also passed Madonna Chapel. It is the smallest chapel in the world. They have one service every year on Aug. 15th to celebrate the assumption of the Blessed Mother. If you should find it locked when you want to visit the key is in the mailbox.
He had ridden approximately 52 miles before we caught up with him. He was having trouble with the air leaking out of his back tire. So he was in need of a new wheel. We ran into some road construction but it was short lived. I then decided I would join him and see if I could take in some scenery too.
Our lunch spot was in Donaldsonville a small town along a little waterway. We parked in the lot of a restaurant that happened to be closed at the time, but had outdoor seating overlooking the waterway in the back. Terry went to checkout the waterway when he yells come quick. So I rush over to see that he is pointing at an alligator gliding down the waterway with the current. Kind of creepy!!!
We passed The Nottoway Plantation which is the largest Antebellum plantation still in existence. It is open for tours and is also a bed and breakfast. We met a nice couple visiting from Germany here. They are touring the US for a month.
The Oak Alley Plantation was a spectacular site also. The front entrance was lined with Live Oak that were 100 years old when the plantation was built so they guestimate the trees to be over 200 years old. We had seen many of these large oak trees along the way but now thanks to Chris & Joe Trabeaux we know they are called Live Oaks. Thanks for helping us out!!
The people you see walking down the lane in the Oak Alley Plantation photo we joked might be the owners of the plantation, but we soon discovered they were touring here from Orlando.
Traveling further south we were to cross on the ferry or the bridge. Dave and I decided we would take the bridge and head to check in at the hotel while Terry continued on to catch the Ferry. When he got there the gal told him it had closed down in July due to lack of funding. The landing was by a post office where Terry struck up a conversation with a gentlemen with a truck asking him for a ride back 8 miles to the bridge. He politely agreed so they loaded up his bike and off they went. By the time they had gotten to the BIG bridge where he was to cross the gentlemen was generous enough to deliver Terry right to the hotel. They unloaded his bike and we continued the conversation for 15 or 20 minutes more. Sharing information and teaching us of the landscape here in Louisiana. His Name is Dap. Which stands for David Allen Powell. We salute you!!!!!
Shortly after arriving at the hotel Terry gets a call from Mike Ankenny, Jon Erichson, Ernie Hammero, & a friend from Kansas, They are down here gator hunting and stopped in to visit with us. They are hunting just down the road about 25 miles from us.
Then we decided we needed to order in pizza as time was running thin. We still had laundry, blogging, airing out the damp tents that have been up in the car top carrier for 4 or 5 days now,(probably getting moldy), and showers.
Back to the days of late night blogging.
Terry,Dave & Julie
We woke in Livonia, LA this morning well rested. Terry snuck out the door early and headed down the road alone once again. Dave and I lagged behind to do our chores and have breakfast at Penny's Diner. Then off to chase Terry down. As we drove through the Louisiana back country I was so mad at myself that I didn't rise early and ride with him as the scenery was something to behold. Tree lined windy roads along waterways, old lift bridges, a tree house the size of a small garage built in a big old tree, charming small towns and lets not forget to mention the fabulously newly paved roads.
We also passed Madonna Chapel. It is the smallest chapel in the world. They have one service every year on Aug. 15th to celebrate the assumption of the Blessed Mother. If you should find it locked when you want to visit the key is in the mailbox.
He had ridden approximately 52 miles before we caught up with him. He was having trouble with the air leaking out of his back tire. So he was in need of a new wheel. We ran into some road construction but it was short lived. I then decided I would join him and see if I could take in some scenery too.
Our lunch spot was in Donaldsonville a small town along a little waterway. We parked in the lot of a restaurant that happened to be closed at the time, but had outdoor seating overlooking the waterway in the back. Terry went to checkout the waterway when he yells come quick. So I rush over to see that he is pointing at an alligator gliding down the waterway with the current. Kind of creepy!!!
We passed The Nottoway Plantation which is the largest Antebellum plantation still in existence. It is open for tours and is also a bed and breakfast. We met a nice couple visiting from Germany here. They are touring the US for a month.
The Oak Alley Plantation was a spectacular site also. The front entrance was lined with Live Oak that were 100 years old when the plantation was built so they guestimate the trees to be over 200 years old. We had seen many of these large oak trees along the way but now thanks to Chris & Joe Trabeaux we know they are called Live Oaks. Thanks for helping us out!!
The people you see walking down the lane in the Oak Alley Plantation photo we joked might be the owners of the plantation, but we soon discovered they were touring here from Orlando.
Traveling further south we were to cross on the ferry or the bridge. Dave and I decided we would take the bridge and head to check in at the hotel while Terry continued on to catch the Ferry. When he got there the gal told him it had closed down in July due to lack of funding. The landing was by a post office where Terry struck up a conversation with a gentlemen with a truck asking him for a ride back 8 miles to the bridge. He politely agreed so they loaded up his bike and off they went. By the time they had gotten to the BIG bridge where he was to cross the gentlemen was generous enough to deliver Terry right to the hotel. They unloaded his bike and we continued the conversation for 15 or 20 minutes more. Sharing information and teaching us of the landscape here in Louisiana. His Name is Dap. Which stands for David Allen Powell. We salute you!!!!!
Shortly after arriving at the hotel Terry gets a call from Mike Ankenny, Jon Erichson, Ernie Hammero, & a friend from Kansas, They are down here gator hunting and stopped in to visit with us. They are hunting just down the road about 25 miles from us.
Then we decided we needed to order in pizza as time was running thin. We still had laundry, blogging, airing out the damp tents that have been up in the car top carrier for 4 or 5 days now,(probably getting moldy), and showers.
Back to the days of late night blogging.
Terry,Dave & Julie
Day 21 Pictures
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| Barge taking short cut to Mississippi River through swing arm bridge |
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| Nottoway Plantation (Near Donaldsonville LA) |
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| Full service general store (Check the date of expiration on all products) |
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| Plantation workers living quarters |
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| Home owners of Oak Alley Plantation HA,HA HA!!!!!!!!! |
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| Oak Alley front entrance |
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| Another Plantation down the road |
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| DAP brings Terry Home |
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