Dolly's Bike Blog

April 20: Wiggins to Moss Point, MS

When we left Wiggins around 7:30 am this morning, it was 39 degrees, but the sky was clear, suggesting warmer temperatures. We began to shed clothing by the first sag stop and I saw 73 degrees on a bank sign this afternoon.

At times it felt as if we were biking in Kentucky, with lush green grass and numerous horses.

For much of the morning, we enjoyed the serenity of the De Soto National Forest – only the sounds of birds chirping and my bike shoes squeaking.

I did see this sign for a former POW campsite.

This parking place and these pews were a perfect rest spot when we needed a snack.

For ten miles (from 50-60), we saw these signs for Wildlife Refuge. Then we biked past this sign, though we did not make the turn. I assume the cranes have headed back north.

At mile 61, we approached Pascagoula, first riding over the Singing River.

Before the next bridge, I noticed this large shipbuilding operation and took a ‘detour’ to explore. The major operation was Ingalls Shipbuilding, obviously building for the U.S. Navy.

I also wandered toward the Boat Ramp area, passing these ships in dry dock, and tugboats.

Next, I had to pedal up this bridge to cross Mississippi Sound.

Nearby a train was crossing the bay below, with one of the ships being built at Ingalls in the background.

The route wandered north of Pascagoula, where we were staying overnight in Moss Point.

I stopped to explore this Veterans’ Memorial Park, built to commemorate those who fought in the wars of the 20th century.

As I headed to the final bridge, I realized it was named in honor of Jack Hanson, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War who was born and is buried locally.

We are staying at the Best Western Flagship Inn. This towel rabbit brought back fond memories of animals the stewards made on many of the cruises we took with Mom.

Sadly, Guide Linda, our cook, is under the weather, so we went to a local Mexican restaurant for dinner – food nowhere as good as Linda’s, but we got margaritas a night early.

75 miles today. (I plan to install a new wireless bicycle computer on my day off, to have more accurate information on mileage and speed.)

April 19: Bogalusa, LA to Wiggins, MS

Rainstorms passed through Bogalusa overnight, as expected, and the temperature dropped some 30 degrees. By the time we started off after 8 am this morning, it was just overcast and cool/cold. I had sent my fill-finger gloves home (since replaced with gardening gloves), but luckily I kept a long-sleeved wicking shirt. Can’t say I was toasty warm, but not cold either.

Just 5 miles from Bogalusa, we crossed the Pearl River into Mississippi.

We celebrated a new state tonight with margaritas.

My legs noticed that roads in Mississippi were more undulating than in Louisiana – my climbing speed has not increased, though no walking today.

We have been having trouble with loose dogs – and a black Lab came awfully close to biting us today. The adrenaline kicked in and Donna rocketed ahead with quickened heart rate. I have now bought a referee’s whistle, hopefully to deter.

At mile 28, we rode into Poplarville, the only town noted on our cue sheet that had services (read food). We enjoyed yummy gumbo at Scooter’s in an old hardware store. Chemin (with floral antennae), Mary Jo, Sissy and Jacob took good care of us and we warmed up nicely.

The Pearl River County Courthouse was also in Poplarville.

We are staying overnight at a Best Western in Wiggins.

61 miles on cue sheet + 2 bonus miles round trip to Wal-Mart.

April 18: Hammond to Bogalusa, LA

After our long day yesterday, our route was only 55 miles today. With tired legs, it seemed plenty long. We were blessed with overcast skies, rather than blazing sun to add to the humidity.

Snack table wasn’t until 8 am, so it seemed like a leisurely morning. Our first sag was at 20 miles, opposite the Global Wildlife Center. I was very tempted to hide my bike at the entrance, hitch a ride into the facility, and become a chaperone to some grade school children. With storm clouds swirling and finding that the ‘tours’ take 2-3 hours, common sense prevailed.

Donna and I stopped in Folsom to buy Gatorade; others found a new bakery.

The route was tree-lined for the most part, again no sign of crops, a few cows, horses, and goats.

Our lunch stop was in Sun, where I decided to try hot boudin, rice and chopped crayfish with spices in a sausage casing – not bad. (The grilled ham & cheese was just in case I didn’t like the boudin.)

These nestled cows seem to know there is a storm in the forecast tonight.

We arrived in Bogalusa about 2 pm, so I decided to explore, hoping to find ice cream.

I found Scoop Daddy’s, owned by Tommy. He had a picture with Sylvester Stallone. Tommy used to make Easy Rider motorcycles, which won awards at motorcycle shows. He took the motorcycle pictured to a show in New Orleans, where he met Stallone, who purchased this Easy Rider for his movie “The Expendibles.” Other bike riders also found Scoop Daddy’s and enjoyed the ice cream.

International Paper has a large mill in Bogalusa.

Today is Carol’s birthday so we had a special celebration.

60 miles today; average 10.2 mph.