tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22741910002590580052024-03-19T01:04:48.161-04:00Parks With a PurposeThe Agurkis family's two month RV journey across the US, visiting many of our amazing National Parks and serving others in the surrounding communities along the wayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-23588260768750248892013-09-05T20:51:00.001-04:002013-09-05T20:51:15.247-04:0011,563.4 milesAnd we are home. Our amazing journey is over. So many things to process, rejoice over, pray for, remember...<div><br></div><div>Our last week of travel felt pretty strange. Just heading northward with the setting sun out the driver's side window was a change! But most of all was seeing everything so green and lush. After two months spent mostly out west in blazing heat and drought, to see green hillsides, streams, lush forests...it felt like a different world.</div><div><br></div><div>After leaving the swamps, we went to Jackson, Mississippi where we were able to accomplish one of Tanner's goals for the trip...take in a baseball game. The Jackson Braves are the AA minor league team of the MLB Atlanta Braves, and we just happened to be there on fan appreciation night. That meant cheap tickets and even cheaper food! $1 hot dogs and drinks. Unfortunately, the concession stands didn't seem prepared for 5000 people wanting multiple hot dogs, and the lines quickly grew dozens of people deep, and many people waited over an hour to get food. We patiently (not) waited until the lines had died down a bit in the 7th inning, and got our dogs. Tanner was able to get some pregame autographs on his glove, and in between innings was even given a foul ball by a very kind usher, who thanked him for coming all the way from Boston for the game! It was a fun night to be sure, topped off with a couple of free Papa John's pizzas as we watched the post-game fireworks.</div><div><br></div><div>From there we went to Asheville, NC to visit the largest home in the US...The Biltmore, built by George Vanderbilt, one of the children of the railroad monopoly giant Cornelius Vanderbilt. The home was immense, dwarfing the summer cottages of his brothers in Newport, RI, and the gardens and grounds were spectacular. We particularly enjoyed learning about the crucial role of Frederick Law Olmstead, since he is deeply rooted in the history of our town of Easton, MA.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcmozKexWcTHRAHFQiQ2ksf36gLNdAiGsnyoeSt4QYxsmEQSrgnVm5Y6403Ojj8meM8RQn3hcJSpJgZdyMOZNT0wukaPix32N_9H15wYN9LEHitVkchYU1T7rPWDQJUitl456kwYO5wc/s640/blogger-image--549939302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcmozKexWcTHRAHFQiQ2ksf36gLNdAiGsnyoeSt4QYxsmEQSrgnVm5Y6403Ojj8meM8RQn3hcJSpJgZdyMOZNT0wukaPix32N_9H15wYN9LEHitVkchYU1T7rPWDQJUitl456kwYO5wc/s640/blogger-image--549939302.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLMMDeQrsqdyhzRgeDgE_fInZtqll9fWVqVll0d5sPfYhTOzpMjSTUMRLADgsYgVwBsDalbuCCwBweU3g2QBSwzbmcKRmc-DFYBFCpN2h0V2DNbVgehnVck215b5NH1L98JHau0AaFpg/s640/blogger-image-62080935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLMMDeQrsqdyhzRgeDgE_fInZtqll9fWVqVll0d5sPfYhTOzpMjSTUMRLADgsYgVwBsDalbuCCwBweU3g2QBSwzbmcKRmc-DFYBFCpN2h0V2DNbVgehnVck215b5NH1L98JHau0AaFpg/s640/blogger-image-62080935.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EOwa8Ecx9xBsKRpelCEylNXbepaDjyh59P1j0CdDBal2wpWC7XOP9zLwl-incCGVS7UDZTVfIVM_W8XZt7StyuIdQZMRmFy3VNsNbZvWiNYNWDBFces5W7j83YgSrXWgRoh4wREkp7g/s640/blogger-image--2060580263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EOwa8Ecx9xBsKRpelCEylNXbepaDjyh59P1j0CdDBal2wpWC7XOP9zLwl-incCGVS7UDZTVfIVM_W8XZt7StyuIdQZMRmFy3VNsNbZvWiNYNWDBFces5W7j83YgSrXWgRoh4wREkp7g/s640/blogger-image--2060580263.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhf1oga8XVDOGmMKFkjsr7LyqL8TOwkIXrPy2x8GftySIkd641yXhtGzev7ApEW6gQhPg96McL6kCq4jBLqJQi_GFAm3vsE5wqpLzm1WPbd_lVNTX7Nrqx49j19lYZ7ozZbqdWS_hESI/s640/blogger-image-566337614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhf1oga8XVDOGmMKFkjsr7LyqL8TOwkIXrPy2x8GftySIkd641yXhtGzev7ApEW6gQhPg96McL6kCq4jBLqJQi_GFAm3vsE5wqpLzm1WPbd_lVNTX7Nrqx49j19lYZ7ozZbqdWS_hESI/s640/blogger-image-566337614.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Along the way to Asheville we made one small stop thanks to a billboard announcing tours of the Mayfield Dairy Factory...including its world famous ice cream! It was a great tour that shared the history of the dairy, the Mayfield family, and the process of making ice cream. Best of all was the free samples at the end...a huge ice cream cone. And yes, it was fantastic and delicious, some of the best we've ever had!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV-Prfz6Y-HARYz1LVL6V8YbThF3ZVpMypVpeLO_vRYstReuDzENm0hoOC36mV8CXDABrzJPm9V6NSvXa9kIIw8VXztrXyU-sR1t4iHe3Er0GLmg6MQwt8jEXA-pyOnmmn7f8I3Bl8mQ/s640/blogger-image-1392548442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV-Prfz6Y-HARYz1LVL6V8YbThF3ZVpMypVpeLO_vRYstReuDzENm0hoOC36mV8CXDABrzJPm9V6NSvXa9kIIw8VXztrXyU-sR1t4iHe3Er0GLmg6MQwt8jEXA-pyOnmmn7f8I3Bl8mQ/s640/blogger-image-1392548442.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-QZvpwAslN3Q4HVxuNNFfrd3H5qjLI4HH3WBggNaxfI3lqEbG_pFMEAJPrGeM08u-x9tEyHyZYhpWaH9b4HV9J-zySQVmb_-Yv6ScyRPIc5LXEbKgkxiwp-4ge7peujRrwhOtzOz-z4/s640/blogger-image-218027435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-QZvpwAslN3Q4HVxuNNFfrd3H5qjLI4HH3WBggNaxfI3lqEbG_pFMEAJPrGeM08u-x9tEyHyZYhpWaH9b4HV9J-zySQVmb_-Yv6ScyRPIc5LXEbKgkxiwp-4ge7peujRrwhOtzOz-z4/s640/blogger-image-218027435.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzftNEtJDZOQzauBVPyYNh3k2YWNjOGmse_tvjoIJAKSnAthZ7kTVGRtyqmTZg_dU03v-Lxw7xi73PXestvMTCZhuauVkoqsIzfvedEOl5Vdl4SbnFqD1LDw8anrW0uSSJGnooXVrpbQ/s640/blogger-image--817231384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzftNEtJDZOQzauBVPyYNh3k2YWNjOGmse_tvjoIJAKSnAthZ7kTVGRtyqmTZg_dU03v-Lxw7xi73PXestvMTCZhuauVkoqsIzfvedEOl5Vdl4SbnFqD1LDw8anrW0uSSJGnooXVrpbQ/s640/blogger-image--817231384.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwGr_k779XxRC8OonBeDzbmw_sezlmt8hQ3MYUY2PMi0tO3FTjjoATj-tHJza6_2oTjFcB4ULFaz4nhRziaQAA4rtYasj2c1NeaIf0WB7y44kjjYwHr1Z6NmM6hB5ZO8xXcjqLe7KjG4/s640/blogger-image--1911621772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwGr_k779XxRC8OonBeDzbmw_sezlmt8hQ3MYUY2PMi0tO3FTjjoATj-tHJza6_2oTjFcB4ULFaz4nhRziaQAA4rtYasj2c1NeaIf0WB7y44kjjYwHr1Z6NmM6hB5ZO8xXcjqLe7KjG4/s640/blogger-image--1911621772.