California: Here I come!

DAY 1: Jax to Gulfport, Mississippi
This trip is bittersweet for me. My place is with Mike, and I miss him, yet I will miss my family and friends terribly. However, I am excited about this new phase in my life. You all must come and visit!

After breakfast at Mimi's Cafe with Melanie, Jorge, and Melissa, the girls helped me load the Tacoma with my things. After a "few" tears, Melissa and I were on our way to California. It will be a long fun trip, especially since Melissa will be able to ride along. Sure wish there was room for Mel to also tag along! Next trip! I try to view everything as a new adventure, especially the journey, not just the destination. We got off to a little later start than I would have hoped, but I don't really have a major deadline to meet.

We ran into quite a bug shower in the Louisiana area, which

Melissa enthusiastically took care of!

We decided to call it a day in Gulfport when we ran into some pretty heavy rains and darkness was creeping in on us.

DAY 2: Gulfport to Kerrville, TX

We hit the road a little earlier than yesterday and decided to take the scenic route through New Orleans. We have never been there, so we wanted to at least ride through and take a peek. We have pretty much decided that a peek will do for both of us. I'm not sure what they spend their tax dollars on, but it certainly isn't infrastructure! Those were the bumpiest expressways I think I have ever ridden on! It was still evident that Katrina had blown through town, and that Gustav had also recently paid a visit, but the bayous were quite scenic as well as the bridge over Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans.

While trying to find a place to make a quick pit stop,

we exited an intersection which proved to be pretty

desolate and lifeless, except for a little gator crossing the entrance ramp. Down the road in Rayne, LA, we took another

exit and found ourselves to be in the "Frog Capitol of the World!" We had a good laugh over the frog crossing sign.

When the sun began to set, we decided to make camp in Kerrville, TX. With hotels few and far between, we figured it would be best to call it a day and get an early start in the morning. We are aiming for Tuscon tomorrow! Hopefully, we will be able to see the Saguaro National Park and the Desert Museum, which Mike and I visited on our April visit. It was quite fascinating and I know the biology teacher Melissa will love it! Adios!

Please keep us in your prayers!