re: TulaneLSU's review of Love's Travel Stop showers

Friends,

Do accept my sincere apologies for not responding sooner. It has been a hectic week. As you know, each of your responses is a priceless treasure to me and each deserves an attentive response.

yaboidarrell, I am blessed that you are here, too. May we continually build one another up in the love of Christ.

DeltaTigerDelta, the shower was very clean and I did not see anyone else in the showering area. The showers are not a popular place at 4AM.

auzach, Mother did not pack a towel for me, assuming that each of my hosts would provide both running water and towels. I smelled the towel first to ensure it was clean. It smelled of fresh detergent. Since using those towels, I have not contracted any known skin disease or symptoms

TDFreak, it is an unpleasant, yet necessary, chore to debase my written vocabulary with this slang. I promise I do not speak in person so crassly.

redstick13, your word I will take as truth. I have never had a fried gizzard. But a Cinnabon roll is quite nice early in the morning. I prefer Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, the small and original sized ones, to Cinnabon, but there was no open oven or Pillsbury products at Love's.

Sayre, I have not visited St. Helen's, but I do remember the roads near Rainier to be less than ideal. It is a rugged terrain that is probably a terrible task to keep in decent order. May God's grace be with you on your trip to L.A. If I were in Texas, I would offer to accompany you on this road trip. You could have all my BBQ, as BBQ gives me heartburn.

kywildcatone, that day was an incredibly eventful day. I have not even described a quarter of the inanity from that day. No one would believe what happened after 7 AM. I was up 24 straight hours, and every hour brought on a new and sometimes wonderful surprise. It was an amazing, painful, confusing, and joyous day, more momentous than entire months have been in the past.

GetCocky11, the cashier intimated that membership to the showers required a CDL, which others here have suggested is not true.

Pepperoni, your words soothe my soul.

SidetrackSilvera, this visit was my first visit to any gas station shower. I hope it will not be my last. The next time someone boasts about the cleanliness of Bucee's bathrooms, remind them that they do not have showers.

LRB1967, thank you.

Tuscaloosa, Mother sends her regards and thanks.

NoBoDawg, hiking as a family is, after praying, sharing in acts of almsgivings, and attending church together, one of the most important activities a family can share. I hope your children will love hiking the beautiful mountains with you.

CleverUserName, the photo is clever, but I would not encourage anyone to lie about their CDL status.

Pilot Tiger, I oscillate between love and anger. For my last few years, love has tipped the scales.

Tiger Ryno, your words of encouragement, and the years of support from you, will never be taken for granted.

LSU Grad Alabama Fan, thank you for your intimate knowledge about these showers. They are little oases in a desert of filth. How blessed we are to have experienced them. May all be so blessed one day.

Telecaster, what is a tire bumper? A physical road atlas is an indispensable tool on the road, especially in an age so dependent on cellphones. We will be well prepared if ever there is a loss of internet. Please give my regards to Mrs.

Gaston, what is the purpose of a job when I have a calling?

Legion of Doom, your kindness never ceases.

AUFANATL, I found the pass hike to be a fun and very easy hike. The views to the south were lovely. However, I disagree with your premise. I thought the views from the glacier were more than worth the extra three or four hours of hike time, which was hardly taxing on my legs. On a clear day like this one, I had a 360 degree view of breathtaking mountains. The road, I can only assume, was in much better condition when you were last there. The first thing several people in the parking lot that morning commented on was not the weather or questions on routes. It was on how violent their cars shook while on the washboard section of the road.

Obtuse1, you and several OTers have reserved spots on the first Poor Boy Tours run. I have already summited Rainier twice in my life, but I would be overjoyed to accompany such an accomplished climber as you on my third ascent. We must keep in touch.

Big Bill, posts on the message board should be thoughtful, edifying, and educational. Too many people abuse the written word and add little. It is high time we expect more from our fellow posters.

dcrews, is not that apocryphal story about St. John's last sermons in the autumn of his life so beautiful? "Little children, love one another." Love is it.

OKBoomerSooner, you are too kind. Sometimes writings come together. Other times they do not. I pray to have just a few writings that will bring joy and inspiration to my friends.

ccard257, any good that comes from my hands is nothing but a gift from our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

KingLurker, one day, perhaps, you might share your stories.

SauceBawse, you are too kind.

mikelbr, hot dogs have never been a favorite food of mine. But the next time I am visiting Love's, I will try one, thanks to your recommendation.

Y.A. Tittle, I also visited Bend, Crater Lake, Cannon Beach, Olympia NP, Kurt Cobain's house, Leavenworth, and took a ferry to Whidbey Island, which I explored. It was a busy week and I have many thousands of more pictures to share from this trip. Thank you for your suggestion.

Mr. Misanthrope, I do not believe I have ever caught a smallmouth bass nor have I visited the Picwick Dam. We shall have to find the time to go. Thank you ever so much again for your continued uplifting.

Cornbeef, now I feel guilty that I did not leave a monetary gift to the shower cleaner. Next time I will.