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our trip north followed the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the truly beautiful and scenic drives in our country. Following the Smokey Mountains and the Appalachian Trail, the parkway hugs ridges, flows through rhododendron forests, and crosses rolling farmland. There was a nice sense of relaxation driving through this scenic byway, rather than simply speeding north on the major highway. It was slower going, but worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One final stop remained before we returned to New England. Hershey, PA and both the Hershey Chocolate Factory and Hershey Park. We camped right at the park campground, and spent the first evening at chocolate world, learning about the chocolate making process and the powerful witness of Milton Hershey, the founder of the chocolate company, who left his entire fortune to create and sustain a school for underprivileged kids. And of course, there was chocolate everywhere! Even the town's light posts are shaped like Hershey Kisses! The chocolate/peanut butter Hershey's milkshake was unbelievable! The next day had us as one of the very first people through the gates at Hershey Park. We spent the entire day riding roller coasters and having a great time. Tanner even did a loop to loop coaster...and more amazing, so did Johnny! The favorite ride was The Claw, a wicked looking ride that spun 360 degrees at the same time that it rocked back and forth a few stories into the air. Johnny did sat that one out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Labor Day weekend we pulled up to Ann's Dad's house in CT. We spent a fun weekend with Ann's family, sharing moments from our trip, apple picking and doing load after load of laundry. We arrived home on Monday night, knowing that Tuesday would be a day of chaos, as we figured out schedules for school, sports and music, and got ready for school on Wednesday. Bright and early Wednesday morning, Tobi began 9th grade, Lucy started 7th grade, Elsie entered 4th grade and Tanner began 2nd grade. Ready or not, here we go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlX5D_OwIu5rt2y5eypJdAbwkkTEXtq66Trdq32VwPUD6cKXlNHaB87DFVWZPt4-nNzahIFiz_LlKviJfCf3laY53X8RBlshca6t8i2b3YGHjZutUSPc7eDQdgKGwvuetcLSbZ3Pu_Vk/s640/blogger-image-1627537977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlX5D_OwIu5rt2y5eypJdAbwkkTEXtq66Trdq32VwPUD6cKXlNHaB87DFVWZPt4-nNzahIFiz_LlKviJfCf3laY53X8RBlshca6t8i2b3YGHjZutUSPc7eDQdgKGwvuetcLSbZ3Pu_Vk/s640/blogger-image-1627537977.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO_M_qOM0gnCAL1fUWfED5o0xIh-0ttFFF30tTg943uIQBYsOKSy64GlWark2H8Tvd7R6ufwa4joRHtrfJwWeQk1jmX1ZI_O0jXbYocxfRKG_fWauiCYDu2EqVNhyaDILtEEn8NRojCA/s640/blogger-image--371526483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO_M_qOM0gnCAL1fUWfED5o0xIh-0ttFFF30tTg943uIQBYsOKSy64GlWark2H8Tvd7R6ufwa4joRHtrfJwWeQk1jmX1ZI_O0jXbYocxfRKG_fWauiCYDu2EqVNhyaDILtEEn8NRojCA/s640/blogger-image--371526483.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMjLPcQE8OF2ik9wp_dMnMDhjb4CBTKxb2Qa7-vfL6E_nk2ViTOrsolLsCwmgvGTo4nYFzNdF8mrxusS4Sc8O19J0cwqsOPTh2c0Xi5KO4TwlvgZW9bMqHygSegERRaI1rn6HFsZwoJI/s640/blogger-image-1940964655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMjLPcQE8OF2ik9wp_dMnMDhjb4CBTKxb2Qa7-vfL6E_nk2ViTOrsolLsCwmgvGTo4nYFzNdF8mrxusS4Sc8O19J0cwqsOPTh2c0Xi5KO4TwlvgZW9bMqHygSegERRaI1rn6HFsZwoJI/s640/blogger-image-1940964655.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Over the next few weeks, we'll add a few more blog posts as we continue to reflect on our trip. We are so grateful for the many prayers and well wishes we have received throughout our journey. We are home. But we still have a purpose...to be the light of Christ to those whose paths we cross. </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-90209844827447726502013-08-28T20:42:00.001-04:002013-08-28T22:11:55.689-04:0010,000 milesAfter leaving Canyon Country we headed deep into the heart of Texas. First stop was San Antonio, which we were all looking forward to. Unfortunately this was our first real disappointment of the trip. Riding bikes into the city in the blazing heat (even at 6pm), we were quite shocked by the numbers of homeless people; the acclaimed River Walk was underwhelming with over priced restaurants, dirty water, and your basic tourist traps. What a juxtaposition to the beauty we had been experiencing up to that point.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAI4FR4b_JeowZyKD2c6O1pn_K91T42WmxXdE6lS4sIDXLjAuM_ufB7H1dFQ87mcuLjZ5zP5cgiBA1HuoJjTo3HbU6eLn_kOB_DoG8ad1qnqKsJWjQt16n3F6va80cLxykhldgI9pKTQ/s640/blogger-image--1709702509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAI4FR4b_JeowZyKD2c6O1pn_K91T42WmxXdE6lS4sIDXLjAuM_ufB7H1dFQ87mcuLjZ5zP5cgiBA1HuoJjTo3HbU6eLn_kOB_DoG8ad1qnqKsJWjQt16n3F6va80cLxykhldgI9pKTQ/s640/blogger-image--1709702509.jpg"></a></div><br><div>However, we did enjoy learning about the history of Texas at the Alamo. Unfortunately, No matter how hard we looked, we just could not find the basement or PeeWee's bike.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TF5WLDZp8JJJXF1zP9r7sdwUc9nh2J9HDkN1ae_xNTMbkn6im48c26c3uMTtO4aXqNskRVxkMcc8PzyJ20u18NG-nRZv5XHqTuy9MVXp77v6sUVWpgAbN3LhqE-SDINSVSa5y8WHA1c/s640/blogger-image-1359291477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TF5WLDZp8JJJXF1zP9r7sdwUc9nh2J9HDkN1ae_xNTMbkn6im48c26c3uMTtO4aXqNskRVxkMcc8PzyJ20u18NG-nRZv5XHqTuy9MVXp77v6sUVWpgAbN3LhqE-SDINSVSa5y8WHA1c/s640/blogger-image-1359291477.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The next few days we found ourselves battered by the surprisingly large waves and strong rip tide on the beach of Galveston, TX. The heat continued, of course, and the Gulf waters reached temperatures of about 90 degrees! Crazy compared to the waters off if Cape Cod. Thank goodness there was a pool to cool in!</div><div><br></div><div>With San Antonia still weighing heavily on our hearts, we spent some of our travel time in the RV preparing sack lunches, hoping to give them out to the homeless people we seemed to be encountering more often on our travels.</div><div><br></div><div>Upon reaching LaFayette, LA we enjoyed a little of the Cajun culture. Ponte Breaux Restaurant offered some of both in that we tried jambalaya, gumbo, hush puppies, shrimp and fried alligator, and put our best foot forward two-stepping to some live zydeco music. To top it off we spent one night at an RV resort complete with water slides and swim up bars. This was certainly a new way to "camp"!