It's snowing here in Ville Platte, LA and the high temp this afternoon was 42 F. Last night I camped at a town park in Simmesport. There was no phone service there, thus the radio silence. Despite the frosty weather, my tent is nice and warm (though I wouldn't know tonight as I'm snug as a bug at the Platte Motel. $30 and it has a heater! ) The tent may be warm, but riding is not, in this weather. Despite today's challenges I did about 73 miles. Unlike yesterday where the cold got the better of me and I gave up after 45. I suspect it will be a late start tomorrow as it is supposed to be clearing and cold. May have to wait for things to dry out (including my clothes).
Yesterday's good bird of the day was an Anhinga at the Morganza bird extravaganza. There were even some loons in there, with white pelicans, and a bazillion cormorants. Today's great bird was a Roseate Spoonbill in a drainage ditch near Lebeau, LA. What a great/ goofy bird! Also saw a small flock of immature white ibises (confusing 'cause they're mostly brown) in with a bunch of snowy egrets.
Been chased by scrores of dogs, most just doing there job to scare bicyclists. But the two packs of feral dogs that waylayed me in the middle of nowhere got my attention. Makes me glad I have large rear panniers on the bike. They can't quite figure how to keep up with me and sink their teeth st the same time.
I tried responding to blog comments tonight, but they don't seem to be taking. Guess I'm technologically challanged to!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Safe and sound in Ville Platte
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I certainly hope you are just about out of the rough weather now. I imagine you would much prefer chilly and dry than wet and almost anything but really warm! I'm sure you know your mess is heading our way. Yesterday Boston was nearly 70 degrees... tomorrow it will snow in the central part of the state (they're talking accumulating amounts). Please... find and forward warmer weather! I'm greatly enjoying your adventure - especially since I only have to get wet if I choose to go out and walk in dumb weather. It's good for you to put in the effort and me to simply experience it through your words (with the exception of the extreme envy thing). You haven't much choice now. Good luck and keep on blogging! - Ralph
ReplyDeleteI invite people to look up these birds...wow!!! Roseate Spoonbill has my vote for the color....I love pink! Anhinga looks elegant with the black and white although they name it Water Turkey for its swimming....maybe NOT that gracious! I had time to Google them and I am a visual!!! TXs Carl!
ReplyDeleteCarl,
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. The run down church speaks to me in the same way the Hemmings calendar you gave me does. Something about manmade structures that Mother Nature is taking over....
I put the plow onto the truck this week. That's where we're at in Vermont. It may not be immediate, but it is coming soon. Bike safe.
Mark
Roseate Spoonbill...cool!! It's spitting snow in Portland today and was a whopping 68 two days ago. Crazy!
ReplyDeleteCarl,
ReplyDeleteFriends of mine reported snow yesterday in San Antonio TX! And, we in Vermont, have yet to see our first measureable snowfall. I'm wishing you all the best on your cross country trip! Kudos to you, buddy!
Shel
Carl,
ReplyDeleteThumbs up on the trip!
Always enjoyed crossing the bottom of Louisiana. Different Country for sure...
Should your travels take take you thru Austin or Midland TX, I am more than happy to hook you up with contacts for accomodations and probably some decent company to go with. When you figure out how to reply and if so inclined, let me know...
If not, enjoy Texas and beyond...
Widge
Hi all, another try at posting a comment. Maybe if I promise not to use profanity again... Ralph, no luck at finding nice weather for you... by the time I got to DeRidder, LA yesterday my shampoo was frozen. Things started to warm up into the 40s as I crossed into Texas. Now it's raining. Best of luck to Boston!
ReplyDeleteWidge, we should talk. I will be heading through Austin, though I hear it is tough on cyclists. Maybe drop me an e-mail at my personal address/ anderso.carl@gmail.com. Thanks!