since i last wrote i've done quite a few miles! havent had a chance to write as i have been in proper rural mississippi and on sunday everything closes. I made it through alabama in a day from forest gump shrimp town i rode through Grand Bay and finished up in Hurley, which is just across the border in Mississippi. camped behind some buildings and was rudely woken up in the middle of the night by the sherif who wanted to see my ID. didnt even see their faces as i was grumpy and half asleep, but everything seemed to check out as i had permission from the land owner.
The scenery was relaxing as i cycled through loads of country roads which winded through pine forests and avoided any serious traffic. Passed tiny towns such as Vancleave and Perkinson and finally made it to a stunning camp ground at Roger's Lake where i set up my tent and cooked some food on my new propane burner and mess kit.
Had a cup of tea with Ruth, the old lady who runs the campground. She told me all about the History of the place and about all her grandchildren so i was a bit late in starting that morning. It is so peaceful cycling in the morning when there is a hint of mist and the longhorn cattle gaze at you peddalling away. sundays are especially quiet as most people are at home or in church. everything closes down apart from the odd gas station or supermarket. Met the first cyclist doing the same trip as me at lunchtime, just before the Louisiana border. Greg had been going for a lot longer than me but was enjoying the trip apart from the uphill bits! Crossed into Louisiana and stocked up in Bogalusa. The city smelt pretty bad and a man said i would go to hell because i didn't believe in a religion, so i didn't stay for too long! The next town i got to was Franklinton so i had to have a break there but there was little to see. made it Bolivar, a tiny hamlet, where i decided to spend the night. met a guy who was mowing the lawn outside his house and asked if i could camp in his back yard and said "No problem". The man was called Shaggy and had a long white beard and a bandana saying 'biker' on it. he turned out to be an absolute legend and i chatted with him and his friend for ages as i built up a fire. was pretty hard understanding everything as i was in proper redneck country but i liked the comedy of the situation.
Today I have made it to Jackson, passing through Clinton. Just met a nice guy from Canada riding the same route so am gonna chill with him during the storm which is about to hit with lots of tornadoes. over and out.
