Natchez Trace Parkway

This Recreational Parkway has a long line of History

Jackson, Mississippi-State Capital city

Spanish Moss in Southern Mississippi

Roadside Friend

Rural Mississippi

Where your treasure is, there is your heart.
                                                Mathew 6:21

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a modern road designed for recreational travel including bicyclists. Commercial vehicles aren't allowed on the Parkway. This 500 mile stretch of road goes from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN. This stretch of road actually was designed by early Americans as a route between Washington D.C. and New Orleans, LA. This corridor is rich in Civil War and early American history. It's a quiet, peaceful and very clean road to travel on. Such a nice change of pace from the big highways. Camping, historical areas, and rest areas are state of the art on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

I had the opportunity to visit The Emerald Mound near Natchez. This mound was built by early Americans by removing trees and by moving earth by hand to form a high oasis where they socialized. The basic dimensions of this marvel reminded me of a well known archeological site in Oaxaca, MX, called Mount Albon. Mount Albon however was constructed with stone and rests in a higher elevation with a drier climate. In comparing these two sites though, I've concluded that the Indians who constructed the Emerald Mound were influenced by the Mayan Indians who constructed Mount Albon, or visa versa.

Port Gibson MS, was a unique layover. This is one of the few cities that General Grant didn't burn to to ground when he terrorized this region during the civil war. So many lives were lost. Was it worth it? I feel time spent in this region gives me more humility about our nation's history. I'm glad the war is over now and I can live in peace in this region.

Moving North

Tremendous Sky with popular flags

I sure wish this road had more shoulder

Woodville's Town Square Cafe locals

Not a bad place to slow down some

Fortunately I had the opportunity to spend a few nights at a Warm Showers  facility in Jackson, LA. Perry and Lep hosted me on their 5 acre facility, as well as  three other riders on tour during my stay. Warm Showers is a organized hosting and being hosted community groomed toward the touring cyclist. Although my time with Perry and Lep was my first experience with Warm Showers, I was familiar with the organization's primary objectives (check out warmshowers.com). I'd researched some hosting parties in Texas, but my plans there never formulated into a sleepover. A lot of the warmshowers facilities are near well known touring routes documented with adventurecycling association.org. Adventure Cycling is well organized. I would recommend that anybody considering a bike tour research this site while planning their tour.  They sell maps and have several traveling packages available for supported group rides. The Southern Tier is a bike route that runs close to Perry and Lep's facility. This route is from San Diego, CA to St Augustine, FL.

After leaving Jackson, I visited St Francisville then crossed the boarder into Mississippi. Unfortunately, Highway 61's shoulder is much narrower in southern Mississippi compared to Louisiana, but the traffic isn't as bad. I enjoyed a stay in Woodville, MS including some quality time with Francis and friends at The Town Square Cafe.

Baton Rouge-Plantation Country

Unique Baton Rouge eatery...GOOD FOOD!

To do what is right and just is better than sacrifice.
                                              Proverbs 21:3

Highway 61 out of New Orleans has been the most direct route for me to cycle to the Louisiana state capital city of Baton Rouge. The Big River has a variety of small roads that run next to it, but I haven't found them to be as safe as the Highway with the wide shoulder. The river roads wind with the river. If you follow them, you go about twice the distance compared to just riding the Big Road. The River roads are mostly 2 lane and shoulder less. Lot's of liquor stores, speeders and big smelly industry on the river too. So far, I like staying on the big road.

This past week I've recalibrated my routing. I'm moving north now instead of east to Florida. Hopefully, I'll visit Jackson  MS, Memphis TN, and Saint Louis MO, before moving northeast

The Big Easy

French Quarter Street Performer

The Mighty Mississippi from the Algiers Ferry

The Big Easy

Friends In Audubon Park

Homeboys on the Water

Mardi Gras remnants

Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
                              2 Corinthians 3:17

New Orleans, 'The Big Easy' was a much better experience than other times I've visited. Primarily, because I was hosted by a fine man named Ooti. I met Ooti  from Jason who is  a bread shop worker in Layfayette.  Although I had vague original encounters with these men, they were very instrumental in giving me a quality stay. I called Ooti the day before I arrived, and he had a place for me to sleep! Besides that, I was able to do some laundry and prepare a few meals during my stay. Hats off to Ooti and Jason for sharing their lives and resources with me. With that said, I want to thank all people who have helped others, as well as myself, to live higher quality lives through extending themselves in ways that take them out of their comfort zones. I want to say thanks for the people who can't say thanks.

I spent 4 days and nights in New Orleans and experienced Audubon Park, the Mississippi River Trail, the French Quarter and some good bike rides (especially along the river). The French Quarter was remarkable. I experienced a lot of free live music, entertainment, and a jovial environment...great place to be for a single 50 year old guy on a Saturday night!

My original routing has changed again in the 'Crescent City'. Instead of moving due east to Gulfport MS, Mobile, AL and Florida,  I've made the decision to move north early using the Mississippi River Trail as a navigational route. This trail has a lot of parks and recreational facilities to explore all the way to where the river starts in Itasca MN. Upon doing some research, I've come to the realization that the river is one of many functions. Besides its beauty and flat terrain, it's a powerhouse for economic trade from  the interior of the country to the rest of the world. I view the 'Big River' as being the cultural backbone to the United States. Ancestral people have been using this waterway for many ages. The river is natural, majestic and I'm taking this  opportunity to explore it. The future is now!