We rode 88 miles today into Tupelo, Mississippi. Our terrain was rolling hills the entire trip. The temperature was very warm, which was a relief from the cold days we had earlier in the week. Over all, it was a good day, but very tiring.

We traveled on side roads, county roads, and local highways much of the day. This gives us a great feel for the areas and towns we are passing through. The great thing about cycling through an area is you are completely exposed to the outside. There is no glass dome over your viewpoint; everything and everybody is right next to you.

For example, we rode through New Albany today. It was Saturday afternoon and the town was buzzing. The shops and businesses were active and people were moving to and fro. It was a town that I thought I could live in. The quality of life was good and we saw some old (and new) homes along the highway that looked like model homes for Southern Living Magazine. Obviously, there are other areas that I think the exact opposite. Regardless, you get a great feel for the life and culture when you ride along the roads on a bicycle.

In case anyone is wondering how Dan managed to catch that snake while cycling, all I can tell you is that isn’t the first snake Dan has caught in his life. His technique has been honed over a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we are heading to Columbus, Miss. We will be reducing our mileage. We have put in two straight killer days and we need to recharge.