Let me just say for the record that I love the state of Idaho. The landscape appeals to me and the people are super friendly and helpful. I could live here or at least I would like to spend some time visiting here (in a car!).
Today we rode a total of 86 miles to Pocatello, ID. We rode about 14 miles early in the day through open range country. On that stretch of road there was the road, telephone poles in the distance to our right and a cattle crossing about every two miles and pretty much nothing else. Toward the end we did see a few cattle off to the right but that was it.
Ray from London, England decided to hang out with Team Turtle today so he rode with us the whole day. He rides a different style than we do so it was a little different having him along.
Jeff had some trouble with the heat today and he ended up riding the last ten miles in with Jim the mechanic who was riding sweep today. Jeff got a pretty good sun burn on his face a few days ago and that's not helping him cope with the desert climate. We all agreed at dinner tonight that no matter what distance we ride, the last 20 miles of the day is the story. I realized today that the last 20 miles is when it's really helpful for me to get into a conversation with someone. Conversation helps perk me up!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Turtles at the Falls
Easy Day
Today was a relatively easy day, only 38 miles with no significant climbs (except the optional descent and subsequent climb to see the falls) and we had a good tail wind all day. Jeff did not want to take the optional side trip to see Shashonee Falls because he didn't want the four extra miles or the 8% grade climb out of the canyon. The only problem for Jeff is that he doesn't carry a route map or assist with any of the navigation so when we made the left turn to go check out the falls, he just followed right along. He didn't realize we were on the optional side trip until after we had made the descent which was poor timing for him since he didn't want to climb today. We thought we were going to hear about how we tricked him the rest of the day but he did a great job climbing out of the canyon and was so proud of himself that he pretty well shut up about it.
Today was the famous America by Bicycle scavenger hunt. While everyone else was scouring the countryside for various bangles and bobbles, Team Turtle saw it as our opportunity to be first to the destination so we poured it on and celebrated with a feast at the Mexican restaurant in Burley, ID.
This afternoon, Mike Munk led a clinic on the care and cleaning of the drive train. It was very interesting and I learned a lot about my bike which was one of my goals in coming on this trip.
Tomorrow we have 86 miles and I think it looks like the heat will be our big challenge. After dinner tomorrow, we have a safety check of our bikes to get ready for Monday's big climb and then descent into Jackson. I am far more concerned about the descent than I am the climb. Keep those prayers coming!!!
Today was the famous America by Bicycle scavenger hunt. While everyone else was scouring the countryside for various bangles and bobbles, Team Turtle saw it as our opportunity to be first to the destination so we poured it on and celebrated with a feast at the Mexican restaurant in Burley, ID.
This afternoon, Mike Munk led a clinic on the care and cleaning of the drive train. It was very interesting and I learned a lot about my bike which was one of my goals in coming on this trip.
Tomorrow we have 86 miles and I think it looks like the heat will be our big challenge. After dinner tomorrow, we have a safety check of our bikes to get ready for Monday's big climb and then descent into Jackson. I am far more concerned about the descent than I am the climb. Keep those prayers coming!!!
Snake River Canyon Bridge
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Holy Cows!
Today we did 97 miles from Mountain Home, ID to Twin Falls, ID. We got up early to get started before the heat of the day, but Team Turtle had some unexpected delays and we were the last ones out of the pqrking lot this morning.
Just before we departed, I let Bud (one of the guides) talk me out of wearing my jacket. I froze for the first 15-20 miles before the sun started to take hold. I have got to stop letting people talk me out of what I have chosen to meet my needs. I think that one of the lessons of this trip will be learning to make a decision and then trust my own judgment.
The day involved more climbing than I expected so that added a bit of a challenge as well. We passed several massive dairy farms and feed lots in the afternoon with literally thousands of cows on each side of the road. My city slicker teammates could not pedal fast enough to get out of the aroma cloud!
Coming into Twin Falls, we rode over a bridge that spans the Snake River gorge where Evil Kinevil made his ill-fated attempt to rocket across the canyon. We rode across on the sidewalk on the outside edge of the bridge which has just narrow vertical rails before the drop (so as not to impede your view of the abyss). I am not fond of heights so this was another leap outside my comfort zone. I never realized before this trip that you could be that scared to do something and still actually do it. Yet another life lesson!