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMuvww77_kr3R-H9kErN1E8CJxmL38g66mfVV0snuOQp3MEvjLy7WZn1mIjGmM72rgbmqdDpL-YqdtdT1xxcBZZmyAMjvdqCsxYVG3Lf7fIqu1y-37DvyZnoGVqWNfLLd264jg2KpJBE/s640/blogger-image--928054865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMuvww77_kr3R-H9kErN1E8CJxmL38g66mfVV0snuOQp3MEvjLy7WZn1mIjGmM72rgbmqdDpL-YqdtdT1xxcBZZmyAMjvdqCsxYVG3Lf7fIqu1y-37DvyZnoGVqWNfLLd264jg2KpJBE/s640/blogger-image--928054865.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9o9lObLj8m9vCXekVgh-CQYk0CKW7iUrvZXHXWMhz4DMxyWRlSXbdGkH4P_U7UMxS5Ej1nghOtOjH99w7zn7uDARDv0vow3Wrn39SQxZz42m-EVDK4NI8t23fI2YGez8A3VULOQ3-lIg/s640/blogger-image-583778269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9o9lObLj8m9vCXekVgh-CQYk0CKW7iUrvZXHXWMhz4DMxyWRlSXbdGkH4P_U7UMxS5Ej1nghOtOjH99w7zn7uDARDv0vow3Wrn39SQxZz42m-EVDK4NI8t23fI2YGez8A3VULOQ3-lIg/s640/blogger-image-583778269.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3YE60RI9wHluKY0cR3_MvmaYk93BmwylYzhSHh9GsKqRJMszrWlpMpEAhI_l6a_fHakiv6R22pgEF7dZ3Os6aNpIg0AsfuJ_zw4CBuqpCigM6JLpfI_22KoSc-XExIbun2I0lLDQUPQ/s640/blogger-image-1702435056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3YE60RI9wHluKY0cR3_MvmaYk93BmwylYzhSHh9GsKqRJMszrWlpMpEAhI_l6a_fHakiv6R22pgEF7dZ3Os6aNpIg0AsfuJ_zw4CBuqpCigM6JLpfI_22KoSc-XExIbun2I0lLDQUPQ/s640/blogger-image-1702435056.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>We decided to stop at a Police Station in downtown Baton Rouge to inquire about their city's homeless. They directed us to The One Stop where several area service providers offer counseling, shelter, showers, health care, employment services and more. We pulled up not knowing what to expect and found people in a lot going through piles of clothes. Ann asked one gentleman the best way to pass out the lunches and a line up to our RV formed immediately. It seems that in a matter of seconds the 40 or more prepared lunches were gone, with plenty more people in line. We quickly opened our cupboards to offer what we could. Johnny, Tobi and Lucy set to work making more sandwiches, Tanner and Elsie handed them out, along with granola bars, while Ann made conversation with the individuals waiting in line. Asking if they wanted to wait in the shade, one gentleman responded that there was no way he wanted to loose his place in line. A mom with toddler twin boys asked for something cold to drink, and we were relieved to discover our last 2 juice boxes. Each and every person was polite, thanking us for anything we could give...even the man who was next in line when we ran out! He even blessed us for stopping by. What a humbling experience. Though we have taken many amazing pictures on our journey, we feel that this one is the one that will impact us the most.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8dKBUAZyobEbYlMKjaa0uE733ONYm3reaBOJUsYEkqZS9BOUFSVjPOdxAmrE2wqaw3gp7wSaP1qOdaGY__DtCJPEhj1vBOfmriUI8RTLu7gcyUXXYIBv1iJpVN8sRXeqnQZO4uWEHNc/s640/blogger-image-28025270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8dKBUAZyobEbYlMKjaa0uE733ONYm3reaBOJUsYEkqZS9BOUFSVjPOdxAmrE2wqaw3gp7wSaP1qOdaGY__DtCJPEhj1vBOfmriUI8RTLu7gcyUXXYIBv1iJpVN8sRXeqnQZO4uWEHNc/s640/blogger-image-28025270.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just outside of New Orleans we toured the Oak Alley Plantation and learned about the plantation life both pre and post Civil War. We really enjoyed the emphasis placed on slavery on the plantation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrsp6TK145FxLnh_pklpb39k-xN9Qg0xP-JKi9AUppxH_peTbOzhIqbNFei7e9p4KHhbiXw3oy5GxU0u4271uibeyHnXWeWRzC1b40hDW9Oi7aZR_c7Lb7r-h8h_IR4A4CrfnoGJ95YE/s640/blogger-image--969389171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrsp6TK145FxLnh_pklpb39k-xN9Qg0xP-JKi9AUppxH_peTbOzhIqbNFei7e9p4KHhbiXw3oy5GxU0u4271uibeyHnXWeWRzC1b40hDW9Oi7aZR_c7Lb7r-h8h_IR4A4CrfnoGJ95YE/s640/blogger-image--969389171.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the real highlights of our journey down south was our swamp boat tour through the Honey Island Swamp. We saw lots of wildlife...including Brutus...a really big gator. How big? This big...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vGejmABsQpWBuEiK9_chU6O5LroaiByij0azGxwR1d0cBBpk9f3KzUazFwS2ys1NThsn7r18RneZ82EzT4yy9mXE9UYD0vhCAi2kOtEO2iOVtuxHZlqliwKgzOG4q_5evFuKFkoKqXY/s640/blogger-image-237860117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vGejmABsQpWBuEiK9_chU6O5LroaiByij0azGxwR1d0cBBpk9f3KzUazFwS2ys1NThsn7r18RneZ82EzT4yy9mXE9UYD0vhCAi2kOtEO2iOVtuxHZlqliwKgzOG4q_5evFuKFkoKqXY/s640/blogger-image-237860117.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcvwE-5l72BllZurx-IgaQlVMZFG8nbwoamtSxPW8BxX30fQ2yTld25iZ0psLQZVYsS2AnqkCXTGHEDvaOy0SvRqmh3KHsETDcT7RB-L034JV-3QyYX_-K26THiYTaybz2zQKxRcsKXI/s640/blogger-image--779360340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcvwE-5l72BllZurx-IgaQlVMZFG8nbwoamtSxPW8BxX30fQ2yTld25iZ0psLQZVYsS2AnqkCXTGHEDvaOy0SvRqmh3KHsETDcT7RB-L034JV-3QyYX_-K26THiYTaybz2zQKxRcsKXI/s640/blogger-image--779360340.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEja7pOZ3CIbgURtdXePXUKZ20b-g9jOcFPHgU_s-NtIvkEtVfQWlc4uKVnTRW0pL8PICReiwTCyMcXR8mXJ_zCZaP39bdPJSYkyzCH3lhVNqIeWViyXDZn4ZgmyWfiqTmZo7zuwSFyc/s640/blogger-image--791319400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEja7pOZ3CIbgURtdXePXUKZ20b-g9jOcFPHgU_s-NtIvkEtVfQWlc4uKVnTRW0pL8PICReiwTCyMcXR8mXJ_zCZaP39bdPJSYkyzCH3lhVNqIeWViyXDZn4ZgmyWfiqTmZo7zuwSFyc/s640/blogger-image--791319400.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After leaving the swamps, we turned northward and stopped in Jackson, MS, the home of the AA Jackson Braves. The thunderstorms passed just in time for fan appreciation night, and we enjoyed a nice evening of baseball followed by some pretty sweet fireworks. Tanner got some autographs, and even got a game ball from one of the really nice ushers. The only downside was the hour long line for $1 hotdogs...we waited until the line was gone and even got free pizzas out of it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We've got about a week to go. 10,000 miles seems incredible, but each mile created a thousand memories. And for those of you who have been wondering...it finally happened!