March 24 - Day 24

I want to start today's posting with a special hello to Mrs. McCaslin's class at Sharp Creek Elementary.  I hope you are enjoying the pictures and comments and are learning a lot about geography, distances, and bike riding!

Today felt like a very inefficient day of riding - we got off to a late start, the head wind was constant all day, we had a surprising amount of climbs (nothing too steep or long, just many small hills) and I had two flats.  But we kept at it and got 97 miles in for the day ending at New Waverly, Texas.  We don't worry about how fast we go, BUT the faster we go, the less time we are on the bike.   Days like today when you spend so many hours on the bike makes everything pretty sore - hands, back, neck, seat.   

We saw some great herds of longhorn cattle today. 

The dogwoods and wisteria vines are in full bloom here.  We went through the Sam Houston National Forest - provided some great shade and some relief from the wind as well (love those trees). 

 

We finally entered fried pickle country!  Now I know I'm back in the south - starting to see fried pickles on the appetizer menus - they are great if you've never tried them, but I do have a unique fondness for pickles as you know.  Dad loves all the sweet tea and bbq joints as well - he has been riding his bike as well, got in 20 miles today.  Kevin is patiently waiting until we get to seafood country for his cravings.  My vinegar cravings are still strong, but my newest craving is for coffee and a Cinnabon roll covered with pecans (maybe two of them) - ohhh man does that cross my mind too frequently while on the bike!    

Only a few more days until we make it across Texas