The Gulf Coast

8/10/07
I woke in LA and it was hot. I wanted to go to Boston, LA before
heading to the Jean LaFitte Historical Site.
I got into the backroads and then remembered what LA was like. It was
wet and flat. I saw lots of herons, egrets, and a few rails. It was
like most small town areas are but it was frustrating that, even
though Boston is on my GPS, there was only a few homes there and no
signs. I came up with a zero for this one.
I turned back towards the interstate and rode to the Jean LaFitte
site. Fortunately, it was easy to find and was showing a film on the
Atchafalaya Swamp which was interesting.
I now turned toward the east. Travel on the interstate was hot, humid
and busy. It was about 2 hours to get into MS, and then AL was
another hour. I did a quick stop at the USS Alabama for the AMA
Scavenger hunt and the lady at the entrance and I had a discussion
about how hot the 'stich was.
It was hot. I was about 20 miles from Pensacola and decided I'd try
riding without it. I strapped it onto my gear and rode off.
I've decided that I don't like being without it. Its not much cooler
because its so dang hot and it makes me feel more vulnerable.
In Pensacola I turned downb the scenic route toward the beaches. That
was where I'd find the Gulf Coast National Seashore. I had to hunt
around a little for it but I got it. I then continued south along the
beaches to get a scavenger hunt point and town. Unfortunately,
neither existed. I've about given up on finding these as I'm getting
tired of them and I just want to ride back to MA.
I did find a UPS Store and mailed my tent and electric gear back to
MA. It should be there on Wednesday. The bike is 28 pounds lighter
without it!!
I rode north to the interstate and found a motel 8 to stay in for the night.

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Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach