Moonwalker and Mark Trail Cross Country Bike Trek: Mother Love

Marit, Chelsea (oldest daughter), Halldis (mother)

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing mother, Halldis Anderson! She came to America from Norway, married my dad and lived all over the world, then raised my two brothers and me when he died at a young age from cancer. This cross country bicycle trek is dedicated to her. She thinks I am crazy, but my zest for adventure is very much attributed to her and all the travels she took us on. Love you so much, Mom, and thanks for being there for all of us.

Last week we made it into Louisiana and crossed the mighty Mississippi River over the John James Audubon Bridge. This river basin contains 1 million square miles- making it the second great river valley of the world, after the Amazon River valley. The Southern Tier follow along the Choctaw Trail. These Native Americans called their people in Louisiana the "Sunrise People" and those in Texas the "Sunset People". As we went east through the parishes we stayed north of Baton Rouge and New Orleans going through sugar cane fields, groves of loblolly pines, giant cypress with Spanish moss, and large oaks. We enjoyed local crawdads, red bean & rice, and gumbo. Cajuns are the descendents of 17th century French colonists who settled along the shores of Canada Bay called "Acadia". they were eventually relocated to Louisiana. The name was shortened into 'Cadian, and finally Cajun.

We had been warned by west bound cyclists about the dogs in Louisiana. They are the biggest concern after automobiles for a biker. We kept our pepper spray handy, but unfortunately I was a victim of an aggressive dog before I could even reach for my spray in the town of Moreauville. The good thing is that a nurse, Nan Gastar, was nearby and initially treated the bite. We pedaled another 15 miles to Simmesport, which was luckily on our route, and I was treated at the Country Clinic with stitches and antibiotics.

Nurse Rose Kuplesky and Dr. Steve Kuplesky not only treated my dog bite, but insisted we spend the night at their home. Amazing folks!

We also spent the night at the home of Cajun Pedlar, Perry Templeton, in Jackson, LA. She is the third female host that has built her own home and has a showcase shop. What industrious and talented women on the Southern Tier.