Day Nine – Sept. 19, 2010
9.20.2010 | Blog
We ended our day yesterday in Wiggins, Mississippi and were greeted by the town police! Officer John Rhodes made sure we were settled in, lead us to a cute restaurant in town (The Whistle Stop Cafe – and yes, we had fried green tomatoes) and bought us ice cream at “Over The Top”. A great end to a very difficult day!
This morning we left the hotel about 7:15am. We usually ride with me in front and Rob behind, a little to my left. My job is to be the point person and I yell out warnings about debri in the road. So, not 3 miles into our ride this morning, I see a stick on the shoulder. It is fairly large and takes up the entire space. I yell “STICK” and start to get over into the road. It’s not a stick. It’s a rattlesnake! Of course, at this point, I’m past the thing and Rob is almost on top of it. He screamed so loud and swerved so far into the road, it’s a good thing there wasn’t any traffic! Rob was having a fit behind me and yelling about how I can’t tell a snake from a stick and how it almost ate his bike, etc., etc., etc. I was laughing so hard there were tears running down my face! It was, by far, the funniest moment of the trip so far!
Once we made in to Poplarville, 2 police cars escorted us to the local fire department where we were met by many wonderful people including the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, and the Mayor. This group had prepared an amazing breakfast of eggs, grits, bacon and sausage, biscuits, fruit salad and homemade blueberry syrup. The mayor gave us the key to the city, along with a donation to the fund. We left with bags and bags of snacks and fruits and even gifts! What a great way to start our day! View all our pictures of this impressive event here.
We continued on our way, with our police escort, until we reached Bogalusa, Louisiana, where we had another police escort! When we got to Franklinton, a police officer met us at the town line and drove in front of us until we reached the other side. I felt like I was my very own parade for almost the whole day!
The countryside here looks very much like Virginia; lots of hills, lots of fields and farms. The difference is the shoulders are very wide and everyone gives way!
Stats:
| Time: | 06:43:57 |
| Distance: | 91.04 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 2,445 ft |
| Calories: | 3,718 C |
Live Animals: Rattlesnake, Horses, Cows, Lots of dogs
Dead Animals: Raccoons, Opossums
9.20.2010
Kim – My question is not how loud Rob screamed when he saw the snake, but did he squeal like a girl? I laughed aloud when I read that blog. God Speed, Scott
9.20.2010
Kim and Rob, it was truly an honor to meet the both of you. I enjoyed out short time together, and I hope you will always have a little part of Wiggins, MS in your hearts. May God watch over you and keep you both safe throughout your journey. May your lives truly be touched by those you meet along the way, and know that we have all been touched by yours. Thank you for honoring our PATRIOTS.
9.20.2010
My husband feels the same way about “sticks” as Rob. Great story.
9.20.2010
How wonderful that you are being
greeted so nicely. We loved the snake
story. Hope your ride continues to be
adventurous and enjoyable.
9.20.2010
Sounds like the true American spirit is starting to pave the way.Lets hope your “audience” here will give a heads up to the powers that be on your path to keep your spirits up.Call the Cities and police departments and let them know these Pedaling Patriots are coming!
9.23.2010
the snake story was crazy funny. Maybe Rob should be in front in snake territory and see if he can tell the difference between a stick and a snake. Keep up the good work.