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLwtLb-A0S7MrjES1YlAfcYTnpf3aj5SzQgqyjcTUtS80CbGRngusvZ6Nj-ZmXXFfdacn6m3eAjEcoyig2BZb0kf5W5A9wKxSoSNL9vhWOA4hkv1GjNg0dxkKonsopn32NVfHOeUMmmQ/s640/blogger-image-13668352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLwtLb-A0S7MrjES1YlAfcYTnpf3aj5SzQgqyjcTUtS80CbGRngusvZ6Nj-ZmXXFfdacn6m3eAjEcoyig2BZb0kf5W5A9wKxSoSNL9vhWOA4hkv1GjNg0dxkKonsopn32NVfHOeUMmmQ/s640/blogger-image-13668352.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ann was great behind the wheel and even drove through Birmingham...no easy task!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Blue Ridge Parkway is next...we'll keep you posted!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-42435004196703037722013-08-23T22:36:00.001-04:002013-08-23T22:36:39.528-04:00Multiple choiceWe all ate this at dinner last night in Louisiana<div>1. Jambalaya </div><div>2. Gumbo</div><div>3. Fried 'gator</div><div>4. Stuffed shrimp</div><div><br></div><div>The operative word is ALL because the above were enjoyed by many of us but only fried alligator was something each of us ate. To top it off, everyone really liked it. Although Elsie only had a little claiming that "it tastes good but I feel weird eating it".</div><div><br></div><div><img src="webkit-fake-url://9965E9A4-268A-4922-8CEA-1A8B0721B1C8/imagejpeg"></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>These photos were taken where?</div><div>1. The RV Park we stayed in</div><div>2. Breaux Bridge Water Park</div><div>3. Pilgrim Pines Conference Center</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n8Tj1Bs7zVKcEU9Erke2-hTFZvwZqAvB2etpuDiMMsf7e0UCwPKmFAjEjVTF0yE02apXpz6bJ25_OF013ye2ewSuku_33YuQt20e91au0f7y324gOfMkBfHVynlgA4RFqRJx98e9wIs/s640/blogger-image-612928703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n8Tj1Bs7zVKcEU9Erke2-hTFZvwZqAvB2etpuDiMMsf7e0UCwPKmFAjEjVTF0yE02apXpz6bJ25_OF013ye2ewSuku_33YuQt20e91au0f7y324gOfMkBfHVynlgA4RFqRJx98e9wIs/s640/blogger-image-612928703.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK07rRZeeZUq6MZzCZ_XqITeofBbKRRdCQv4tb-RkLkAV6TXwoaRw749xb6nfyMsdzs8lXQr-VqpX_jU0wYoOsvkHAEJwUUBEYR2yp-Y08NgFjiF14g99qkvGhvyNh4gd57RF1bfq_58/s640/blogger-image-69364085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK07rRZeeZUq6MZzCZ_XqITeofBbKRRdCQv4tb-RkLkAV6TXwoaRw749xb6nfyMsdzs8lXQr-VqpX_jU0wYoOsvkHAEJwUUBEYR2yp-Y08NgFjiF14g99qkvGhvyNh4gd57RF1bfq_58/s640/blogger-image-69364085.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqPZ0D3JmIsXixU2K8hZMVkji4y2kz5HwUC5K0W3bp280M5UOToDZ_6mQgXbszdf-b4ca1aT4o7lSVDsd-FOJgzx1slDBJtzASOINO6CmHbhr3RtHWEBa-NoGIiYY44CDEoYsmGtyfRE/s640/blogger-image-188105410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqPZ0D3JmIsXixU2K8hZMVkji4y2kz5HwUC5K0W3bp280M5UOToDZ_6mQgXbszdf-b4ca1aT4o7lSVDsd-FOJgzx1slDBJtzASOINO6CmHbhr3RtHWEBa-NoGIiYY44CDEoYsmGtyfRE/s640/blogger-image-188105410.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizO97eUSnUPsaGiQkQejQy9d6PvRDogvUxFYJK5HqhIa4lyEea9V5Wy0R7fvjn_I3au_wrL9EkdzmZ3l9liZc62vcAqG26wyD0-heQetQ4IY2GX1z-4jj4c0VKlPz53wbDDwtQUTDAZp8/s640/blogger-image-809694277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizO97eUSnUPsaGiQkQejQy9d6PvRDogvUxFYJK5HqhIa4lyEea9V5Wy0R7fvjn_I3au_wrL9EkdzmZ3l9liZc62vcAqG26wyD0-heQetQ4IY2GX1z-4jj4c0VKlPz53wbDDwtQUTDAZp8/s640/blogger-image-809694277.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div></div></div><div>Yes, the RV Park we stayed in! We were astounded as well. It was actually called an RV Resort, and that it was.</div><div><br></div><div>Walmart Super Centers in the South have what?</div><div>1. No lines </div><div>2. Someone pushing your cart out to your car and helping with shopping bags</div><div>3. Nail salons</div><div>4. Indoor play space </div><div><br></div><div>We are chagrined to say it, however we must admit we have done most of our food shopping @ Walmart, as they are ubiquitous. We now know that in the south you can relax with a mani and/or pedi when doing your shopping. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-75297563274231268332013-08-18T00:59:00.001-04:002013-08-18T00:59:03.365-04:00SorrowYesterday, we left Moab (UT) and Arches National Park and drive south towards Four Corners, the intersection point of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, as well as the boundary point between the Navajo and Ute Nations. The kids had been looking forward to standing in all four states at once ever since we began our journey back in early July. It was about 105 degrees in the shade when we arrived, and the fry bread we devoured was even hotter!<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGwkONme5h80Hjgtwqg4b5M0kkk9AUr4FA2zlPLz7nKPUjcwSMiSo0Jrk9O3YKxTdajUKJW1C8MJrMBSWPV4JXXFVQu_NCpNrc6Dtakc1TbilbzKIFj0MRUDx7uq3s_rLcLY_ItGkZ7s/s640/blogger-image-2048740319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGwkONme5h80Hjgtwqg4b5M0kkk9AUr4FA2zlPLz7nKPUjcwSMiSo0Jrk9O3YKxTdajUKJW1C8MJrMBSWPV4JXXFVQu_NCpNrc6Dtakc1TbilbzKIFj0MRUDx7uq3s_rLcLY_ItGkZ7s/s640/blogger-image-2048740319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TwuyQkejOUnT0nlFpT2gXKIVs0IBf0upZnLIb0f0cGyS0_rORLk4yjSe4SbNY9EVEHe1AzhsPWs5R58c01uLX017XShthV6ZCGCG71Z3Ui2rdTUYJWymzMncYYeARxdTogToAmlgTJQ/s640/blogger-image-1490398726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TwuyQkejOUnT0nlFpT2gXKIVs0IBf0upZnLIb0f0cGyS0_rORLk4yjSe4SbNY9EVEHe1AzhsPWs5R58c01uLX017XShthV6ZCGCG71Z3Ui2rdTUYJWymzMncYYeARxdTogToAmlgTJQ/s640/blogger-image-1490398726.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>We enjoyed our visit, especially interacting with the Navajo and Ute craftsmen and women who displayed their amazing handmade jewelry and other items, including arrows with obsidian points. As you might imagine, Tanner was especially intrigued and fascinated as the gentleman explained and demonstrated this craft, and our next blog post will include Tanner describing it.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1KXUvxu7iKBRVsE9sKubIEZa7QcDScUxqwg53oV9v1WjbROoSTACPfpr-Evzf4ioATKMJo6rweL4sJJcJmEcSZu-CdNPMyd-vw8njJbgMd9cuRwe2XLJpMdgBsFG4QCdP8iCLicaniY/s640/blogger-image-945135148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1KXUvxu7iKBRVsE9sKubIEZa7QcDScUxqwg53oV9v1WjbROoSTACPfpr-Evzf4ioATKMJo6rweL4sJJcJmEcSZu-CdNPMyd-vw8njJbgMd9cuRwe2XLJpMdgBsFG4QCdP8iCLicaniY/s640/blogger-image-945135148.