Bicycling on the Bayou

   Sometimes the best way to experience a place is to go out with absolutely no plans at all. That's what I did. I just hopped on my bike and started peddling with no intentions of going anywhere in particular. My hometown of Golden Meadow, Louisiana is perfect for riding, There's a sidewalk lining the main road for the whole length of the town with views of the bayou, old houses and shrimp boats. I rode to where the sidewalk ended and I almost turned around but being that the weather was clear I just kept on going. Thirty minutes later I made it to the old pontoon bridge in Galliano and got a few good pictures in.

   At that point I thought "should I turn around"?, but I didn't. I figured I would just keep on going and enjoy the nice weather. Beats sitting in front of the tv or computer. Peddling for another two miles I seen some gray clouds forming and it started to sprinkle. Being at the right place at the right time, I was near the South Lafourche Library in Galliano. If I had to be stuck somewhere, the library was the perfect place being the bookworm I am. I got to rest and read a book and also see the local museum. The museum had exhibits about local history, model shrimp boats, and old pictures of the community. One exhibit had pictures of Leeville, a community half an hours drive south located in the marsh and open water. The old pictures had orange groves, woods, and a thriving town scene. It is kind of hard to believe that Leeville was once like that. Coastal erosion really took it's toll on the wetlands of Louisiana.

 

   There was a couple of times where I almost turned around but was glad I didn't because if I would have I wouldn't have experienced the bayou, seen shrimp boats or met the old friends that I haven't seen for over 10 years. I wouldn't have went to the library or museum. Instead I would have just watched tv and miss out on experiences my unique hometown has to offer. I would encourage anyone to take a break from their every day plans and just go out on a bike with absolutely no plans to make it to anywhere. Do it wherever you may live. Just go, you won't regret it.