Louisiana Vice

Friday April 27

I didn't like my original pack job so I decided to reorganize almost all bags. This took a mere three hours. As Yoda would say, another late start it shall be.

Today's itinerary was to be San Antonio, but due to the late start, I'll aim for Beaumont which is just into Texas. This will allow for an easier traversal of Houston on Saturday when there's only weekend traffic.

The weather is perfect, the winds are light and the riding is very enjoyable. Once inside Louisianan, I stopped at the first rest stop to get information about perhaps taking a route other than I-10. The gentleman at the information desk suggested state road 90 which is a southerly route through swamp country. Before the exit for 90, I must pass New Orleans.

I hadn't planned to stop in the Big Easy, but while driving by, I saw a huge cemetery and couldn't resist. If I'm remembering correctly, the Easy Rider heroes "buzzed" through a New Orleans cemetery on their motorcycle "trip" so I thought it appropriate. Wow! Those Cajuns know how to do cemeteries. I wish I had more time to explore.

Continuing my journey, it was a pleasant ride and I did go through several swamps on elevated highways. I wish I could have stopped and looked closer into those shaded wetlands. They looked so serene and cool. Interestingly, I encountered the least amount of bug splatters on my face shield on this leg of the day's journey.

One fascinating thing to note about this part of the country. There seems to be a great obsession with gambling. Almost every exit off highway 90 had a truck-stop/casino combination. When I stopped at one of these establishments for a much needed fill up, I asked one of the local patrons about this. He explained that Louisiana had no prohibitions and it was a parish by parish thing. He then proceeded to tell me where the best casino was. If only I had time.

Gas and Gambling

I Pulled into Beaumont about 9:30 PM and proceeded to find a motel. I had such good luck the previous night with Americas Best Value in Mobile, I decided to try it again. In Beaumont, I wouldn't describe it as the best anything.

I Quickly unpacked and showered to go get a quick bite to eat. I saw a Chili's on my way in and headed that way. In Beaumont, the businesses are on access roads off the interstate and navigation is provided by multiple turn arounds under the interstate. When I finished eating, I headed in the direction of my motel. This particular access road by Chili's dead ended in a turn around. After several laps on the “turn arounds” without any sign of my motel, I was a little panicked since I had forgotten my fancy new smart phone in the room. Finally, I returned to Chili's for help with navigation. The trick was to get on the interstate by Chilis to get past the dead end turn around as my motel was a little further up the road. All's well that ends well.