The main topic of conversation in the group right now is our butts. Everyone is sharing cream and lotion recommendations as well as cleaning and lubing techniques. Heat rash and chafing seem to be the major issues. I seem to be one of the ones who is suffering the least in this depwrtment. Maybe my extra natural padding is paying off!!!
There is also a lot of talk about crossing the Tetons Monday and Tuesday. I try not to listen to any of that because each day is enough to negotiate without looking ahead to the days to come.
We have a light day tomorrow, just 38 miles. It has been suggested we take a side trip down to see the falls. This means a two mile 12-15% descent and then climbing back up those two miles afterward. Bud says "You have to go see it, it's well worth the climb." Hmmm, I'm not sure that ANYTHING is worth an extra two mile 15% climb!
Thanks again for all your love, prayers and support! I also want to give a shout out to Team Turtle for sticking together in the heat and the hills today and working together to bring the whole team through!
Just before we departed, I let Bud (one of the guides) talk me out of wearing my jacket. I froze for the first 15-20 miles before the sun started to take hold. I have got to stop letting people talk me out of what I have chosen to meet my needs. I think that one of the lessons of this trip will be learning to make a decision and then trust my own judgment.
The day involved more climbing than I expected so that added a bit of a challenge as well. We passed several massive dairy farms and feed lots in the afternoon with literally thousands of cows on each side of the road. My city slicker teammates could not pedal fast enough to get out of the aroma cloud!
Coming into Twin Falls, we rode over a bridge that spans the Snake River gorge where Evil Kinevil made his ill-fated attempt to rocket across the canyon. We rode across on the sidewalk on the outside edge of the bridge which has just narrow vertical rails before the drop (so as not to impede your view of the abyss). I am not fond of heights so this was another leap outside my comfort zone. I never realized before this trip that you could be that scared to do something and still actually do it. Yet another life lesson!
The main topic of conversation in the group right now is our butts. Everyone is sharing cream and lotion recommendations as well as cleaning and lubing techniques. Heat rash and chafing seem to be the major issues. I seem to be one of the ones who is suffering the least in this depwrtment. Maybe my extra natural padding is paying off!!!
There is also a lot of talk about crossing the Tetons Monday and Tuesday. I try not to listen to any of that because each day is enough to negotiate without looking ahead to the days to come.
We have a light day tomorrow, just 38 miles. It has been suggested we take a side trip down to see the falls. This means a two mile 12-15% descent and then climbing back up those two miles afterward. Bud says "You have to go see it, it's well worth the climb." Hmmm, I'm not sure that ANYTHING is worth an extra two mile 15% climb!
Thanks again for all your love, prayers and support! I also want to give a shout out to Team Turtle for sticking together in the heat and the hills today and working together to bring the whole team through!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The Good People of Boise
Yesterday we crossed our first state line and rode into Idaho. The border sign was on a busy highway so it wasn't great for pictures but it still felt great to be one state closer to my goal.
We had our best breakfast yet at the hotel in Ontario, OR yesterday before we set out. We crossed the state line about ten minutes into our 64 mile ride. After about 15 miles, Team Turtle pulled off the side of the road to have our morning "snicky snack" as is our custom. We had pulled off into the parking lot of a cafe out in the middle of the country. A woman came running out of the house across the street yelling "I was wondering if I would see you guys!" Turns out, she was one of the women who served us breakfast at the hotel. We thanked her for the great meal and took some photos with her (on Diane's camera) and then she toldnus that she had phoned her neighbors up and down the road and told them to be extra careful because we were going to be riding bikes through the area. How kind is that?
We then rode many miles through the beautiful farmland of Idaho and also saw many horses and one field of bison. All the fields have huge irrigation devices and every so often we get squirted by one which is a welcomed break from the heat.
At about 55 miles, we came to a crossroads intersection and there were two young girls there selling lemonade. They had a golfcart that they had driven from their house down the road to set up their business. They were completely ecstatic by the unexpected thirsty bicycle traffic! They had their dog with them (a chocolate lab) named WooHoo. We are already a bit slap happy from the miles on the bikes and that dog's name struck us as really funny! We held it in until we left the lemonade stand but we giggled about that dog's name the rest of the way to Boise.
Today was our first day off and I spent most of the day reconfiguring my luggage and refitting my bike. I went with the Turtles over to George's Bike Shop and got shims put in my brake levers so that I can reach them from the drops. I also got a smaller bag which is lighter than my old bag but still big enough to carry my essentials. I got solar sleeves to help keep off the sun as well as a new wind/rain slicker that fits me better, folds smaller into the bag and is more versatile than my current jacket. I feel really good about my purchases. They say there is a Wal-Mart close to tomorrow's destination so I hope to pick up a cheap duffle bag to off-load my unused clothes and gear.
