Crusing the ol’ Mississippi
July 17
We left Memphis this morning, to follow the ol Mississippi river south, all the way to the Gulf. We hoped for a picturesque ride winding along the river. But someone went and built a 20-foot high burm along the river, the WHOLE length of it. After riding along the river for two hours, and never seeing water, we took a little off-road adventure and rode up the levee. Even from the top of the levee we could not see water, as it was behind trees in the distance.
We ride all day along the river, passing through town’s that looked like the Duke boys in old General Lee would pass us at any time. Lots of cotton fields and lakes, and we crossed the river back into Arkansas at Greenville just to break up the day. We took a pleasant break at a lake where Grant tried to make a canal in his attempt to control the lower Mississippi river.
The ride today was fairly monotonous and by 4pm we both were ready to get off the bikes. We put on the rain gear, and beat it back across the Mississippi into Vicksburg literally 45 seconds before massive rain storms came thundering in.  Â
Stayed at the Battlefield Inn right on the grounds of the Vicksburg battlefield. (got a great discount coupon for the hotel at the Mississippi Welcome Center)
July 18
As dull of a day yesterday was, today was exhilarating. We started off with a 16-mile riding tour looping through Vicksburg Battle Field National park.
As we worked out way south, we stopped at two different plantations, having lunch and taking their tours.
This plantation is supposedly haunted by the ghosts to two children accidentally poisoned by the master’s mistress. I think Sam found the type of house he’d like:)
It was supposed to rain today, but luckily we got only a little sprinkle. It was 100 degrees as we rolled into
New Orleans (but it’s a wet heat). It is very surreal riding through the same areas that we’ve all seen under water on TV. Right past the Superdome and into the French Quarter. Got a cheap but nice hotel in the Quarter. There are lots of tourists here, and life seems quite normal. For dinner, Sam and I had Cajun food on Bourbon Street and checked out the 20+ bands playing in the area.
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Looooks like some fun stuff guys. We work for a living and your doing a bit of that living. Bob D (calsense)
Comment by Bob Destremps — July 19, 2007 @ 9:45 amHey John, your getting pretty good at driving and taking photos. Is that legal? 😆 :yeha:
Comment by Sergio — July 19, 2007 @ 11:26 amWhile in the south, try some Crayfish etuoffe – great stuff.
Great pictures and very interesting write-ups.
Terry
Comment by Terry — July 19, 2007 @ 3:34 pmSergio,
Comment by john — July 19, 2007 @ 4:37 pmIt’s legal as long as one hand is holding the handlebars, so I do have to prop the beer between my legs
Seriously, I’ve quit taking pictures from the bike on the road. It is easy, but too distracting. The one above was at 10mph on a 1-way road in the park, so no worries.
Bob: This is why we work :yeha:
Terry: I’m having it for dinner tonight :thumbsup:
I didn’t know Sam could find some Cajun Carne Asada!
Comment by Doug — July 20, 2007 @ 7:07 amSam, There is another use for cajun. If you have a squirrel problem ,mix a little cajun in the bird feeder to keep the squirrel from eating their seed. It doesn’t bother the birds , but the squirrel doesn’t like it on his nose. Off it goes! I’m enjoying your trip and wish you beautiful skies .
Comment by Marilyn Sonnenberg — July 21, 2007 @ 5:26 pm