So yesterday was one f my favorite days. We started in Natchatoches, LA and only had 33 miles to ride to our destination Pelican, LA. (population around 800) Since our mileage was so low we got to sleep in until 8:00. (which is unheard of!) And we also all played a huge game of Knockout with all 32 of us before we left in order to kill time. We weren't suposed to get to the host location before noon.
About 10 miles into the route there was an Alligator Park. Not sure what that is? Well, is was basically a little mini zoo with alligators, other reptiles, goats, emus, birds. (a really random combination of animals, really) There was even a peacock roaming around the park. (Disneyland has people dressed in costumes roaming in their park, this place had a real live peacock) We watched a show that showed a about 20 alligators being fed, which was pretty cool. The thing that got me most about this place was that you spent so muh time looking at alligators and learning about them...then you go to the snack bar and you can buy an alligator kabob...or alligator sausage. hmmm. I had a nibble of someone else's just to say that I tried it...but I couldn't quite get past the pictures of real live alligators all around the restaurant while eating alligator.
About 15 miles later we stopped at a fruit stand where this very nice coulel gave 4 of us a free watermelon. We told them what we were doing, and they were so nice. We could only eat half of the melon, so we chalked the spot for the next group of riders to stop there and finish it. (we all carry chalk with us to chalk confusing turns, or write encouragement to each other on the road) Apparently the next group of us that stopped there not onnly got watermelon, but also a free ride around their farm for a tour. Thank you so much to the Anderson's for their hspitality! They ended up driving boxes of vegetables to our host site later in the evening for us to eat and take with us. The corn was delicious! And we got creative cooking many of the vegetables at our campfire we had last night. If you're interested in going to the Anderson's website for their farm the website is www.produceandplant.com
When we arrived at the host site it was like we were at summer camp. The place was used as a summer camp and was in he middle of the forest, and there was a really pretty little lake with kayaks and paddle boats, which we took for a spin. It was by far my favorite place so far. It felt just like camping. I hiked around the lake a couple times (once with people, and later just on my own). It was so beautiful and really nice to be somewhere completely in the middle of nowhere.
We had all pitched in for fireworks to celebrate the 4th, but had been unable to set them off where we were on the fourth, so we had a fireworks show for ourselves once it got dark. Then, we built a campfire, roasted smores, and sang songs around the fire. (I got the chance to play some guitar. A shout out to my Wyld Life peeps: we totally sang Lean on Me, and I thought of you!)
It was a really great night, and to top it off I decided to sleep outside. There were some picnic tables next to our campfire, so I put my sleeping bag right on top and slept under the stars. It was really awesome. I think my favorite day so far.
We entered Texas today! We'll be here for a while, and I'm getting excited to gt to the west! :)
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Hey Mandy!
Just wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog! Keep up the good work! I'm getting more into biking, and I'm currently looking for a used road bike to buy, so we have to go on rides in the fall. I miss you and I'm excited to see you again in a couple months!
-Natalie
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