Making it Easier in Easleyville, or Road Angels Part II

*(Note:  we are now in Texas, but are behind in blogging due to heat, hills and mileage)

Determined to get an earlier start to avoid getting behind again, we got up at 5:25, cooked and broke camp. We still didn’t get on the road until 8:30!

After a short hike on the Gorge Trail, we laboriously climbed the 2 miles out of the park to the main road. We cycled hard and it was flat, so we got 30 miles in before noon. But then we uttered our old refrain: “There are no easy days!” The hills began, and they were long and continuous.

We were staying in a private RV campground for the evening, so we had our eyes peeled for signs to the place. Suddenly we heard horrible, hysterical barking of numerous dogs; we thought it must be a large kennel. Then Kelley saw the sign: it was an arrow pointing to our RV Park!

After dubious glances at each other, we gingerly proceeded down a dirt road. There must have been a dozen or more chained small dogs, and the cacaphony was deafening. To be charitable, after meeting with the proprietors we just didn’t feel safe...and the dogs never relented. It was horrible, and we also felt sorry for the dogs, but the noise was unbearable.

Deciding to head into town to get away, and weigh our options, we got a po’boy and a cold beverage at the town convenience store which had a picnic table on the side. We sat for at least an hour, not wanting to go back, but realizing there were no other options in Easleyville, LA. At this critical point, up walks a smiling, warm local woman named Carolyn. She asked where we were staying, if it was at the park. We said yes. She said she and her husband used to own the park, but since they sold it, it had gone downhill. She immediately offered to let us stay with them, as she had just grilled a bunch of fresh shrimp and had plenty to share. 

Under normal situations, accepting an offer like this from a total stranger would have been unthinkable. But Carolyn and her husband Ricky put us totally at ease. We accepted immediately. They were headed to the campground to dump the shrimp heads and shells in the river, so they said they would let them know, and get our fee back! We weren’t worried about the fee, but sure enough- they got it!

We pedaled the 2+ miles to Ricky and Carolyn’s place. It was a small old family home sitting on a beautiful piece of property with many large trees. Inside it was filled with Carolyn’s eclectic collections, and was so comfortable! We showered and enjoyed a delicious shrimp salad dinner and good conversation all evening! Ricky and Carolyn’s daughter came by and brought some homemade watermelon moonshine for Bruce to taste.

Total cycling mileage: 49

Total hiking mileage:  4