After explaining to a local man outside that we had started our ride in San Diego, he said something like: "You're so far gone I couldn't catch you with a dip net", which apparently is a reference to when a fish is too far out of reach for a net attached to a long pole.
The talk today amongst the group revolved around different ways of dealing with the local dogs, which are becoming increasingly menacing. Outside of the towns here it is common for folk to leave unattended dogs in their yards - dogs which get very excited by passing cyclists and chase them down the road barking and growling. Today was particularly busy with dog chasings (about a dozen) and two people even got their panniers bitten, which is a little close for comfort. Defenses tried so far include pepper spray, shouting loudly, kicking with foot, hitting with bike pump and hitting with very large stick. The problem is that trying to execute these defenses while riding on the road is more dangerous than the dogs.
Tomorrow we ride to St Francisville. When we arrive there mid-afternoon, half the group will transfer to a rental car and drive to New Orleans for the night and half will stay in St Francisville. The following day is a rest day so we will all meet back in St Francisville that night before continuing on.
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