Leg 7 - Houston, TX to New Orleans, LA

Left Houston at 5:40 am after spending five wonderful days visiting with family. I stayed with my niece Ericka, her husband Sam and her three beautiful children. The newest addition Hannah has got to win the award for 'Most happy baby!'.

I decided to get off the interstate and take a few secondary roads to New Orleans. It made the trip a bit longer but was well worth the extra time.

I stopped and ate breakfast in Livingston, TX at the Courthouse Whistlestop Cafe; eggs and pancakes. I burn a lot of calories riding the bike so I don't have to worry about carbs, etc. The cafe was exactly what I thought a Texas cafe would be. There was taxidermy everywhere and very Texas friendly.

Whistlestop Cafe, Livingston, TX

When I saw the 'Welcome to Louisiana' sign I let out a 'YAHOO!'. Wow Texas is big. From El Paso, TX to when I crossed the border into Louisiana was over 900 miles.

I stopped for gas not far into Louisiana in a tiny town named Merryville. At the gas station I met a guy on his bicycle from San Diego, CA named Tim. Tim is 70 years old and left the beginning of April from San Diego. His final destination is St. Augustine, FL for a total of just over 3000 miles. Given that he had already biked over 2000 miles in the last 6 weeks, I would say his chances of success are pretty good.

Tim from San Diego, CA

I stopped in a small town named Opelousas, LA for lunch. I saw a cafe sign for Crawfish Étouffée and simply could not resist. It was exactly what I wanted, authentic Cajun food. 

Opelousas, LA

I picked up I 10 just outside Baton Rouge, LA, made the final stretch to New Orleans and checked into a Best Western right around 4:40 pm. I plan on staying two nights, making my way to the French Quarter for some live jazz and more Cajun food. ;-)

Overall, 432 miles and 11 hours.