Bike Ride to Elm Grove

Natchitoches to Elm Grove: 53.2

Total mileage: 1286.9

 

This morning came way to soon. After only a few hours of sleep (not because of crazy partying, but because it was so cold/I couldn't get comfortable) we got everything packed and walked down the road to one of the churches for breakfast. Apparently there was a town discussion as to where we would be spending the night, so the compromise was that we would sleep at one and have breakfast at the other. Breakfast was another one out of the park and this time there were instructions. You know that you are going to have a good breakfast when there are instructions.

 

Marcus was going to book it to the host because his family lives in the next to town over so Arden and I decided to head out with him. The group received another escort out of town and then after the first six miles we were on our own. I lasted until about mile fifteen and for one flat until I decided that I needed to tap out and join a smaller group. The ride was at a fairly slow pace because of my back, but thankfully lunch was at mile 32.

 

Across the street from our picnic area we found a tracker store and I can honestly say that for the first time I had no clue what anything actually was. I also spotted my first cowboy since the gator girl/cowgirl from our trip into NOLA.

 

The second part of the ride was pretty low key. We did come across our first real swamp of the trip so Tova and I pulled over for a few shots.

 

We hit the last turn and started to see chalk messages for our final destination. The last it was a gravel pathway that lead up to a house sitting on a small lake. Tova and I were greeted by cheers from the lake so we decided to drop our things and jump in the lake.

Things were made better by floats, awesome Mexican bean dip and homemade smoothies with fruit from their orchard. We spent several hours floating until I had had my fill and was feeling a bit crispy. Then it was off for a quick shower and then a nap on the porch. The great thing about the nap is that a large thunderstorm was coming in which meant the perfect weather for sleeping.

Before dinner, a couple of us jumped in a all terrain golf cart to explore the grounds. Robert, the owner of the house, dabbles in gardening so we picked some berries which were great. From there Alex, a fellow rider from Greenwich, took us down a path to the water. The sun was starting to set and all we could think was how amazing the view was and how awesome it would be to live here full time.

Dinner was out of this world with mike your own burritos. Marcus' mother also made them out amazing strawberry pie. Seriously this pies life changing and Lynn promised to send me a copy of the recipe so I will be able to make it for you all when I get home. His father, David, made some killer hand churned marshmallow ice cream. Also life changing.

And here I sit from the porch in a rocking chair watching the sun set. Magical!!!