Slidell, LA

May 20, 2014 I last published on the day before we left Lafayette. We had a wonderful time there and were treated royally by everyone. We drove here on Sunday the 18th. I couldn't believe it; we drove 151 miles and most it was on a bridge or two. Between the new GPS, the old one died, and google maps we arrived at our destination. Nice, quiet camp with welcoming, friendly people; New Orleans East Kampground, slot 6. We asked about bike paths and were directed to the Tammany Trace, 40 miles of paved trail from the rails to trails program.

Bridge over Lacombe Bayou

Rest stop at Lacombe Bayou

Ride even has lily ponds!

Riding the trace

 This trail has rest stops built in with restrooms, water fountains and staffed with Trail Rangers/ Security. They were able to tell you about the flora and fauna, give mileages, and tell of upcoming attractions. At this point we had ridden 6 miles; Bosco asked and to give him his due I agreed to ride and additional 3 miles which would have made a total of 18 miles. Arguably our longest ride this season; but the day was beautiful, the road paved and the scene bucolic so I agreed. We were pedaling along listening to tunes spirits high my body started telling me I wasn't a youngster any more and that pedaling this bicycle another foot might be a job better suited to some one younger. I asked how far we had gone and he said rather blithely "Oh, I forgot gee, If we turn around now it'll be 20.5 miles!".We stopped for a rest and he offered to come get me if I wanted to stay where I was but we pushed on. When we arrived back at Lacombe, I realized that I had a mere 6 miles to ride and with my second wind we sailed on.
Our second problem was that we had decided to wash clothes and go square dancing. One can dump the clothes, there's always another day, but not the dancing. Bosco had a wee tiny nap after lunch, we had dinner and off we went to dance with the Ozone Squares; what a fun bunch. They are without a doubt the most welcoming club I think I've every danced with. They seemed genuinely happy and loved to dance. We passed out our Idaho Potatoes, Tony DiGeorge called, and Bosco called a tip. The evening was over in a flash.
You know the end of this story......we had to get up this morning! 20 miles of biking, 2 hours of dancing; everything hurts. Getting old is not for sissies to quote and old Midvale preacher.