We started off with a meager breakfast of honeynut cherrios and dry toast. Luckily there was a grocery store where we could buy bananas and bars. We cycled on Farm Rd. 787 through the Big Thicket. In the past , the thicket has served as a hiding place for outlaws and smugglers.
An outlaw did not catch us but another cyclist going east did. John is finishing the southern tier route that he started two years ago. His friend, Jim, is sagging for him.
We stopped at Mama Jack's Restaurant in Kountze for another buffet. All the locals were there and if it could be fried - it was. We finished our lunch with peach cobbler.
During lunch we were able to share stories and when John stayed at the Comstock Motel two years ago, the only light was a bulb hanging from the ceiling. We are very thankful that the motel was rennovated for our arrival. We shared cell numbers with John and Jim and it is reassuring to know that there is someone else in the area to call if we have mechanical difficulty.
The afternoon ride began with a stiff head wind. But after Silsbee, we turned to the north and the wind was finally at our backs. We had thirty fast miles to end the day. Two weeks ago we entered Texas and we are still here!
It was no problem finding our motel on the main drag in kirbyville,and it has, not surprisingly, very good water pressure.
On our way to dinner at Elijah's cafe, we stopped to start our laundry at the local laundromat, where we struck up a conversation with another customer. Linda was so enthusiastic and supportive of our cross-country ride that she promised that she would ask her church to pray for us. In fact, we all joined hands right there beside the washers and driers as she prayed for our safety and vigilance. It was very touching for us, and we thank you, Linda!
After a good dinner (Ruth's first Cajun shrimp), we walked to thlocal Magnolia Festival where we enjoyed the lights of the rides, people watching and a ride on the ferris wheel. We were probably the only riders looking forward to getting off!
Ruth and Mary Jo
Wow, fried peach cobbler, outstanding water pressure, prayers by a dryer, and a Farris Wheel ride, couldn't be a better day. Louisanna can't be far away.
ReplyDeleteWow!! You girls are in what we call "DEEP EAST TEXAS." I'll share some stories with you AFTER you finish. If you get in trouble, I've got a cousin that's an attorney in Newton, TX...just a few miles up the road from Kirbyville. Ed Tracy is his name. He talks REAL (!) slow, and charges by the second for his time. Tomorrow LA. Texas will miss you gals! In our next life, can we all eat fried foods and be skinny???
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip! We have been following you daily and glad to know that Texas will soon be behind you. Texas is a B...I...G state! Take care and stay safe.
ReplyDeletePeg and Paul