Laplace, LA - Mon 4/2

We left Baker and rode 65 miles to the Oak Alley Plantation.  After the tour, we rode another 25 miles to a motel.  Sounds simple right?  It wasn't.

Shortly before the plantation, a storm totally drenched us.  By the time we finish the tour we were also cold from being wet.  We had a head wind most of the day so it was getting late and we weren't going to make it to the motel before dark.  As we were hurrying back across the Mississippi River from the plantation our front wheel got caught in an expansion joint slot, throwing us to the ground and flattening our front tire.  I set a speed record in replacing our front innertube.  Fortunately nothing else was damaged.  After that we walked the bike across every expansion joint.

Although we rode like crazy, the last 4 miles were in the dark.  we were so glad to get into a motel and dry clothes.

The plantation tour was interesting, though.  A huge house with giant columns, marble floors (since replaced with wood), dozens of servants, every amenity money could buy, but only three bedrooms.  The Alley of Oaks in front is about 300 years old.

Miles: 89.1  Average: 11.6

Photos:
Oak Alley Plantation
Plantation dining room
Alley of Oaks in front of house
Tour guide in period costume
Fixing tire on bridge over Mississippi River

The truth from Ruth:  Today turned out to be quite an adventure!  I was so glad to be with my wonderful husband.  He is always so optimistic; it's catching!  Scary parts of the day were riding in the thunderstorm to the plantation, and watching the lightning up ahead of us as we raced against time to make it to our motel before dark.  I was so glad to get there, I didn't even have an objection to a smoking room.