12/16/2014
In the middle of the pitch black night a downpour pounded the trailer. It roused me from my sleep then left in an instant. I rubbed my legs in my drowsy state and then fell right back to sleep. I’m sure I received a few more hours of rest before the big rigs started firing up. We had parked next to the huge machines under the assumption it would be safe and quiet. It was true until the morning.
A small breakfast sandwich was enough to start my day. My legs felt great and I wanted to run. I took off, conscious not to let loose too quickly. I could tell in the first few steps that I’d have great run. The trees went flying by. Some were decorated with beaded necklaces. I assumed the beads were part of the Louisiana Mardi Gras experience. As I got closer to the big city the discarded adornments increased. Again the staple crop changed before my very eyes. The rice fields disappeared as sugar cane materialized.
I ran to the Mississippi River and there I encountered the scent of oil and a bridge with no pedestrian lane. Just across the body of water a huge Exxon refinery processed oil, so I expected gas prices to be very low in the area. On the other side was Baton Rouge. Pride in their University was everywhere. I ran to my first taste of Gumbo. By the refinery a restaurant called Bellues served me a taste of Cajun cuisine. Plenty of side dishes were vegetarian friendly. The smell of meat in the restaurant was a bit strong for my senses but I enjoyed the meal.
From there, the Radisson Hotel was only a few miles away. We ended the day very early so that we could enjoy the stylish room. The pastel blue color of the wall set a very relaxing mood. I showered and shaved with powerful jets massaging my body. When I felt like a new man, I proceeded to meet with the super friendly and accommodating staff. When all was done, I jumped at the first opportunity to relax on the huge bed. 
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