Mobile is in the boot heel of Alabama - just that little part of the state that touches the Gulf of Mexico. I sometimes refer to it as "LA" - Lower Alabama.
The day dawned full of sun and good feelings. It didn't take long to get to the state line, then I was in Mississippi again, but further south than on the ride east. Nice two-lane roads, through the pine trees and small towns.
Then the scooter got to add still another state to its list - the eighth state of the
trip, Louisiana. The Mississippi state route I'd been on just changed numbers to a Louisiana state route and I continued going through small towns, over rivers and across swamps.
About noon, I arrived in Clinton, Lousiana. My stomach was starting to think my throat had been cut, so I looked around and found Jimmy's Cafe. I knew it must be good because of all the pickup trucks parked in front. I knew it was safe two as both of the town's police officers were
there too.
Jimmy's does not offer fancy dishes. Étouffée was not on the menu nor was any other Cajun food that might take time to prepare. Rather, Jimmy's is a place for hamburgers, BLTs, chili and other simple fare. I enjoy finding places like this - they're much more fun than the typical chain fast-food place.
Back to the road and on to St, Francisville, a gorgeous little town filled with antique shops, beautiful old churches and neat lawns.
Then - Becky Sue lied to me. Becky Sue is the disembodied female voice in my GPS. On the way out of St. Francisville I headed towards the bridge over the Mississippi River - - and found this.
There was no bridge. You can see the road climbing the far bank, but the bridge was gone, probably a victim of Hurricane Katrina.
Actually, Becky Sue had not lied to me - I just hadn't updated her maps. I bought her last year so assumed the maps were up to date. Obviosuly, my assumption was wrong. As I pondered what to do, I heard Big Phil laugh at me - he had told me not to depend too much on technology.
Fortunately, it didn't take long for me to find the new bridge, and I was on my way again. Late afternoon found me in Crowley, LA, for a good night's sleep after another day's adventure.
