We were almost literally blown into Lafayette this Easter morn amidst weather reports predicting 60 mph winds, hail, rain and a generally unpleasant cycling day.  Only 3 of our compliment of 21 riders rode the whole way in (85 miles) though 19 of us left Lake Charles in gray, turbulent skies at 7:00 this morning.  Along the route, we learned (via billboard..) that the Catahoula Leopard dog is the only dog breed native to Louisiana and that Crowley, LA is the rice growing capital of the US.  The rice plants in the paddies was blown almost horizontally in our direction for most of the way, driving down our usual jaunty speed to about 9-10 mph.  We all got some good exercise before hopping in the van to watch the head wind without being blown all over the place by it.  It also gave us the opportunity to partake of the Blues Brunch at  Ema's Restaurant where we had our first gumbo and some sweet potato banana bread pudding.  We'll be happy we had those carbs on board tomorrow when we ride on into St. Francisville!  This involves another big event as we'll be taking a ferry across the Mississippi River.  Let's hope for a good photo op day!!

Speaking of such (?) below are my riding friend Elizabeth and I enjoying our first moments of temporary custody of a stuffed piglet bestowed on us by one of our cycling sisters in a rather random fashion after dinner and map meeting.  We were the first 'team' to receive she who sports duct tape riding shorts, small shades and of course, a helmet and then passed her on to another worth recipient tonight.  Our adventure clock is ticking.  It was time to pass on the pig.