We begin the second leg of our journey tomorrow which includes passing over the Tetons. Once we get pass those mountains I will breathe a HUGE sigh of relief.
Your love and prayers mean everything...keep 'em coming!
Ride on!
We had our best breakfast yet at the hotel in Ontario, OR yesterday before we set out. We crossed the state line about ten minutes into our 64 mile ride. After about 15 miles, Team Turtle pulled off the side of the road to have our morning "snicky snack" as is our custom. We had pulled off into the parking lot of a cafe out in the middle of the country. A woman came running out of the house across the street yelling "I was wondering if I would see you guys!" Turns out, she was one of the women who served us breakfast at the hotel. We thanked her for the great meal and took some photos with her (on Diane's camera) and then she toldnus that she had phoned her neighbors up and down the road and told them to be extra careful because we were going to be riding bikes through the area. How kind is that?
We then rode many miles through the beautiful farmland of Idaho and also saw many horses and one field of bison. All the fields have huge irrigation devices and every so often we get squirted by one which is a welcomed break from the heat.
At about 55 miles, we came to a crossroads intersection and there were two young girls there selling lemonade. They had a golfcart that they had driven from their house down the road to set up their business. They were completely ecstatic by the unexpected thirsty bicycle traffic! They had their dog with them (a chocolate lab) named WooHoo. We are already a bit slap happy from the miles on the bikes and that dog's name struck us as really funny! We held it in until we left the lemonade stand but we giggled about that dog's name the rest of the way to Boise.
Today was our first day off and I spent most of the day reconfiguring my luggage and refitting my bike. I went with the Turtles over to George's Bike Shop and got shims put in my brake levers so that I can reach them from the drops. I also got a smaller bag which is lighter than my old bag but still big enough to carry my essentials. I got solar sleeves to help keep off the sun as well as a new wind/rain slicker that fits me better, folds smaller into the bag and is more versatile than my current jacket. I feel really good about my purchases. They say there is a Wal-Mart close to tomorrow's destination so I hope to pick up a cheap duffle bag to off-load my unused clothes and gear.
We begin the second leg of our journey tomorrow which includes passing over the Tetons. Once we get pass those mountains I will breathe a HUGE sigh of relief.
Your love and prayers mean everything...keep 'em coming!
Ride on!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Team Turtle paceline picture
If you look at Day 7 on bama cyclist.com, the fourth picture down on the right side shows a paceline with six people and the front two are wearing orange jackets, that's team turtle in action! I am the fourth rider back in that photo.
What does "SAG" mean?
"SAG" actually stands for "support and gear". In the cycling world, a SAG stop is a rest stop complete with snacks, water bottle refills, and if you are lucky..."facilities" which can range from a clean toilet at a rest area to a porta-potty to a hole in the ground with a seat over it.
There is a sag stop on this ride typically every 25-30 miles depending on the terrain. They also have a van that leap frogs the route between sag stops to top off water bottles,provide sunscreen, etc. The van is always a welcomed sight.
We are required to stop at each SAGstop and sign in so that they know everyone has made it that far. When you arrive at the sag stop, you must follow a certain procedure. First, you take off your cycling gloves. Next, you wash your hands with a handy wipe and then sanitize them with hand sanitizer gel. Then you sign in. Then you are free to load up on the snacks and goodies. If you touch your bike, use the bathroom, or apply sunscreen, you must wash again and sanitize before touching the food or water jugs. This procedure is to minimize the risk of germs spreading through the group since we are living, sweating and riding so much together.
You are not required to stop when you see the van however, if you pass the van you give a hand signal to indicate that you saw it, you are ok, and choosing to ride on. The weather now is quite warm and dry so it's not a good idea to pass by the van without topping off your water.
To get "sagged in" means that for whatever reason, you were unable to complete the ride and a support vehicle took you and your bike to the finish of the day's ride. Usually a person would get sagged because of an injury or a mechanical issue. You could just say you are too tired or not physically fit enough to finish but the peer pressure in a group of 50 health nut over-achievers makes that unlikely.
There is a sag stop on this ride typically every 25-30 miles depending on the terrain. They also have a van that leap frogs the route between sag stops to top off water bottles,provide sunscreen, etc. The van is always a welcomed sight.
