Lucy and I felt much better and well rested. I didn't push to get started but we managed to leave earlier then previous mornings. Once again, I didn't worry about fuel and made a larger breakfast then usual.
I found that while riding stopping every two miles to drink water and rest for 5 minutes really made a difference for passing time and helping with the heat. Those 13 miles to Port Gibson went by so much faster then usual. During the ride, I decided I really needed to downsize some things and redistribute weight so I can get Lucy in the trailer like I had originally planned. These 9 hour days in the saddle going 6 miles per hour are mentally hurting me.
Lucy is only good for about 15 miles and these 20-24 mile days are too much for her, especially in the heat.
I also decided I really need more cash, so I am going to ride up the Trace to Jackson and see if I can get work at a bike shop for a week or two. This is the starting season for cyclists and there is always an initial rush. Bike shops typically need extra help during those times and I am good with sales, cashier, stocking and some maintenance and repairs. There are a few things I'd like to learn this time around as well, like truing a wheel, a very handy application to know.
I checked for bike shops in the Jackson vicinity and there are around 10 or so listed. Pretty good odds!

We hit Port Gibson around 3pm and I called my contact from a gas station on 61. We made it down to his house and he got a few shots of us as we came in.