After my break I crossed over the Sabine River and into Louisiana. I'am all smiles as I really thought that Texas was never going to end. I have spent countless days fighting with Texas and now it is behind me for good. I hope, never to be reckoned with again, at least by bicycle. Of course I started taking photos after photos of my new state sign of Louisiana. Now in Louisiana, my head just seemed to be in a better place. A renewed feeling, a feeling of moving forward. Today I got attacked by Love Bugs. Love Bugs are harmless, but thousands of them filled the air. Love Bugs are really two bugs in one. I found out that they mate for life and the female flies backwards the rest of her life attached to her mate. They were all over me today. In my face, on my arms and legs, and a few flew into my mouth. Love Bugs are not the smallest of insects but I really didn't care to much. If they don't bite, sting, or cause a rash, I don't care. Speaking of rashes, it looks and feels like I picked up a touch of poison ivy. My right forearm is itchy and showing the signs. Not a good feeling.
I first real town in Louisiana was DeRidder, population around 10,000. The road through town turned into a 4 lane and lost its shoulder. It was a little hairy getting through town but once through it was smooth sailing to my nights destination of Oberlin. I pulled over to the side of the road in Oberlin to check my maps. Just then a woman pulled up next to me and asked if I wanted to camp for free Behind her office building. To be honest, I was going to try and find the one and only motel in town but I thought I would see what she had in mind. "Follow me" she said, it's just down the road. I followed her vehicle to the towns Tourist Center where she worked. "Adria" is her name and she invited me into the Allen Parish Tourist Commission building which has just been remodeled. Inside I met Adria's co-worker "Clara" and we sit around the newly built horseshoe shaped table. They give me water and offered me cookies. The both of them were as nice as pie. We looked over my maps and my route for the next few days and Adria had some ideas. Better routes, with better roads, and wider shoulders. Well they are in the business of tourist in this parish, so how could I not agree. I am so fortunate to have met Adria along the road. We continued talking for what must have been 2 hours and it was time for them to close for the day. Just after they drove off the skies darkened and it began to rain. I hid out under the farmers porch in the front of the building. The showers were short and it cleared up, but the humidity is full blast. I am sweating just sitting here. That's why a cheap motel is better at night. I get a chance to clean up, and use air conditioning, while I sleep like a baby. This was a great chance to do something different, so I accepted their kind offer. I think I will just cowboy camp on the front porch. Meaning no tent. I will just spread out my sleeping pad on the porch and more than likely just sleep on top of my bag. Unless it cools down 30 degrees or more. Adria said she would call the Sheriff, and say someone will be sleeping here over night. There is a busy route 165 right in front of me, so I hope the traffic slows by night. I am so tired, I doubt it would matter anyway.
Photos: This road wasn't closed, it was just down to one lane - Bon Wier, and a plywood factory - Welcome to Louisiana, I'am jumping for joy - Louisiana has Parishes, not Counties - Clara & Adria inside the Tourist Commission - The outside of the Allen Parish Tourist Commission building - My sleeping quarters for tonight, (let you know how this goes later)
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