Day 209 Feb 24, 2017 Biloxi, MS to Slidell, LA

By far, the number one question we are asked is, How many miles do you do in a day?  If we were in Colorado, our response might be 35, but it is pretty flat in our current territory, so we answer, around 50. The honest answer is that it depends upon the terrain, wind, traffic, how many days we have already ridden, where h/motels are located, what they cost, local attractions, and whim.

This week, the distance was dictated by hotels. Tillman's Corner was less than 30 miles from Mobile, because the closest hotel after that would have had us riding 70 plus miles - too far. Likewise, we had to have a long day going into Slidell or New Orleans. Considering the traffic going into NO and the fact that we'd like to get there before the populous is completely hammered, we decided to go 65 miles into Slidell.

We were a little anxious, 65 miles is a long way, but we knew it would be flat so we were not super concerned. The day started warm and sunny, though it would cloud up later. Google wanted us to take the pleasant sounding Beach Blvd, also known as US-90, a six lane, heavily traveled expressway. We declined.

 Much of the early miles wound through rural areas or small cities. The standard tree-lined streets, stop signs and traffic lights. Pleasant, but a bit time consuming. By the time we stopped for a Subway lunch in Bay St. Louis, clouds had moved in and the wind was picking up.

When you live this close to the water...

The second half of the day, was near the shore or on bridges crossing various rivers, wetlands, and the Chandeleur Sound.

The Bay St Louis bridge was amazing. The two mile long bridge not only crossed the Chandeleur Sound but gave us a view of a railroad bridge South it.

You can tell this is a working bridge not only because of the train on the right, but because the swing bridge is closed. 

If a railroad bridge is no  longer in use, it is left in the open position. 

Much as we enjoyed the beach scenery, we struggled with a strong head wind. There were times when we barely made 9mph.

Halfway across the Pearl River, we entered Louisiana. Whup whup, state number 19! We were hoping to find a Welcome to Mississippi sign on the other side of the road, but it was not to be. I guess Mississippi either wants to fly under the radar, or figures if people do not know where they are, it's not the states problem :)

Sunday we are heading for the The Big Easy! Exciting!