Days 34,35,36,37 Nottoway Plantation to NawLins

Hi everyone, sorry we have not communicated with yall. We have had too much fun and no internet in some places.

Jaimito met up with us at The Nottoway Plantation and we had a terrific time there. It was absolutely spectacular. And even more so, for me to have my son there with me..We left the next day and headed for NawLins with Jaimito as Joe's co-pilot/navigator. They had a good time and we had a great ride .

He rushed to our hotel, we had 45 minutes to get out of our spandex, shower and get ready to meet the rest of The Serrato Clan. Ricardo's father in law Neal also joined us. Well the rest is history. I had 4 absolutely glorious days with my family. The Monkey's(grandbabies)slept with us 2 of the 3 nights. And we all went on a swamp tour and toured a plantation, went on a carriage ride. And walked around town and explored all the famous spots. The kids, Joe, Jaime and Neal had fun on Bourbon Street. And I had fun playing with the babies... We ate alot of really good food. Sunday after Mass at The St. Louis Cathedral we had brunch and we all parted ways. I had such a knot in my throat and pain in my heart when they left. But they are all so proud of me, so it gives me courage to finish my Selfish Mission of Self Discovery(as I call it)...They all understand me..

We took off and spent the night just outside of NawLins. We needed to do laundry, and re stock our groceries for the week...And put our feet up, both Lola and I were sporting kankles(fat ankles) the whole time in NawLins, the heat and humidity were the culprits..

Our ride today started with a ride past NASA . With a Space Shuttle on display at the gate. It was awesome. Then we rode past the swamp/river where we took the swamp boat with the family. We recognized it right away...We crossed into Mississippi and felt the change in heat and humidity immediatly. I'm sporting my first sunburn and heat rash on my legs. The devastation left from Hurricane Katrina continues to amaze us. All along the roads there are new houses and abandoned damaged houses, businesses, etc...Today I saw some stairs in the middle of nowhere and Lola saw the foundation just after that. .

We rode 50 miles before stopping for lunch, ON THE GULF OF MEXICO!!! It was sooo nice and beautiful...We set out our picnic. By the way, our picnic lunches are the best lunches we have had so far. And we ate on a bench on the pier. We dipped our feet in the water. It was too warm to be refreshing. But it felt good to take our shoes off and feel the sand and water in our toes. We continued until we got to Gulf Port. Then came into Biloxi by car the last few miles. Greeted by threats of a thunder storm coming. We made our way to a bike shop and picked up some easy to clip on fenders preparing for the rain we hear we will run into all thru Florida.

We are still having the time of our lives. We cannot believe we have nearly ridden across the country. We are Studettes as Nancy would call us..

Dave, we had a Hurricane for you while taking a carriage ride. It was delicious.

Nancy and Michael, we expect to get into Tallahassee on Fri the 15th an will stay Friday and Saturday. We will be in Madison on Sun. May 17th. Hope to see you somewhere...

***Jaimito, thank you for joining me at the plantation. It was wonderful having you with me, even if it was just for a couple of days. I love you Son. And thanks for your daily notes of encouragement.

***Rica, Allyson, Daniel and Sofia, thank you also for joining me. I know its hard traveling with the babies, but I really appreciate your effort. I Love you kids.Thanks for your messages and sharing my excitement with my photo/text messages everyday

**Neal, thank you for coming and joining us in NawLins. It was so nice to see you too.

**Jaime, thank you hon for your support, interest, enthusiasm and your love. I love you and can't wait to see you again in Florida...

Tailwinds,

Malena

The Pic's (sorrry not in order)its late and I'm pooped!

The Nottoway Plantation

The gators coming up to the swamp boat for marshmellows

The Space Shuttle at NASA

Daniel and Woo (Jaimito)having fun

The Malena Five-O Bike Chicks enjoying our picnic lunch in Lutcher