Update #10 - Feb 19th, 2002
Jasper, TX - 1,907 miles since Jan. 01st, 2002

My ride in Texas is almost over. I have maybe thirty miles to go to the Louisiana State Line. The ride the past couple of days has been okay. Nothing major happened which is great in itself. No bike problems to mention.

The only thing to basically report is the mixed reception that I've gotten from churches. Sunday, I was going to worship at the Methodist church in Crockett but the response that I got was really cold. It was like I was a visitor from another planet. I didn't stay on for Sunday school and went over to the Baptist church the next block away. I didn't have any problems at the Baptist church in Crockett and the one in Groveton where I got to spend the night in.

Yesterday in Woodville I didn't even get to talk to the minister of the First Baptist church who I saw in an open doorway. The secretary really gave me a bad look and told me that I needed to go to the City Hall and meet up with the court clerk. The church secretary made me feel like I was a transient since she said that the town didn't have any shelters. The court clerk wasn't there but I did get to meet with the Chief-of-police who was able to get me a motel room through his church pastor. This was more than I asked for but it was appreciated since it was getting ready to rain.

Overall, the reception that I got in Texas was a lot better than what I received in Florida. I hope that I do not have too many problems in Lousiana. I will possibly be in Louisiana for about four or five days riding to the Mississippi River and crossing it at Natchez, Mississippi.