We are required to stop at each SAGstop and sign in so that they know everyone has made it that far. When you arrive at the sag stop, you must follow a certain procedure. First, you take off your cycling gloves. Next, you wash your hands with a handy wipe and then sanitize them with hand sanitizer gel. Then you sign in. Then you are free to load up on the snacks and goodies. If you touch your bike, use the bathroom, or apply sunscreen, you must wash again and sanitize before touching the food or water jugs. This procedure is to minimize the risk of germs spreading through the group since we are living, sweating and riding so much together.
You are not required to stop when you see the van however, if you pass the van you give a hand signal to indicate that you saw it, you are ok, and choosing to ride on. The weather now is quite warm and dry so it's not a good idea to pass by the van without topping off your water.
To get "sagged in" means that for whatever reason, you were unable to complete the ride and a support vehicle took you and your bike to the finish of the day's ride. Usually a person would get sagged because of an injury or a mechanical issue. You could just say you are too tired or not physically fit enough to finish but the peer pressure in a group of 50 health nut over-achievers makes that unlikely.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Greetings from Baker City
First of all, I want to thank everyone for all their prayers and support throughout this entire adventure and especially yesterday as we completed our long day into John Day. The Turtles were in rare form yesterday and we stuck together the whole day as we made the long journey. We were held up in Dayville for over an hour as we waited on a thunderstorm to move through the valley. We passed the time by putting our feet up against the wall to rest our legs and we swapped favorite movie lines.
When we finally got the ok from Mike Monk to move on, we still had 32 miles to go but now our legs were abit stiff from the long rest. We kept rolling at about 12-14 mph and then we decided to take a short break at 100 miles to celebrate the century. That's when we saw the ginormous black cloud coming over the mountain. Now we were off to the races to beat the thunderstorm into town. We did the last 17 miles at an average speed of of 23 mph! Just as we made our left turn into the hotel there was a huge lightning strike just in front of us on Main St.! We made just in the knick of time. Go team Turtle!
Today on paper was an easier ride but we were not fully recovered from yesterday. It was only 80 miles with around 4,600 ft of climbing. There were three big climbs and then about 30 miles of downhills with a few small bumps. Everyone is so tired that today was a test of courage as well. We are all starting to fantasize about our day off on Tuesday.
We rode through a canyon yesterday that was so beautiful I cried as I rode through, I was so grateful and so in awe. Today we went through a beautiful river valley with the river running right by the road.
I miss you all and keep those prayers coming! I feel your love with me. Thanks!
When we finally got the ok from Mike Monk to move on, we still had 32 miles to go but now our legs were abit stiff from the long rest. We kept rolling at about 12-14 mph and then we decided to take a short break at 100 miles to celebrate the century. That's when we saw the ginormous black cloud coming over the mountain. Now we were off to the races to beat the thunderstorm into town. We did the last 17 miles at an average speed of of 23 mph! Just as we made our left turn into the hotel there was a huge lightning strike just in front of us on Main St.! We made just in the knick of time. Go team Turtle!
Today on paper was an easier ride but we were not fully recovered from yesterday. It was only 80 miles with around 4,600 ft of climbing. There were three big climbs and then about 30 miles of downhills with a few small bumps. Everyone is so tired that today was a test of courage as well. We are all starting to fantasize about our day off on Tuesday.
We rode through a canyon yesterday that was so beautiful I cried as I rode through, I was so grateful and so in awe. Today we went through a beautiful river valley with the river running right by the road.
I miss you all and keep those prayers coming! I feel your love with me. Thanks!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
A Day of Firsts
Today's ride was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life to date. Team Turtle decided to each go at their own pace during breakfast because we all climb differently. I was among the first group out and was quickly passed by nearly everyone. Then I had a flat (the first ever of my cycling career). One of the guides, Bud, rode up and fixed it for me. I didn't have any air with me and turns out the valve stem on my spare is the wrong size for my tire. Bud used his spare to help me out. Thank God for Bud!
While fixing my tire, the rest of the group passed me. The next few miles were climbing with a steep drop off to our right and ripping headwinds coming off the mountain. I really wanted to quit and get sagged in. Then I remembered our rooms wouldn't be ready until 4:30 and I thought, "What else have I got to do until then?"
Bud stayed with me or near by the rest of the way. He taught me some descending techniques as well as some climbing tips. He also threw in a little life coaching along the way.
