More on Truckstop Camping

 

Chris:  The experience of truck stop camping was so rich it just might go down as one of the highlights of this trip.

Last night a semi with engine trouble pulled in right beside our tent and a crew of truckers and mechanics worked on it for…hours?  I couldn’t tell.  Made for some interesting dreams of roaring monsters.

I do believe David and Tony could be planted permanently anywhere we’ve traveled, find their niche and settle in.  They befriended the truckers, the management, the workers and the dogs that roamed the property. 

One of the truckers right next to us went on a rant to some official on the phone due to a ticket he had received for having his license plate on in the front rather than the back.  He was hopping mad and explained to us that they don’t pay the police officers enough and don’t even send them to Police Academy so there is constant turnover and they don’t understand that that’s not a ticketable offense.  He noted that everyone in the area is completely reliant upon the truckers because it’s a rural, agricultural area and they are completely dependent on goods coming in and then crops going out.  It was hard to get away from the interesting conversations but we had about 50 miles of riding so left with the well wishes of all the staff.

Oh, the showers were also great.  For $6.00 I took a wonderful shower.  Most truckers are men so I got the less used women’s shower.  Score.

We biked through some beautiful countryside today and at one point a herd of cows startled by our presence started running right alongside the fence beside us.  It was a thrill.  Ridin’ with the cows…

I find the people in this state to be so friendly and interested in what we’re doing.  I love riding through these towns that I’ve never heard of before with names like Hamburg, Moreauville, Cottonport and Bunkie.

We are camping tonight in a place I’d like to stay for awhile at Chicot State Park, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, a stunningly beautiful 6400 acre park with a lot of fishing opportunities.  And rolling hills.  I’m resting a spell with my feet up.

Riding with Tony is a trip.  He rides circles around me, protects me from dogs, is super agile on his bike and can eat and drink and take pictures and tell stories and laugh and I’m just thinking to myself “ I think I can, I think I can” and try to avoid potholes.

Some man told Tony that he was going to go “catch some CRAWL-dads” with his son.  Say that phrase really slowly and you get the gist.   

Tuna fish and Gatorade in Bunkie, Louisiana never tasted so good.  That look on my face is the realization that the 30 miles I just biked isn’t enough and I still
have 20 to go.

Breakfast sandwich and grits because David is determined to feed us local food.  The sandwich was delicious.