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We drove further south into New Mexico as we prepared to journey into the heart of Texas, but we did so with heavy hearts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Both Ann and I have spent time serving on reservations in the past: Pine Ridge in South Dakota (Lakota Sioux) and Lame Deer, Montana (Northern Cheyenne). They are deeply challenging places of cyclical poverty, and the local leaders who work so desperately hard to bring hope and vision to their people are inspiring. But as we drove southward through Utah and passed through these tiny reservation communities with their run down and weather beaten government issued "homes", with absolutely no opportunity nearby for employment, we both felt a deep sense of sorrow for what the Native Americans have endured. The image of mile after mile of the most desolate, unforgiving land that our country contains, littered with thousands and thousands of empty, discarded alcohol and beer bottles along the side of the road was a grim reminder of the reality of rampant alcoholism that ravages these communities. Our mood was only deepened when we were approached by a visibly bruised Native American woman, who told us a convoluted story with slurred speech that made no real coherent sense, eventually asking us for money and/or a ride (unfortunately not in a direction that we were able to go) while her husband watched from the shadows of the gas station we had pulled into. Though we were able to give her some funds and talk with her, we left feeling depressed and helpless at witnessing both the grand scale of the problem that many Native American communities face, and the personal face of it in this battered woman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next summer I plan to take our senior high youth group back to Lame Deer, MT, to both help as we are able, and also to expose our youth to the needs that exist within our country. I know it will touch them deeply and impact them in powerful ways. Ways that might lead to lives dedicated to making a difference. Lives lived with a purpose that brings light into the darkness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-54333989849159089062013-08-16T00:52:00.001-04:002013-08-16T00:52:12.717-04:008500 miles...Thoughts from Lucy and Tobi...<div><br></div><div>We have learned many things on this trip, including that Lucy is like a billy goat. She is the fastest one in the family on all our hikes, even when our mom tried to sneak up on her and run by! Lucy's favorite hike was the Bright Angel Trail going down into the Grand Canyon and back up. Tobi's fav was hiking The Narrows in Zion. For those of you who don't know, this is basically a hike IN The Virgin River through slot canyons. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQinswOT8dxnVRSf2MMyvhlMaW2incpBet-snUT-NODEb877yeBoX5R6uQCY1p2NwC3Omuf_tIu7xTcNLhWJX4v_GaPmptOheXvk_jD1Wd2vWqQkg6zh-0ctleuWEy5Rkh64EgSD3gbKI/s640/blogger-image-340431395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQinswOT8dxnVRSf2MMyvhlMaW2incpBet-snUT-NODEb877yeBoX5R6uQCY1p2NwC3Omuf_tIu7xTcNLhWJX4v_GaPmptOheXvk_jD1Wd2vWqQkg6zh-0ctleuWEy5Rkh64EgSD3gbKI/s640/blogger-image-340431395.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Fortunately, we've had some shopping opportunities along the way, buying gifts for our friends and momentos for ourselves. The best purchase, by far, was Lucy's "magnificent" buffalo hat (Tobi insists this is the opinion of some, not all). See photo below. However, it is best for colder climates than we are currently experiencing!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfnOOrK0RuYobNjbj1FlpThdpJDCJto6JSqRK1setfEowjUHglVIezJm26GCXC4_pQHCKfgjtYQwBMnREDa0yGedklRF7-AztLy_BBbkVnuGlQJ7_-MYqNm2pCDPjRu-Sh15FEYn-JIA/s640/blogger-image--1573130125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfnOOrK0RuYobNjbj1FlpThdpJDCJto6JSqRK1setfEowjUHglVIezJm26GCXC4_pQHCKfgjtYQwBMnREDa0yGedklRF7-AztLy_BBbkVnuGlQJ7_-MYqNm2pCDPjRu-Sh15FEYn-JIA/s640/blogger-image--1573130125.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>People keep telling us we should be thankful our parents are taking us on this trip- and we are. But, if Elsie farts one more time Tobi threatens to do something vicious and mean. She doesn't know what that will be yet, but she's considering her options. </div><div><br></div><div>One of the best things we do is building camp fires most nights and sometimes cooking dinner over the fire. S'mores aren't bad either! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ocBqrq81U6eDpCat0vZfV6t_VSy8_1QvpV3p3W1iA8O1_eYy7t1l2Ud4Kp5_Fset_N9a1dKz1laOTS8oZCOBou57OcFI7EIniZXlR2rdCzWOuSJv_EjSjVQpphHlZ0XmUdIqBbIHuyY/s640/blogger-image--634394426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ocBqrq81U6eDpCat0vZfV6t_VSy8_1QvpV3p3W1iA8O1_eYy7t1l2Ud4Kp5_Fset_N9a1dKz1laOTS8oZCOBou57OcFI7EIniZXlR2rdCzWOuSJv_EjSjVQpphHlZ0XmUdIqBbIHuyY/s640/blogger-image--634394426.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Seeing the many canyons, hoodoos, and arches in Utah has been incredible! We are ready to hit the Deep South. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo8UW9ADVpjrUgK4PCLosYfhDXWYPyPz_A7jzkhkxmvxKcvW0t1a5WPO0fq_eZLgyQYyPwrcMO2yvRHipan56d0kNswOg9j3NQMzeW6XftJAKIdRCaqI0WlAwDIJ7TVTreL3KrBblXEE/s640/blogger-image--1332300211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlo8UW9ADVpjrUgK4PCLosYfhDXWYPyPz_A7jzkhkxmvxKcvW0t1a5WPO0fq_eZLgyQYyPwrcMO2yvRHipan56d0kNswOg9j3NQMzeW6XftJAKIdRCaqI0WlAwDIJ7TVTreL3KrBblXEE/s640/blogger-image--1332300211.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwH3CK9dXNaNVbCvRSoJoycfYziNTQwJCfEqqMooeDx8UrTF92AzXLPRerFJemebQhEbGgaKlnXG87u_qX5MhVq8EW1y_2mZ6aELJX9BvoaFEp1fgLKDd8G7pPgOPH_y2ye_6Un1exWI/s640/blogger-image-1309005628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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However, there are some things we DON'T miss. Here's a couple from each of us:<div><br></div><div>Elsie misses the library (she's not the only one), but she doesn't miss practicing piano.</div><div><br></div><div>Tobi misses the dishwasher, but she doesn't miss having a well balanced diet.</div><div><br></div><div>Tanner misses "space", but he doesn't miss his regular bedtime.</div><div><br></div><div>Lucy misses sleeping with covers ( ie not a sleeping bag), but she doesn't miss regular hygiene. </div><div><br></div><div>Ann misses having a conventional size refrigerator and the gym (it's always a battle between food and exercise, isn't it?), but she doesn't miss her alarm clock.