I kept pecking away and caught back up with Crist, Diane and our newest Turtle Rich around 2:30. I rode with Diane the rest of the way in.
Spectaculare views today of Mt. Hood and the high desert.
I have not felt this drained since the marathon.
While fixing my tire, the rest of the group passed me. The next few miles were climbing with a steep drop off to our right and ripping headwinds coming off the mountain. I really wanted to quit and get sagged in. Then I remembered our rooms wouldn't be ready until 4:30 and I thought, "What else have I got to do until then?"
Bud stayed with me or near by the rest of the way. He taught me some descending techniques as well as some climbing tips. He also threw in a little life coaching along the way.
I kept pecking away and caught back up with Crist, Diane and our newest Turtle Rich around 2:30. I rode with Diane the rest of the way in.
Spectaculare views today of Mt. Hood and the high desert.
I have not felt this drained since the marathon.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Bamacyclist.com
Mike Monk, our group leader extraordinaire, is blogging our trip with photos on his website. Go to www.bamacyclist.com then click on "2012 Journals" then click on "Across America North".
Tomorrow's Agenda
Tomorrow (wednesday) we will load the luggage truck at 5:45 am the ride a mile to breakfast. After breakfast we begin with a 13 mile climb up Mt. Hood. Please continue to pray for me as tomorrow also includes several significant descents as well.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for "abundant sunshine" which will be a nice switch from two days or rain.
Today's quotable quote came from Lynne when she observed "This is a nice neighborhood but I wouldn't want to pee here."
The weather forecast for tomorrow is calling for "abundant sunshine" which will be a nice switch from two days or rain.
Today's quotable quote came from Lynne when she observed "This is a nice neighborhood but I wouldn't want to pee here."
Quick Update
I am writing this lying on my back with my feet straight up the wall. They told us to do this to promote recovery.
Yesterday, day one was exciting and tough. We had a 3 mile climb at an 8%-10% grade and it rained all day. At one point we made a steep descent at over 30 mph in a pouring rain. It was cold, scary and exilerhating. I literally wore off half my rear brakes yesterday and will need new ones after tomorrow.
I have connected with a real good group of 5 people and we call ourselves Team Turtle because we are the last ones in the pack and we have the most fun! There's Crist who is a really strong guy and is always out front leading us. Then comes Diane who is Crist's significant other and she is our navigator extraordinaire. Then comes me and I assist with navigation and communication between the front and rear of the group. Then comes Lynne and she is our coach and cheerleader. Then comes Sam who is also very strong and one of the kindest people I have ever met, he sweeps up anyone who is tiring (usually me) and is our safety officer. We ride in exactly that order all the time.
Yesterday, day one was exciting and tough. We had a 3 mile climb at an 8%-10% grade and it rained all day. At one point we made a steep descent at over 30 mph in a pouring rain. It was cold, scary and exilerhating. I literally wore off half my rear brakes yesterday and will need new ones after tomorrow.
I have connected with a real good group of 5 people and we call ourselves Team Turtle because we are the last ones in the pack and we have the most fun! There's Crist who is a really strong guy and is always out front leading us. Then comes Diane who is Crist's significant other and she is our navigator extraordinaire. Then comes me and I assist with navigation and communication between the front and rear of the group. Then comes Lynne and she is our coach and cheerleader. Then comes Sam who is also very strong and one of the kindest people I have ever met, he sweeps up anyone who is tiring (usually me) and is our safety officer. We ride in exactly that order all the time.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Get Set...
Today's highlight was the registration for America by Bike (AbB)! It felt a bit like getting processed for the army. There was a line and we moved through different stations including medical forms, ID, official ride jerseys, and finally, assembly and inspection of our bikes and our helmets. It was great to get Olivia out of the box and see the ol' girl. She's very shiny after her tune up and cleaning at the bike shop in Bowling Green before we shipped her on my birthday.
I met several fellow riders today and had a great conversation at breakfast with Barb (Mike Monk's wife). She shared with us how safety is a priority for AbB and how it's not necessarily a bad thing on this ride to be the slow and staedy style of rider vs. the speedy hottie. That made me feel tons better. There was another rider in on this chat named Rich. He's from MA and he thinks he will probably be the slowest rider. I've got news for him...he hasn't seen me roll yet!
