We had our longest mileage day so far ahead of us with Louisiana as our destination, so we got up at 6am and were out the door by 7:45am. We saw on the news while we ate breakfast that there was an accident on I20/59 West after the Mercedes Plant. As we passed by the area, traffic was light so we thought we were in the clear. No such luck. Just a few more miles down the road traffic came to a halt. We crawled and intermittently stopped for 45 minutes for about 5 miles. Once traffic got moving again, we saw mobile signs on either side of the road saying all vehicles must use Exit 62. Although the highway workers were taking the signs down, we could see ahead that traffic was slowing again. We took the exit to Highway 11 that paralleled the interstate, hoping we could get around and ahead of the backup. Eventually we got back on to I20 West and it was clear.
We crossed into Mississippi and took a break for fuel about 30 minutes later. We drove another hour and found a Subway to stop and get lunch. Rob thought it would be funny to play a little April Fools joke. As we approached the parking lot with Subway right in front of us, Rob asked, "Let me know if you see the Subway." I told him it's right in front of him. He asked the same question again, but with more urgency, "Anytime now, tell me if you see it." I told him again that it's right in front of him. The third time he did this, he got a mild curse word yelled at him quite loudly.
After lunch and back on the interstate, there wasn't too much to see scenery-wise. There were some interesting vehicles and cargo, though. We saw two of these ridiculous towing combinations. Rob said, "This looks like a disaster."
This particular cargo (properly towed, unlike the cars above) is something we've never seen on a truck before!
This neat boat was from DC.
At Vicksburg, we crossed the Mississippi River and entered Louisiana.
It was another 170 miles until Shreveport, our destination for the day. We had an easy ride west and traffic was tolerable most of the afternoon. We were able to keep a consistent 70mph on the interstate, which really helped with the fuel mileage in the afternoon. Mpg at 70mph was 36 vs. only 32 when riding 75mph. The Wing is as aerodynamic as a brick.
To pass the time on the highway, we tried to count in our heads how many US contiguous states end with the letter "A". Without looking up maps, we got a count. We'll need to verify them tonight. Do you know how many there are?
We got to our hotel at 5pm, quickly got settled, and walked over to Ricky's Mexican Restaurant and Bar right next door. After 480 miles of riding today, we both needed a cocktail. Rob's was especially robust. Here's his before and after photo enjoying it.
Rob was sitting in our booth facing a TV. He said, "Why did the Air Force Reverse choose a B-52 plane for its recruiting commercial?" We got a good laugh over that one. We shared chicken fajitas and listened to a live band playing Tom Petty songs out on the restaurant porch.
Today went fairly smoothly considering the traffic issue this morning. The temperatures were really pleasant, around 66 by lunchtime and 72 upon our arrival in Shreveport. This morning I was thinking there wouldn't be anything to write in the blog since we'd be in the interstate all day. I was planning to post more motorcycle pics from yesterday, but as is always the case, road trips always yield something interesting or unusual.
Tomorrow we head to Houston!
