M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I

Have I been complaining about the heat & humidity? Not today! We had a thunderstorm overnight that removed all the "H" factors (heat, humidity & headwinds). We started out at about 10C and went down from there. The good news was that most of the rain happened overnight; just a sprinkle on our bikes today. We cycled on a grid series of turns that took us north and mostly east. The wind was from the NW so we had quite a bit of tailwind - finally!

Less than 5 miles into our ride this morning we crossed into the state of Mississippi. Most of the rest of the day was spent on quiet back roads. Quiet, that is, except for the barking of dogs! I would guess we passed at least 50 of them and probably half that number were loose to run at us. For the other half I was already in heart failure before determining that there actually was a fence without a secret exit. In one instance alone there were about 8 of them coming at us from all directions - ugh!! I've never been a dog lover and this week has done nothing to soften me up at all. Not much else to report - a mix of rural properties, farms and undeveloped lands. Some good roads, some bad. Temp between 5C and 10C.

Other stats for the day: 62 miles from Bogalusa LA to Wiggins MS. 2700 feet of climbing on gentle rolling hills. Very little roadkill. One missed turn. 28 women shocked at the thought of me wearing shorts and short-sleeved jersey. They have taken to calling me "Canada".