I met some other riders in the lobby and we decided to meet tomorrow morning at 10:30 am to ride together for our ocean dip. I'm glad to make that trip with others because it will have a much more festive feel and it will be nice to learn how to read the direction cue sheets with more heads than just me.
Dad, Cherie, Laura and I went to Ft. Stevens today and took a military truck tour around the fort which was quite interesting. Then we capped off the afternoon with a trolley ride.
I am looking forward to getting on the bike tomorrow and making the official ocean dip!
I met several fellow riders today and had a great conversation at breakfast with Barb (Mike Monk's wife). She shared with us how safety is a priority for AbB and how it's not necessarily a bad thing on this ride to be the slow and staedy style of rider vs. the speedy hottie. That made me feel tons better. There was another rider in on this chat named Rich. He's from MA and he thinks he will probably be the slowest rider. I've got news for him...he hasn't seen me roll yet!
I met some other riders in the lobby and we decided to meet tomorrow morning at 10:30 am to ride together for our ocean dip. I'm glad to make that trip with others because it will have a much more festive feel and it will be nice to learn how to read the direction cue sheets with more heads than just me.
Dad, Cherie, Laura and I went to Ft. Stevens today and took a military truck tour around the fort which was quite interesting. Then we capped off the afternoon with a trolley ride.
I am looking forward to getting on the bike tomorrow and making the official ocean dip!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Get Ready...
This morning at breakfast, I met some of the staff from America by Bike. Among the crew that I met was Bama Cyclist Mike. Mike is the main guide for this trip and has led many cross-country trips for America by Bike. I have been reading his blogs about the trips for the past several months. Everyone I have met who has done an AbB trip has remarked about their great experiences with Mike and their respect for his skill. I nearly asked for his autograph when I met him.
We spent today connecting with Dad's maritime past and the history of Astoria. We went to the Columbia River Maritime museum and got to tour the retired lightship Columbia. I can't imagine how rough it would have been to be one of the crew on the lightship when she was moored at the mouth of the Columbia in a storm with 40 ft seas. The docent shared with us that even the most seasoned sailors were routinely seasick on the Columbia.
Next, we took a short drive to see where the Navy base was when Dad was stationed out here. We saw the housing for the base which is now a rental community and where the base was across the highway. I'm not exactly sure what the base has been converted into except that it is private with restricted access. They did however let us into one of the buildings where there is a picture of the Navy base. It was great to have Dad show us where everything was and to connect with that part of his/our history.
I took a peek today in the conference room at the hotel where we will assemble our bikes tomorrow. It looks like a freight depo with all the bike boxes (50 or so) waiting to "get the show on the road".
Thursday, June 14, 2012
On Your Mark...
Greetings from Astoria, Oregon!!! Thirty years of dreaming, one moment of decision, 14 months of planning, 10 months of training and I'm finally here. I spent this morning walking around Astoria exploring and more than once I had to remind myself that I am actually here.
Yesterday, Dad, Cousin Cherie, and my sister-in-law Laura G flew out to Oregon from Detroit. How blessed I am to have family who are so supportive.
Before we left for the airport yesterday, Dennis and I went to 6:30 Mass at St. Joseph's in Tiffin. Patty H and Linda C surprised me by coming to Mass as well. Fr. Joe mentioned me and the trip during the prayer of the faithful as well. What a perfect send off! How comforting it was to have my friends and community holding me in prayer as I set forth on this adventure.
I met Dad, Cherie, and Laura at the airport and except for a few bumps involving spilled m&m's on the airplane, forgotten credit cards, and discovering my driver's license expired last week, the trip west went smoothly.
While knocking about Astoria this morning, I came across this old river tug converted into a fish & chips concession trailer.
Yesterday, Dad, Cousin Cherie, and my sister-in-law Laura G flew out to Oregon from Detroit. How blessed I am to have family who are so supportive.
Before we left for the airport yesterday, Dennis and I went to 6:30 Mass at St. Joseph's in Tiffin. Patty H and Linda C surprised me by coming to Mass as well. Fr. Joe mentioned me and the trip during the prayer of the faithful as well. What a perfect send off! How comforting it was to have my friends and community holding me in prayer as I set forth on this adventure.
I met Dad, Cherie, and Laura at the airport and except for a few bumps involving spilled m&m's on the airplane, forgotten credit cards, and discovering my driver's license expired last week, the trip west went smoothly.
While knocking about Astoria this morning, I came across this old river tug converted into a fish & chips concession trailer.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
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