</div><div><br></div><div>Johnny misses showering (the rest of us miss him showering, too), but he doesn't miss T.V.</div><div><br></div><div>Of course, we all miss our family and friends and we hope you miss us just as much! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-46695012192481763612013-08-08T01:38:00.001-04:002013-08-08T10:31:23.812-04:007500 miles...After leaving Sequoia/King's Canyon, and enjoying a great evening and morning of hospitality at the Phoenix home of Ann's Aunt Joyce and Uncle Bob (more pizza than we could eat, and a beautiful neighborhood swimming pool), we made the long journey across the desert, with just the briefest of stops in Joshua Tree National Park, where the temperature hovered at 109 degrees. It was there, at a gas station in the middle of no where that we had an opportunity to help someone in need. As I was filling up the RV with gas, an older, worn auto pulled up to the pump behind me, and a woman approached me while her husband and young daughter went inside. She came right up to me and asked for money. I admit that every instinct I had was at work judging her. She (and her family) were overweight, she looked bedraggled, and sounded uneducated and possibly struggling with some forms of mental illness. I wanted to turn my back and ignore her. But I remembered our trip motto...Parks with a Purpose...and that purpose is to serve others in Christ's name. Especially those in need. So, I offered to fill her tank with gas.<div>While I went in to prepay her gas, she continued approaching other cars asking for money. Ann struck up a conversation with her, asking about her needs and challenges, caring about her as a person, and validating her. She was grateful for both the gas and the conversation.</div><div>As we drove away, we both felt a bit hollow inside. So often it seems that the help we give seems insignificant in the grand scheme of the life of the one in need, and yet, it just as often seems that those in need wouldn't take the real help they need even if it was offered. Frustrating, yet we give as we are able, hoping that even small moments of light along the way might impact in ways we could never hope for or imagine, through Christ's power and love.</div><div><br></div><div>What did we do next? After a fun day in Sedona on the Pink Jeeps...The last few days have looked something like this...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSB5WPwo7DBufiQdPjCDVEx07r2BnPPdtgKp8N-HUUi4Y2XRmk2yxu9WA5mBvjrdjjqL4ANf7-5orCOP6OMS1MgiHeG8Xz8YT5dFMzXECsVbG2o7ZxIOyuvYCCzphSGdQ4IBOVi0I8_0/s640/blogger-image-245240032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSB5WPwo7DBufiQdPjCDVEx07r2BnPPdtgKp8N-HUUi4Y2XRmk2yxu9WA5mBvjrdjjqL4ANf7-5orCOP6OMS1MgiHeG8Xz8YT5dFMzXECsVbG2o7ZxIOyuvYCCzphSGdQ4IBOVi0I8_0/s640/blogger-image-245240032.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50dE94sNhZ9bp8i_htTI9WiwMJ4xLZSo-45Tka7qolN-IsqpDuEtUaiknj39ud4C8sEU6TJwzIbaXZ7kS0sbrXb3eojTSFn3Z4Joo3D-MIBdgwD7gR0OUowUOMbi9nQPvjcIEcD80LkQ/s640/blogger-image-1715709567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCl62GBDq3bM0JuEzF3pLYI59qao4QgZHVVis6ZbYTvLqbI3MYIjZ1mo2Iqd-Z28D7ixiLdxjL5Q5BkQl1SLJELXLXy-OlC7JXk8GVg4LwfR4Ts42NFFmy1yJiTM7jz1x2bsoyZT8B40/s640/blogger-image-331000433.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Grand Canyon. Too awesome for words.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we're at the border between AZ and UT heading into Zion NP tomorrow. Canyon country here in UT looks to be spectacular and we're excited about what the next week holds!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-62185753433929033512013-08-05T01:24:00.001-04:002013-08-05T01:24:27.399-04:00Best U2 album of all...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOfvtlF65RQtv21MjL80_Cpql45doGm0KJDX6_1N0bNKHDAoB3OMDy1g8caz-JDI56LpuGBNeOrm_UVklTN3Y73LZN6fv_Mk-8qlvk4wv_J1FmWRuOTOrSdoao028oTMlKPrbStC-E_M/s640/blogger-image--111514926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOfvtlF65RQtv21MjL80_Cpql45doGm0KJDX6_1N0bNKHDAoB3OMDy1g8caz-JDI56LpuGBNeOrm_UVklTN3Y73LZN6fv_Mk-8qlvk4wv_J1FmWRuOTOrSdoao028oTMlKPrbStC-E_M/s640/blogger-image--111514926.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-10740164356674323462013-08-03T02:30:00.001-04:002013-08-03T02:30:21.206-04:006200 milesWe've been busy since our last post, and way out of wifi or cell phone range.<div><br></div><div>Where have we been these past days???</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6s644glDWaQVpCv5vhduYZvzRn1DsvudJPpx8isqFLpnomKAg9ugUk5SdUGV6Au3HrPgRDGZGpq4vWRQWEeL5G1yWuDZ7ujImKcKDEQAaf94Q78P3-JqRmbs2xDcMcvGlpeOsJZMVPUI/s640/blogger-image-429707489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6s644glDWaQVpCv5vhduYZvzRn1DsvudJPpx8isqFLpnomKAg9ugUk5SdUGV6Au3HrPgRDGZGpq4vWRQWEeL5G1yWuDZ7ujImKcKDEQAaf94Q78P3-JqRmbs2xDcMcvGlpeOsJZMVPUI/s640/blogger-image-429707489.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">and...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRlSYW_WjF0TPdT7l1Ln1Njp919G9XwqvFmoPB5hvROPnQ8zxyRk7y7DNvbp7sLrb8Ee6bU01Icm0tCh64vR6jqlylGFur5sLO7HpsXjhVZCFh_iGapbJ6S0Q8QM2JCzLfIK2gFVsrPc/s640/blogger-image-1941967747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRlSYW_WjF0TPdT7l1Ln1Njp919G9XwqvFmoPB5hvROPnQ8zxyRk7y7DNvbp7sLrb8Ee6bU01Icm0tCh64vR6jqlylGFur5sLO7HpsXjhVZCFh_iGapbJ6S0Q8QM2JCzLfIK2gFVsrPc/s640/blogger-image-1941967747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yosemite was as breathtakingly awe inspiring as people had told us. The Yosemite Valley is beyond compare. So much to visually take in...El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls...so massive and so amazing. To see the power and majesty of God's creation. Wow. Our trip up to Glacier Point was nerve racking, especially since our 31 foot RV was over the recommended length for the road and the turns would be tight to handle in our VW super beetle, but so worth it. What a view...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpCO84fks22eHoRRlx8Xz5RKT308u8QZ0a_Ggbyy7ipyNWBevwa-oBV5DAYcr_sJQgINHiQFFNUIoBbN1AJ5MkaFDek9h_-gZQF2fzjSK1P5CrcVp-iSGtkwtOHOFux1Iw0nUDVJZJY0/s640/blogger-image-651380002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpCO84fks22eHoRRlx8Xz5RKT308u8QZ0a_Ggbyy7ipyNWBevwa-oBV5DAYcr_sJQgINHiQFFNUIoBbN1AJ5MkaFDek9h_-gZQF2fzjSK1P5CrcVp-iSGtkwtOHOFux1Iw0nUDVJZJY0/s640/blogger-image-651380002.