Update #46 - Dec. 05, 2003
Opelousas, LA - 10,480.1 miles (16,768.0 kms.)

The ride is still going and the mile totals are still increasing. I have almost passed the 126,750 mile mark for this adventure since it started back in 1993. I'm now under 2700 miles on my recumbent from passing the personal record that I have on my 4th bicycle.

The ride from Gautier, MS to here went okay except for some road contruction along U.S. 190 here in LA starting pretty well at the state line. I was able to visit with my friend in Ocean Springs. MS and made some new friends at the United Methodist Church in Gulfport, MS. Thanks also goes out to the police in Mandeville and Krotz Springs, LA.

Last Wednesday night, I spoke to the small group at the Baptist Church in Erwinville. This was the 41st church of the year where I was given the chance to speak at either a service or a Sunday school class. I really had a good night staying inside the church.

I'm on the way now to visit with a friend in nearby Eunice. From there, I'll be heading south to Crowley and then following the remaining section of U.S. 90 westward through the rest of the Louisiana through Jennings, Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Vinton. Who knows, I might just keep on going and ride back to California. This will be my 14th crossing of the country. My heart has really been on the victims who have lost their homes during the recent fire storms in Southern California. On the way, I might make a jog in Texas to visit San Antonio again to see if I could volunteer for a few days with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. They are building some Christmas houses there. This has been on my heart also. I had helped out with the finishing work with three houses there back in 1997.

I'll try to post an update as often as I can if there are any changes in my plans.