Last night-much better than sitting on toilet trying to get chip out of nonexistent opening. Left room at 9-went out to hot tub to soak feet & wait for Armand’s call. 1 other person out here. After 15 min he comes over & hands me a towel & asks if everything is alright.  Talk for 40 mins. RAY  is a 23 yr old Hispanic from McAllen. Worked at Burger King for 8 yrs & now has job w/railroad  working from 5-7. Hard work but enjoys it. Get to speak a little Spanish. What an outstanding young person who would even take the time to come over and talk to someone my age. On this trip we’ve had 2 middle age men (1 white & 1 black) come over & talk about past biking experiences. It’s what make biking adventures so special.

LIVINGSTON to JASPER, TX (THURS  10/22) 60 miles 11mph 7:30-3:30

Up at 7 when the 3 walk into room. Packed & out the door at 7:30 after prayer & picture in lobby-DAY 5! Worried about rain 60% chance. MRuth & Kory a team-2 Karens a team.  Good shoulders most of way, lots of logging trucks pass, head wind again, pass 2 lakes, 2m rd over lake-no shoulder, rolling hills, nice temp all day. 1st stop at Indian store-Kory ready to go-can’t go-tire flat. Says I let air out so I can drink my ch milk. Karen & I get head start-Kory is good. Catch up fast. I love today-speed up down a hill-ftiSind places for lots of breaks-Karen does great. Stop in Woodville at Jack in Box-3 outside-1 inside eating grand burrito, hash browns & tea. Town of 2,400 has 15 churches. Almost to Jasper-MRuth & Kory going other way-going to do extra 10 miles so Mary Ruth can bike her age-70. So glad not to be in their group. Sit in front of Holiday Inn & wait for them. Good ride-clean up & go out to eat. Going to get early start for last 50 m into DeRidder, La. Armand is meeting us.

1st flat-Kory thinks I let air out of her tire to slow her down!

My new traveling companion-BIKER BEE (cost $1 at flea market store) with my energy food-CH MILK & COOKIES) Kory is changing flat.

interesting graphics on wall near Jack in the Box in Woodville-bike made the picture