Gulf Shores

Day 14
Destination: Gulf Shores, Alabama
Route: Highway 10 to 90 through Gulfport, Biloxi, MS, Pascagoula, MS, 188 to Dauphin, Island, AL, ferry to Fort Morgan, AL, to Gulf Shores, AL.
Miles Ridden: 206      Total Miles: 3,626

Points of Interest:

• 25 mile bridge across Lake Pontchartrair, north of New Orleans
• Long Beach, Mississippi
• Biloxi, Mississippi
• Home of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States
• Gulf Island National Seashore
• Fort Morgan National Historic Landmark

Today was a great day. The quickest and easiest route would have been on Highway 10. The trip to Pensacola, Florida would have taken about 4 hours. Instead, we began our trip by heading north on a 25 mile bridge over Lake Pontchartrair. Even though it has major highways east and west of the Lake, they built this beautiful, long bridge over this fantastic lake used for shipping and recreation. We then found Highway 10, but we only stayed on 10 until we could head south along the gulf. This road, mostly a nice, two lane highway, took us through some beautiful areas. We passed miles and miles of beautiful white beaches with sand so fine that it squeaked when you walked on it. The wind was blowing the sand across the road, feeling like needles against your face. But the temperature was great, and we hadn't seen the threatened thunder storms.

In Biloxi, we saw Jefferson Davis' home. It had been damaged during Katrina, since it is located directly across from the beach. The trees around the home were blown down, as well as many of the modern homes built along the highway. Many are not being rebuilt, leaving a lot of space between the homes. We rode to Dauphin Island, Alabama, and took a 45 minute ferry ride across Mobile Harbor. The ruins of Fort Morgan, Civil War fortresses used to protect the harbor from Union forces, are on both sides of the harbor. Very interesting. As the rain began to come down, we got to the resort area called Gulf Shores. Although 20 miles short of Pensacola, and without forming a committee to consider the issue, we made the executive decision to stay for the night.

Reflections

The purpose of our trip was to travel the nation and talk to the American People. The White House believes that Americans across the nation are not the same, and that we as a People do not necessarily share the same values.

We have now traveled across southern California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Having motorcycles with California plates opens the doors to many conversations, and we have talked with many, many people. What we have found out so far is that the People have the same concerns, and the same values. With one exception, all have been courteous, pleasant, and helpful.

The only exception was the staff at Fuddruckers in Del Rio, who made no effort to hide their prejudice, and who could not have been more rude and discourteous. Other than these fine individuals, our contact with Americans across this part of the nation has been a wonderful experience.

New Orleans (Day 2)

Day 13
Destination: None
Route: None
Miles Ridden: None     Total Miles: 3,420

Points of Interest:

• Pool
• Rest and Relaxation
• Palace Cafe, New Orleans

Today was our second day in New Orleans, and was a scheduled day of rest. A day to sleep in a little, to lay by the pool and to read a good book (using an e-book, of course).  That is exactly what we did.

We did get away from the hotel long enough to have dinner. We were looking for something "light," and saw a cafe on Canal Street called the Palace Cafe. We wanted to be back early enough to watch the final episode of 24, possibly the only fiction show on TV that shows how to handle national emergencies, and how being politically correct can further damage our country. The "cafe" turned out to be a five star hotel with excellent food, and even better service. We had filet mignon, blackened fish, pork shank, crab, etc., but the highlight may have been an appetizer call crab cheesecake. I know...it sounds strange. But it was very, very good, and we got back early enough to catch the second hour. It was worth missing the first hour.

New Orleans

Day 12

Destination: New Orleans, Louisiana

Route: Highway 10 through Baton Rouge

Miles Ridden: 405    Total Miles: 3,420

Points of Interest:

• Breaux Bridge
• Henderson Swamp
• Lake Pontchartair
• French Quarter

Our ride began early- 7:30, in an effort to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun. Near record temperatures were expected today, and there was no longer a cloud cover, just beautiful blue skies and scattered white clouds. We made our way through Lafayette, then to Baton Rouge for a brief stop over to replace one of our donations made to the ride god. Our list of sacrifices continues to increase as our ride continues, but the sacrifices seem to be working. Nothing major has happened...yet.

On Highway 10, we came across a true gem for bikers. We began to cross the Beaux Bridge about 45 miles from Baton Rouge. We soon realized that we were about to experience the highlight of the day. The bridge is a two lane road going east, with a westbound bridge about 100 feet to your left. It is built about 15 feet above the water. Facing a beautiful blue sky with white and silver clouds, we crossed through Henderson Swamp. Everything was green and lush with trees and vines. Sometimes that was all you could see, then you'd break through and see massive lakes with hundreds of trees standing alone in the water, green moss covering the water, a bayou, or a small river with small boats. The bridge was 25 miles long, the best 25 minute ride of the day. Although there is a similar bridge outside New Orleans, the view was not as good.