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We even had time for some swimming in the river that runs through the valley while we watched climbers heading up El Capitan directly behind us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMmRVkkBiV6G4fGlzceM03OPEX7RLrfuvpXdBg5YLsZqYmbmMNoiUPr90sqQSA8sSLtzupJdPQr_x12SuuA1_EV_WkyhVsPq9k63k-TF9praHXmVIDpHPtgLFI75XEHpbnTU2jGHccj4/s640/blogger-image-1397336243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMmRVkkBiV6G4fGlzceM03OPEX7RLrfuvpXdBg5YLsZqYmbmMNoiUPr90sqQSA8sSLtzupJdPQr_x12SuuA1_EV_WkyhVsPq9k63k-TF9praHXmVIDpHPtgLFI75XEHpbnTU2jGHccj4/s640/blogger-image-1397336243.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More amazing was leaving that night and seeing the lights of the climbers suspended halfway up the sheer vertical face of the cliff as they slept strapped into the side of the mountain!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our next stop was King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks...we knew we'd see some big trees, but oh my...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtqfZGdFNjsbOs1NhlypX2PJbXPjVAON6sLBSZnjuqLwneggbd113v_aJijhlUKT6BEpGek9beF1IYwk21K13AfKRaJctJQusNj0PIKxvzCRqBwke7MQGV7WkKYqAnzoX_y1jJ5Z_sew/s640/blogger-image--2053587775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtqfZGdFNjsbOs1NhlypX2PJbXPjVAON6sLBSZnjuqLwneggbd113v_aJijhlUKT6BEpGek9beF1IYwk21K13AfKRaJctJQusNj0PIKxvzCRqBwke7MQGV7WkKYqAnzoX_y1jJ5Z_sew/s640/blogger-image--2053587775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The General Sherman tree above is about 2500 years old and is the largest living thing on the earth by volume. We felt like insects next to it. At another section of the forest we even got to climb through a giant sequoia that had fallen and was hollow inside. Look how small we look in it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkn7d2nhw2ruXmgyyecBJ_EFZwToaBGuHYpGLtuYho-ZHPjEhZr3Rlgll5GYgFlkonTHwp7temEZBdN8URbgGSO9oQFklknbqQ4F2bEdGSAPDOvdahyTn6ALxDVDYD6oWorYa609nVuI/s640/blogger-image--1185315139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkn7d2nhw2ruXmgyyecBJ_EFZwToaBGuHYpGLtuYho-ZHPjEhZr3Rlgll5GYgFlkonTHwp7temEZBdN8URbgGSO9oQFklknbqQ4F2bEdGSAPDOvdahyTn6ALxDVDYD6oWorYa609nVuI/s640/blogger-image--1185315139.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We saw three black bears in Sequoia in one day, the last one walking right in front of the RV. Totally awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While in King's Canyon we camped for 3 nights at a beautiful campground called Sunset. We were high up on a rock ledge that looked westward out over the city of Fresno. The sunsets were spectacular and the night so clear we could easily see the Milky Way, shooting stars and satellites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4I3GrrRmJ0fe2hpog6VdMFw5RIpadCsA_s_v4gPhwHXm9ZaaaL8yEenopyJj1q7b4qtXhks2-Xq-oceeDXubwuHI3b1YSENShki9QTlM5NZwHoVgLY9KJxuKw_xPee4M6ryJaumILSos/s640/blogger-image--1503875453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4I3GrrRmJ0fe2hpog6VdMFw5RIpadCsA_s_v4gPhwHXm9ZaaaL8yEenopyJj1q7b4qtXhks2-Xq-oceeDXubwuHI3b1YSENShki9QTlM5NZwHoVgLY9KJxuKw_xPee4M6ryJaumILSos/s640/blogger-image--1503875453.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Always wanting to help in some way at each place we go has led us into some interesting opportunities so far. We've been able to directly help individuals in need, entire communities, and even people at random. This time, our service wasn't very exciting or glamorous, but it was deeply appreciated by the park rangers when we offered...we picked up trash in every campsite in the campground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2lifY_7ACMDQovNpsqLSwKDyqpORAWrgXyls2MIXikdNCgOitN45leWAgtmE3X_6ngee2Kf0bGd1erm_RtqCwI8e8iiqLSUxCfI9A_LZbOPotjMuNUUgRUibTcWdKVvcGAKwqnGGHx8/s640/blogger-image-1416285512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2lifY_7ACMDQovNpsqLSwKDyqpORAWrgXyls2MIXikdNCgOitN45leWAgtmE3X_6ngee2Kf0bGd1erm_RtqCwI8e8iiqLSUxCfI9A_LZbOPotjMuNUUgRUibTcWdKVvcGAKwqnGGHx8/s640/blogger-image-1416285512.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U_BRnL4N_-FhFqHTZ5jL3smAGriyHvzJQIxRgWBvkR7iUd1e5Tlq8I5DwTKOc6EuFaGnJ6cUMKN86EMv4v9ZP4jRXtSqhvN-IpDeSP52Mo3ETn_KqTExtwYwhFXz2uKBfNGy_9HMDuE/s640/blogger-image--1959683601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U_BRnL4N_-FhFqHTZ5jL3smAGriyHvzJQIxRgWBvkR7iUd1e5Tlq8I5DwTKOc6EuFaGnJ6cUMKN86EMv4v9ZP4jRXtSqhvN-IpDeSP52Mo3ETn_KqTExtwYwhFXz2uKBfNGy_9HMDuE/s640/blogger-image--1959683601.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tonight we're experiencing quite a shock to our system as we moved from the chill of the mountains to temps well over 100 degrees here outside of Joshua Tree National Park. We're looking forward to visiting with family in Phoenix tomorrow before we head northward to Sedona and the Grand Canyon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Again, we deeply appreciate your prayers. We were hit hard by a stomach bug, but have since recovered. We've had moments of stress and are all a it overtired, but still overjoyed to journey forward. It's hard to hear of friends back home going through hard times and not being there with them, but we trust our prayers are being felt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Elsie reports that there seems to be a scarcity of DQ's in Cali. Bummer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After all the bears and deer, Tanner enjoyed watching a beautiful bald eagle soar above us as we swam in Hume Lake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tobi is rejoicing over electrical power tonight to recharge her kindle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lucy is in the lead for MVP of the trip...what a good helper she is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ann continues to be the glue holding all of this together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Johnny is ready for a second career as a long haul driver.