Another Long Straight Route

Tony's View

Today was another turn right out of the parking lot of Hampton Inn and then 42 miles later turn left into the parking lot of the Putnam Lodge. Very few pictures today, however I did check out the exercise room at Hampton Inn for ideas for my exercise room. I liked the way they did the mirrors and the interlocking floor. Notice not a lot to talk about today. When we left the parking lot the shoulder was recently ground and was very rough. There were 2 lanes and little traffic so I decided to ride in the right lane knowing they could easily pass in the left lane. At least I thought. A big semi truck came screaming pass and blew his horn and swerved into us. I guess he thought my idea was not a good one. It scared me enough that I went back onto the rough shoulder even without traffic in the area for the one mile it was rough. The rest of the route was four lanes with a grass median and a three foot shoulder, similar to an Interstate with a narrower shoulder. There were only trees and swamp to look at. Most drivers would get over in the left lane for us. 

 We were traveling down the road and came upon this sign. It read, "Iron Horse Mud Ranch" with an entrance that looked like Cedar Point and Wally World. Iron Horse Mud Ranch is known as one of the best off-road parks, mud holes and trails in the country for monster trucks. Found this out from their website.

We then continued down the route. We took a picture to show you what it was like on the below left. The picture on the right shows reflectors in the shoulder before all the narrow bridges. The narrow bridges had no shoulder. There would be 1/4 mile of these reflectors to dodge. We made a game of them to see if we could make it through without hitting any. Keep in mind Joan sits on the front wheel, so it is hard to judge with precision. Just so you know, I won on the last bridge before the hotel. Being the last one, there was enormous pressure. But, I handled it. Ice in my vains.😂💪☺

When we got to our next destination, Putnam Lodge, it was really unique. It is a historical hotel. We walked out back to see some chickens, roosters walking around, peacocks and cats. There was a cage of small birds of all colors. I think the kitty cat would have loved to get in there. Below you can see I ran into my gold buddy, Buda. 

Joan's Extra

Last night we had the choice to take a 58 mile route today that was on a smaller highway with no shoulder or take a shorter 42 mile route 98 that was on a 4 lane highway. Tony checked the street view and since the 4 lane highway had a shoulder along with predicted high winds again today, we opted for the shorter route along the bigger interstate. Fortunately for us, traffic was light.

Dinner tonight was at the Cypress Inn Restaurant. We learned from the locals about the pine logging going on around here as well as some facts on cypress since the restaurant was built from cypress back in the 20s. We also learned what "all the way" means on a sandwich.

At the Putnam Lodge, Tony, the cat magnet, gave another back scratch. 😆