Leaving the bright lights of Biloxi

Yesterday we bid a sad farewell to Biloxi and 30 miles or so later, the state of Mississippi.

I have to say that we will not miss the roads of MS - by far the worst. Rarely a shoulder and when there is, grass grows intermittently through mazes of cracks. Bouncy bouncy! Most of the time we road the white line which came in handy when the alligator was hanging out on the edge of the road (see pics).

Alabama, the home of ALABAMA MAN, is quite a different story. Smooth, well cared for roads with nice shoulders - a huge relief. As the winds were persistently ENE and stiff all day long, nice roads really helped.

We decided to ride down through Bayou La Batre and head to the Mobile Bay Ferry rather than go to Mobile.

As we pulled up to the ferry lane, we found out it was delayed due to mechanical issues... uh oh. Then they announced that there would be no round trips... uh oh again. Then it was apparent this was the last chance to get across the bay yesterday IF the boat was fit to go. This could be bad.

Finally, we were allowed to get on with the cars and cross the 4 miles to Fort Morgan. We were not told of the ship's ailment, but it was decidedly lower in the water at the front and left of the vessel. After Marty and I calculated how many life vests would be required to float our bikes and trailer, we relaxed and enjoyed the ride.

On the other side, we had 21 miles to go to lodging, it was raining and getting a bit dusky. Marty was somehow possessed by Lance Armstrong and started hammering down the road faster than I had seen him go without a hill involved. I think the end of the ride beer may have been calling.

We made it into Gulf Shores and unless the weather changes in the next couple hours, this is where we will have our last, albeit soggy rest day.

90 miles yesterday and about 550 left to go!

Jake