From Shreveport, LA
Blast off was at 7:15 AM this morning! A neighbor and dear friend, Cynthia Marshall, was there to see me off, and a Harley riding buddy of mine made an appearance, with Harley, to “ride me out of town”, which I thought was a touching and fun gesture. To have someone do such a thing set a happy tone that I’ll carry with me for the entire trip. He will go unnamed, as he is a rather private individual but his appearance, sending me off in style, was enormously appreciated. BTW, that’s me in the photo…7:00 AM this morning just before launch.
Today and tomorrow are dedicated to burning up miles on my way to Vian, Oklahoma, for a major birthday celebration with an old friend; nevertheless it is proving to be a good test. The weather was hotter than the hinges hell but everything worked perfectly, including me, throughout the 350 miles to Shreveport. I’m overjoyed to have been given the green light to get the hell out of Dodge, and get out on the highway!
The only comment I can make about today’s ride was something I saw while riding by Alexandria, LA. Before I say anything more, it’s important to mention that last night as I knelt by my bed saying a few prayers and asking for all blessings from the Almighty for a safe trip, I also said something else…”Do not belittle, disparage, or denigrate any of the cities or towns that I might pass through or visit.” However, I must make mention of the opportunities to improve a graveyard, plainly visible from the highway, located just before exit 83 on the northbound side of route 49. No pauper, miscreant of any kind, deserves to be buried in this less than festive glade. Not a tree, no visible plant, no place for reflection, even if that reflection were how pleased one might be that the deceased, were, in fact, deceased! This is a sorry assed graveyard, and a strongly worded letter to the city father’s of Alexandria needs to be sent alerting them to this eyesore that transcends even the tasteless Mr. Binky’s billboard that welcomes visitors to New Orleans. Other than that, I’m sure Alexandria is a fine city.
This evening I had dinner at a restaurant in Shreveport called Ralph & Kacoo’s. When living in New Orleans we get so caught up in snooty gastronomical crap that it blinds us to eating at down home restaurants that serve up well prepared eats. Ralph & Kakoo’s is such a place. Should you come to this oil, gas, and cattle dominated, almost Texan city, I urge you to dine here…most pleasant, quite tasty, and an incredibly good value.
Tomorrow, it’s off to Vian, Oklahoma, through a large chunk of western Arkansas, and ridden on mostly two lane roads in scenic areas. The forecast calls for heavy heat.
XO
Middie