We arrived in New Orleans a little after 1:00 p.m,., and found rooms at a very reasonable rate. Despite the crowds, with many of the hotels near Canal Street wanting $250 or more a night, we found rooms at the Doubletree for $119. It doesn't hurt pushing for a lower rate. Since the area doesn't have a lot of room, parking is always difficult to find. The Doubletree let us park out front, and without any parking charge.

We walked to the French Quarter, and found little evidence of damage from Katrina. The music was outstanding, with live bands everywhere. We had a traditional hurricane drink, and then searched for a restaurant. The food is always outstanding. We ate at the Oceana off Bourbon Street, where Joe took excellent care of us. Another great day!

California Dreaming from New Orleans

(As Ralph's daughter editing this blog, I hereby state that the addition of this photo is posted under duress-

in other words... IT'S ALL BOB'S FAULT!)

Hello from Mike/ Five Corners

Well, I've finally gotten access to a laptop so I can update all the great new friends we've made on the 5 Corners Ride 2010 so far.

I have to start with Jim and Mike of Santa Barbara Harley Davidson where I desperately needed a 1000 mile service on the 2010 Classic Ultra Limited before continuing on the ride. Not only did they complete the service while I waiting but re-mapped the computer and installed the new air cleaner needed for the performance I'm enjoying now. Thanks to both of them and the folks there to keep us on the road in fast mode.

Next was THE GREAT Marine we met in the parking lot of the hotel in San Diego as we were loading the bikes for the day's travel. He was the controller for the Marine Corps League (I think - I lost the card, sorry sir). When Bobby and I mentioned our Marine Corps experience, he welcomed us home and provided a Marine Corps Challenge Coin to both of us.

When we got to Galvenston, TX, we took a ride in Old town and stopped at the Loading Dock and Galvenston's only Harley repair facility, Galvenston Custom Cycles. It is owned by Mark Swan who told us all about the Loading Dock (A bar NEXT TO A HARLEY SHOP - LIFE DOES NOT GET BETTER THAT THAT!). The owner was there pouring drinks for a couple with all the bar stools on the bar, not even open yet. Valerie Perez "AKA Denali" pointed out the tags at the bar for seats labeling the customers' chairs. After 3 drinks and great friends she is arranging to have the 5 Corners tags on one of the bar stool places with our names on it. If you are ever in Galvenston go see "Denali" at the Loading Dock and say hi for us.

We are now in New Orleans about to spend our first night on the town. We got here via the highways and byways along the coast seeing the damage and new construction compliments of Katrina thanks to Bud's navagation efforts. More to follow in the next few days.

BTW, I talked to Joe Thomas (retired OPD) who is going to meet us in Florida and ride with us for awhile. To all my OPD Family and my Calaveras County SO family, I'm alive and well - don't pay the ransome - we escaped from Texas, Arizona and California on the way to Florida.

Mike "Hammer" Oliveira
Retired OPD Motors
5 Corners Run Dude

Lake Charles

Day 11
Destination: Lake Charles, LA
Route: Highway 87 to Highway 82
Miles Ridden: 220     Total Miles: 3,015

Points of Interest:

• Texas and Lousiana Bayous
• Incredibly high bridges
• Ferrys where you wouldn't expect them
• Beautiful beaches
• Houses on "stilts"

We weren't in much of a rush today, having only 220 miles to ride, so we decided to take the back roads again, heading east from Galveston. We got to the ferry, but had to wait in the hot sun (the cloud cover was gone) for 1 1/2 hours.  We finally got on the ferry, and our adventure of the day began.  Our ride took us along the gulf, and then into the bayous, first in Texas, but eventually in Lousiana. We saw miles of beautiful beaches, with many, many small groups on the beach enjoying the warm weather. Many had their trucks parked on the beaches with tents, covers or screens to protect them from the sun. Most everyone was surf fishing, which obviously is very big in the area. We crossed several extremely high bridges which traversed bayous and in one case, a very large lake. We even ran into a couple mental giants who, for reasons known only to them, welcomed us with one finger waves. There was evidence all around us of the damage from the hurricanes. Gas stations blown apart, refrigerators in trees, and debris everywhere.

Galveston, TX

Day 10

Destination: Galveston, TX
Route: Highway 36 to Highway 6
Total Miles Ridden: 220    Total: 3,015

Points of Interest:

• Great back roads ride with no traffic
• Small towns along the hghway
• Beautiful farmland and country homes

Today was a great ride. We had a cloud cover almost the entire day which kept the temperature down to a tolerable level. Instead of high 90's, it was mid 80's until we got to town. As you arrive from the west, you begin to experience a community which lives by tourism and the sea. You cross a bridge with the gulf to the south, and a cement barrier to the left which simulates the waves of the ocean. When you arrive on Seawall, the coastal road, you have miles of white beaches to the south, and hotels and restaurants to the north. The water was Mississippi brown. We were joined today by Waylon and Marge who rode in from Tyler, TX. We hadn't seen them for a couple years, and it will be a pleasure riding with them through Florida.