Post date: Aug 20, 2016 4:44:28 PM
As usual, I was back in the saddle early to head towards San Antonio. I had a long day of riding planned to get to New Orleans, and I wanted to make a quick pit stop by the Alamo.
It is not so much the remaining structures that are of importance, rather the sacrifice that was made there that commands sanctity. It a turning point in American history.
I was not able to partake in the river walk as I was a bit pressed for time. Anyways, it leaves a reason to return to San Antonio, perhaps one day.
Back out on the road, I found myself again melting in the Texas heat. It will suck the life right out of you, if you're not careful. I stopped several times to replenish my water supply and soak my shirt in cool water only to have it be dry completely within an hour.
Entering Louisiana, I passed over Lake Charles. There are several casinos dotting the coastline. An army of boats floating in the afternoon sun broke up the reflection of the sun from the surface of the water.
Baton Rouge, however, was suffering from a different weather pattern. It was dark well before sunset due to a storm that had been circling in the Gulf of Mexico for days. A downpour ensued that forced me to institute Plan B and make way for drier climates. I stopped under an awning in front of a building to get out of the rain and mapped the nearest Marriott. What I didn't anticipate was Google Maps directing me in circles for half an hour and having me backtrack 10 miles over the river. I finally gave up on it, and turned off the main drag. Only then, did Maps determine an acceptable route to the hotel. I holed up in the downtown Marriott for the remainder of the night.
It poured rain all night long and into the next afternoon. I had hoped that the storm would let up, but after turning on the news that morning, I quickly discovered that not to be the case. The weather prediction called for torrential rain and flooding over the next several days. I packed up and headed out in the rain. It was definitely not the first time I've ridden in the rain, nor would it be my last.