Update 4/6
Day #45
Today: Phenix City, AL, to Ft. Valley, GA (76 miles)
Total miles: 2425
Tomorrow (plan): Milledgeville, GA
Last night's weather forecast was for dry, colder weather, and the winds were predicted to be fairly strong. The forecasters were pretty accurate, as we departed with winds from the NNW in the 10-15 mph range with gusts to about 25 mph. The temperature was in the low-to-mid 40's, so Susan had on more layers than she had put on for a few days. I think I have mentioned that one of her greatest fears is being the least bit cold. It's obvious that twenty-six years of Southern California weather have had their effect on this Maryland girl. We continued to follow US 80 through Columbus, GA, and for about 20 miles east of there; then, at Geneva, GA, we changed our route to GA 96. Our ability to observe life in the small towns seemed to change abruptly at this point. In Louisiana, Mississippi, and much of Alabama our route on US 80 had put us right through the small towns, and we had been able to see and meet a greater cross-section of the people. We were also able to see the impact the Interstate highway network has had on small towns and how the current economic situation is affecting the people. Now our route is a primarily a four-lane divided highway which bypasses the towns. It's better for cycling, but not that good for seeing the local people. In Box Springs we were able to find an excellent cafe owned by a lady originally from Germany, and our lunch of roast pork and dressing, cabbage, and black-eyed peas was delicious. We arrived in Ft. Valley at about 5:00 PM, found a motel, and ate at a McDonald's before watching the weather forecast. The forecast is for colder weather and stronger winds. Tomorrow should be interesting.