riding the Mississioppi

[tulip]

In April I rode the Natchez Trace from Tupelo to Natchez, and then the Mississippi River Trail to Vicksburg. I know that store well!!

I preferred the non-Trace riding better. The MRT route goes through amazingly beautiful country. I found the Trace a bit boring after a few days, but still it was a nice ride.

We saw very few other cyclists. I guess April is a bit early for the big cycling season.

[hebe]

I'm enjoying reading your updates. That slow steady incline would bug me too. I hope you got to enjoy a beer at the hotel!

[marni]

Todays ride was through the flat, treeless Mississippi delta. Fortunately it was a bit cooler than it has been, and we had cloud cover which helped. The only excitement in the whole 60 miles was the town of Belzoni at mile 42, and the fact that Indianola, where we are staying, is the home of BB King and the self proclaimed "cross roads of the Delta blues."

65 miles today, 60 tomorrow, 92 the day after and then we are in Memphis and get a day off.

from left to right. Why Belzoni was a highlight of the day, why Belzoni was a wide spot in the road, tonight's dinner, Salmon Nicoise, mixed white bean salad, melon and carrot cake.

[hebe]

"Catfish capital of the world"

Hope you had a good rest and that the next few days go well.

[redrhodie]

"Catfish capital of the world"

And you had Salmon? They must have looked at you like you had two heads.

How you feeling?

[marni]

today's ride 65 miles of Delta wheat fields, catfish farms and rice paddies interspersed with about 7 miles of paving grooved for repaving and intermittent downpours and lighter showers for the last 20 miles. Found an American, Italian, Lebanese local restaurant in Clarksdale and had kibby, cabbage rolls, a few killer french ries and 1/2 slice chocolate pie. Fortunately the booth seats were plastic os our wet muddy jackets and soggy shorts didn't leave huge wet spots that were visible. Also passed through Rulesville, home to Fanny Lou Harms ( looke her up) and the music group the single singers. tomorrow is a long day into Memphis and then a day off to feel virtuous with 600 miles down and 1200 miles more to go.

We had salmon in Indianola because although wild caught, it was cheaper than the catfish. Go Figure.

Photos are of Delta wheat fields, rice paddies and the place where we had lunch. Owner says her grandparents ended here because they had relatives here that had come down from Ellis island and now she and her daughter run it. It was warm and delicious goodness.