Date(s): Nov. 6, 1999
Day: Saturday
From: Easleyville, LA
To: Bogalusa, LA
Lodging: Willa's Villas
Segment Mileage: 59.6
Cumulative Mileage: 2709.1
Actual Riding Time: 4:23
Average Speed: 13.5
Weather: Warm, sunny
Temp: Low 80's
Most of us were in bed early last night because the campground owner wanted to close up the rec room by 8pm. It sounded like there were a few critters roaming around last night, and my bag of pecans was opened but apparently wasn't what they were looking for. We usually either hang our food at night out of reach of critters or put it inside a building.
I got an early start this morning since I have to cook tonight with Jim. It was a short 59 mile day and I could get in early, set up my tent and dry some clothes. The route today passed through rolling hills. There were several dairy and cattle farms that gave way later to pine forests. The forests were used either for lumber or for hunting camps. From the no trespassing signs posted periodically, one camp stretched for miles along route 1072.
I rode alone for most of the day, trying to figure out where to go along the many unmarked roads, taking a few wrong turns but ending up on the right road after several miles. Traffic was light, but the few cars seemed to be going well over the speed limit. It's usually a good idea to get off the road early on Saturday and Sunday to avoid the wild drivers. I got to camp in Bogalusa at around 12:30, one of the more minimal camps as it appears we have a toilet and running water and that's about it, not even a picnic table. The manager isn't here but a resident pointed me to the likely campsite, and I hope I don't have to move.
Later at 7pm: I didn't have to move, and the manager even offered to let some of us use her shower. Jim and I rode into town for groceries and when we told the clerk that we didn't need bags, that we would use the cart to take the groceries to our bikes, she couldn't believe that we could do it. When we left two ladies were at the door laughing and waving. The store didn't have all the items we needed, so we improvised, as is often the case. What we have for dinner is often dictated by what the stores contain.
The manager of the camp told me that at 7pm there was going to be an antique auction that might be interesting to watch, and we have a place for a fire so we have our choice of nighttime activities. Tomorrow will be a longer day, 75 miles to Airey, Mississippi.
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