Day 82: Reprieve in Baker City
The Guys are taking a day off in Baker City, and the Lord has BLESSED it! We rode into Oregon two days ago and were incredibly disappointed that there was no welcome sign. We took a private road, Rt 86 (owned by Idaho Power Company) and they didn't put up a welcome sign! We'll make up for it somehow. We rode along the incredibly beautiful Snake River into Hell's Canyon and spent a dry night there. The sprinklers were clearly designated - no more mishaps. Day 81 we spent riding UPHILL from Hell's Canyon to Baker City. Grueling. When Johnny and I arrived in Baker, Daveyray and Jonathan were already enjoying fries at Barley Browns. We asked the waitress where the nearest McDonald's was so we could use up our gift certificates, and she made a disappointed face that we weren't staying at Barley Brown's. I joked that we would if they took McDonald's gift certificates, paid up and hopped on our bikes. The waitress came back just as we were pulling out and said "The manager said we can take your gift certificates - Baker City is good like that." WHAT!?? We had a feast at Barley Brown's, I'll tell you that much. What a fantastic meal, we left a giant stack of gift certificates on the table for payment. AWESOME! The manager, Tyler, also called the Catholic Church across the street and although he didn't get a hold of Father Rob, said it would probably be fine if we camped out on the lawn. So we headed over there and started to set up our tents as the rain started. Luckily Father Rob found US. "Want a dry place to sleep tonight?" We've learned to say yes very quickly. Father Rob let us take over the basement of the church, replete with 19 couches and a TV and VCR. We watched Mystic River last night and slept oh-so-soundly! God is so good.
Today is Day 82, a Sunday and a much needed rest. We attended the Baptist Church this morning and heard Seton Lee speak about the atrocities in Cambodia. A really powerful message, even more so since I'd been to the Killing Fields he talked about earlier this year. We met the Kings, who invited us to lunch, and the Nielsens, who also invited us to lunch. CRAZY! The Kings agreed to change it to breakfast tomorrow, and we spent the afternoon HERE at the Nielsen's where I'm writing my update from! They are just a fantastic family and a lot of fun. There's a lot of laughter coming from upstairs as I write this! Thank God for taking such good care of us. The Nielsen's opened up their house, shared their lives and their food with us. I'm floored once again.
From here we head back to the Catholic Church for what will probably rank as one of the greatest naps of the trip. We've been eating all day (we destroyed what remained of the McDonald's gift certificates this morning on Deluxe Super Breakfasts) and we're ready to crash for a day of rest. How wonderful.
Last night at McDonald's (we went there for dessert after Barley Brown's - I was trying not to tire you with food tales) we met a nice couple and they thought we could use some fresh pears. They ran out to their car and brought a bunch back for us. We love Baker City.
One more week to Florence! We're already worried about how we're going to reenter society...
The Guys on Bikes are holding up well, using this day to restore energy and spirits for the last week. I think we are already sensing the bittersweet ending this is going to be. Thank God we have so many lessons, memories, blessings, friends and pictures to take home with us. Except for the friends.
Today is Day 82, a Sunday and a much needed rest. We attended the Baptist Church this morning and heard Seton Lee speak about the atrocities in Cambodia. A really powerful message, even more so since I'd been to the Killing Fields he talked about earlier this year. We met the Kings, who invited us to lunch, and the Nielsens, who also invited us to lunch. CRAZY! The Kings agreed to change it to breakfast tomorrow, and we spent the afternoon HERE at the Nielsen's where I'm writing my update from! They are just a fantastic family and a lot of fun. There's a lot of laughter coming from upstairs as I write this! Thank God for taking such good care of us. The Nielsen's opened up their house, shared their lives and their food with us. I'm floored once again.
From here we head back to the Catholic Church for what will probably rank as one of the greatest naps of the trip. We've been eating all day (we destroyed what remained of the McDonald's gift certificates this morning on Deluxe Super Breakfasts) and we're ready to crash for a day of rest. How wonderful.
Last night at McDonald's (we went there for dessert after Barley Brown's - I was trying not to tire you with food tales) we met a nice couple and they thought we could use some fresh pears. They ran out to their car and brought a bunch back for us. We love Baker City.
One more week to Florence! We're already worried about how we're going to reenter society...
The Guys on Bikes are holding up well, using this day to restore energy and spirits for the last week. I think we are already sensing the bittersweet ending this is going to be. Thank God we have so many lessons, memories, blessings, friends and pictures to take home with us. Except for the friends.
2 Comments:
Ry - A couple things. First of all, I miss you a ton. But I'm so proud you're all the way out there, SO PROUD!!! Second of all, I'm also psyched for Dad to come out. Thirdly, I love teaching! PLEASE tell Johnny K I use a lot of his ideas he taught me in Oklahoma... my first week of school wouldn't have been half as successful if he hadn't have been kind enough to spend that time to help me! I use the 2... 1... 0, Homework Hotshots, and "And I will... C-YA." Among other things I can't fit in this comment... So tell him I am so very thankful. It's going GREAT. Lastly, I still have warm socks from New Zealand to send to you with Adrienne if you want them. So send me an address or somewhere I can send them... I can't wait to see you and talk about our adventures together... maybe we can still have our "boot party" (your cowboy and my eskimo). I love you!! DaveyRay and Jonathan I hope you are well too. DR -I think Halo will help you reenter society when you get back. It's at least a start. I haven't played since, but I did buy an XBox! Take care GOB'S, God bless, and come home safe! Ry, did you sing the mountain song for the guys yet? love you, Kel
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Kelly, at 11:10 PM
Almost there!!!! Wow. The more I read about this trip, the more jealous I am for what you guys are witnessing and encountering. It's good to hear that middle America and small town America are still hospitable places with heart. Somehow, I'm not sure you'd encounter such types of people back here in the big city. Man, how awesome it is to see how God has provided time after time, in town after town. What an experience. You all better have a great slide show ready when you come back. Dudes, we are waiting with great anticipation for the return. Ryan, it's a bummer you won't be coming back til later, but just another good reason to celebrate again when you do return!! Just to let you know, I've been riding my stationary bike every day and made as many miles as from Va Beach to Hell's Canyon now. But somehow, it just doesn't seem the same as your trip. Good news on the homefront: Redskins won their first game and looked pretty solid. Nerm is back safely. Get back soon!!!! We look forward to seeing you all. --the mayor
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