Central and Eastern Texas

After a great night's camping behind the Emergency Medical Services building (thankfully we didn't require their services during the night) we had a leisurely morning getting ready to ride into Austin. Our first stop, however, was a block away, for some doughnuts, which Alison had been craving for several days. Yummmm! We then headed off on the shoulder-less, moderately busy road out of town, traveling over the last of the hills that we would see for a while.  The ride into Austin proved to be painless, with a tailwind, mostly quiet roads and smooth surfaces. You have no idea how important all of these factors come until you are cycling across country! We arrived at the bike shop of choice around 1, and were picked up shortly by our fantastic host, cook and tour guide for the weekend, Sal. We relieved ourselves of our bikes and BOB trailers, left under the watchful eyes and hopefully competent hands, of the bike shop, and headed off for a fews days of laziness. ;)

Our first event in Austin was to see a free concert by the Strokes, right on the river/lake in Austin, eat awesome tacos, drink 40 oz cans of Fosters (for the 1st AND last time I'd like to add!) and get a free fireworks show at the end. The rest of our time in Austin was spent checking our more free live music, farmer's markets, being treated to an authentic Mexican feast, courtesy of Sal and his mom's recipes, absolutely indulging in Blue Bell ice cream, and relaxing at a wine bar. It was a great weekend and we were a bit reluctant to be heading off on our bikes again after such great hospitality. So THANKS Sal and Dora!

The ride out of Austin was as painless as the ride in, and we had a great night camping at Beuscher State Park. From here on, the scenery in Texas proceeded to get more and more beautiful. The rest of the way was rolling, small hills, green farmland, wild flowers everywhere, beautiful farm mansions, gorgeous quaint towns and people have started talking more and more Southern. Our new afternoon treat is now cream pie from some hole in the wall diner, where everyone calls us ma'am and sir, and other than that we can't understand a word out of their mouths! They can't understand much out of Matt's mouth either, so I love sitting back and watching the most awkward conversations unfold! :)

We have just crossed into Louisiana, and will spend tonight in DeRidder, before heading into the 'heart of Cajun country' (quoted from Adventure Cycling, and we REALLY hope they aren't mistaken, because we have a hankerin' for some good fried chick'n and jumbalaya!) in Mamou, LA. Our next big task is to map out and plan a route so that we can detour and ride into New Orleans by next weekend, where we will once again impose on friends' of friends for several days to wash our smelly cycling clothes and eat copious amounts of food. I hope they are as excited as we are!