Trans America Cycling Day 35 - New Roads, LA to Amite City, LA

The link to today's route and statistics is found here.


The first order of business was to cross the Mississippi River, which is nicknamed The Big Muddy and Ol’ Man River.  The name Mississippi comes from the Ojibwe Native American word misi-ziibi, meaning great river.  The Ojibwe live in northern Minnesota near Lake Itaska, the source of the Mississippi River.
Mississippi River suspension bridge
Another view of the artistic bridge

Ahnie's team glides down the bridge

Tugboat pushing a barge in The Big Muddy

Viewing the Mississippi south towards New Orleans

Louisiana could be called the state of bridges.  There are bridges everywhere it seems, crossing rivers, creeks, bayous, low ground that occasionally floods, etc.  There are many bridges to dedicate to famous persons.  We crossed a bridge today dedicated to Marine Corps General John LeJeune, former Commandant of the Marine Corps.  Might that general be a Cajun?  Undoubtedly, as he was born in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana.  

 We have had many logging trucks driving past us at high speed with no opportunity to take a photo.  When a truck was parked on Sunday loaded with smaller trees, it needed to be photographed.  Other logging trucks carry sections of larger pine trees.
Logging truck loaded with pine trees

 At a SAG stop today we experienced our first love bug infestation.  A Floridian called them by that name in the 2017 tour.  They occur from Texas to Florida.  They appear to be inseparable and somehow manage to fly around together, when it seems that they should be flying in different directions.  After the SAG stop there were many of them flying, and it seemed like this cyclist was being strafed by love bugs.  When riding through a swarm of them, it is best to breath through your nose and keep your mouth shut.

Love bugs wearing red helmets, possibly Mardi Gras attire

   
In a more refined manner, Kip photographed a beautiful plantation house today.
Glencoe Plantation Housed



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