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-59803432782571812013-07-28T01:08:00.001-04:002013-08-08T10:31:25.928-04:005500 miles<div>Glacier National Park had big shoes to fill after everything we had seen and experienced in Yellowstone! A hike deep into the woods brought us to an incredible lake fed by 4 enormous waterfalls from the glacier over the ridge. The water was turquoise and crystal clear. The next day we spent the morning on horseback with guides sharing details as we rode through the forest. A but more exciting was the white water rafting trip that afternoon...especially when we hit a rock broadside throwing both Lucy and Ann overboard! As if that wasn't enough excitement for one day, we took a walk that evening from our campsite down some train tracks. Apparently the signs warning us to stay out of the tunnel through the hillside were legitimate, as halfway through a double locomotive came barreling through giving us all a good scare!</div><div><br></div>After leaving Glacier National Park, we traveled south for a bit(Missoula, MT is a fantastic city and filled with active, friendly people) then turned west across Idaho, Washington and Oregon, following the same route as both Lewis and Clark, and the settlers on the Oregon Trail. We followed alongside the great Snake and Columbia Rivers, the latter as it powers through its massive gorge, always moving purposefully to the Pacific. Thanks to a great tip from an old college friend, we stopped by for a visit at Multnoma Falls...absolutely beautiful!<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzS3IFm0rpWCdOYNyNrlHSm_fxp4hzAPgm38eYCA2RTDzyhmxVIPOpm3wIvvMoLS5S3uLtifIm-V-6Wcc0bXENmA3ptVmxXtmlQXqNGQpaUqXsAHLlGsUbiDC6Bv3yfHSkCMFJ9Ns4p4/s640/blogger-image--378893688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzS3IFm0rpWCdOYNyNrlHSm_fxp4hzAPgm38eYCA2RTDzyhmxVIPOpm3wIvvMoLS5S3uLtifIm-V-6Wcc0bXENmA3ptVmxXtmlQXqNGQpaUqXsAHLlGsUbiDC6Bv3yfHSkCMFJ9Ns4p4/s640/blogger-image--378893688.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we continued west toward the coast at Newport, OR the temp read 102 degrees outside. 30 miles later, when we opened the doors of the RV along the shores of the Pacific it was 52 degrees and foggy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhc82PRCLW4rN1hdCBaX7i6E6513hDRyM5gJXWLN3s2_98OfoN1zhyFqKT1q004mgVe5TZocQpOq_NgVs-YMZFbV0svlC4i75norn-k14TbtleCw9-IQj8DQeWVDLlND00fDRwmJaWO0/s640/blogger-image--1452685774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhc82PRCLW4rN1hdCBaX7i6E6513hDRyM5gJXWLN3s2_98OfoN1zhyFqKT1q004mgVe5TZocQpOq_NgVs-YMZFbV0svlC4i75norn-k14TbtleCw9-IQj8DQeWVDLlND00fDRwmJaWO0/s640/blogger-image--1452685774.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While walking the beach the next morning, a state parks volunteer told us some fascinating stuff:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-the entire coast of Oregon is public space...no private beaches at all</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-the rocky coast line was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago by Yellowstone NP</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">-the oxygen content of the water is much higher than the Atlantic where we live in MA, resulting in much greater marine life (which we saw first hand and Tanner will update below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgpBvDYtpfYOM3N8qa1Oo_Iz7dxe2v6bt4Vj95MvQpW7di0xnI-AG701PcbjecjeqrIVOLBP4ABlo0ZTG9r-idExV85JFyUrS74qM-tFmtBNZWC1o4qKSB7ojS7hyww79yhIF6D7InfQ/s640/blogger-image--2031465732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgpBvDYtpfYOM3N8qa1Oo_Iz7dxe2v6bt4Vj95MvQpW7di0xnI-AG701PcbjecjeqrIVOLBP4ABlo0ZTG9r-idExV85JFyUrS74qM-tFmtBNZWC1o4qKSB7ojS7hyww79yhIF6D7InfQ/s640/blogger-image--2031465732.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we traveled southward towards California, we decided to stay at Cape Blanco State Park. It's a 5 mile drive uphill off of highway 101 and the wind was raging off the ocean. We saw 3 young bikers walking up one if the final hills, looking so defeated. After we got into the campsite, we found them and invited them over for dinner, s'mores, and a chance to warm up and get out of the wind and fog. Cass, Emily and PJ are Canadians traveling by bike from Vancouver to San Francisco. They were grateful for what we could offer and we were grateful for the chance to serve them in Christ's name.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62M5SnpcIUXEI0zRZTAmCmVA1VzVbewylMkhh1IwQcKjKFerWZnFeI8mzluEQDifFsW-GhEe9wu4gFhSRCv2E7yvW_hyOmlzjc9n55tu_P5iq-jOdHwGwG2YsFvQYnjDZiWjzK1si7D8/s640/blogger-image--317989907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62M5SnpcIUXEI0zRZTAmCmVA1VzVbewylMkhh1IwQcKjKFerWZnFeI8mzluEQDifFsW-GhEe9wu4gFhSRCv2E7yvW_hyOmlzjc9n55tu_P5iq-jOdHwGwG2YsFvQYnjDZiWjzK1si7D8/s640/blogger-image--317989907.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div>Onward we traveled to the stunning Redwood National Park and its 2000 year old Redwood trees...they took our breath away...</div></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DO9PyKwrg-2qlOLNgOti01ZdG9xUqPk7cnaef_1rJP7EimxH2Y0My3_TxqkIdMs7Orr1CdvXmQgq-bg7sfwsR5xwlRg2865ni4-6EMvkd8LFQm0XAV3R4XIV2T6u0IrF9uavDIpnFRc/s640/blogger-image-1331008183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DO9PyKwrg-2qlOLNgOti01ZdG9xUqPk7cnaef_1rJP7EimxH2Y0My3_TxqkIdMs7Orr1CdvXmQgq-bg7sfwsR5xwlRg2865ni4-6EMvkd8LFQm0XAV3R4XIV2T6u0IrF9uavDIpnFRc/s640/blogger-image-1331008183.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNdJxudGrpwtKx8G-6f4trTECkJroHApR0sDIlKPzB5R2KaWx622mNO8gUTaBCKsnLjjkGWB9XZ58xb39P5b9qWopB0mumFhRb9tzKicgFn2V7PUbgTpapBpZTP2bUQuMrVjJ9fdBo34/s640/blogger-image-515560857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNdJxudGrpwtKx8G-6f4trTECkJroHApR0sDIlKPzB5R2KaWx622mNO8gUTaBCKsnLjjkGWB9XZ58xb39P5b9qWopB0mumFhRb9tzKicgFn2V7PUbgTpapBpZTP2bUQuMrVjJ9fdBo34/s640/blogger-image-515560857.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7B379G2JF8PSTqbGtVtXFsY8V7laKnaffOwocWuHcIYiqZjxh__r8Xhaa22Fk2jernIZid7ppCa7laFGjc27IvTYgVL5u6aAzbbqy7_J825tZJ0l-04y8XQTuuWWvqzTprXASN7sUJA/s640/blogger-image--265952220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7B379G2JF8PSTqbGtVtXFsY8V7laKnaffOwocWuHcIYiqZjxh__r8Xhaa22Fk2jernIZid7ppCa7laFGjc27IvTYgVL5u6aAzbbqy7_J825tZJ0l-04y8XQTuuWWvqzTprXASN7sUJA/s640/blogger-image--265952220.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV21QRHT7Ah21zUvanQ8Qh528_438QNn50yzPzP9LgW5pST1EFoi30JAO-ty54m24STL68Oz8GTflYZrZsSRfrExoT6Eo_6BXkxLDfwCkWgW7OCxaskqIwqqObgw5YIY2n615HCGpUrEg/s640/blogger-image-1029572747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV21QRHT7Ah21zUvanQ8Qh528_438QNn50yzPzP9LgW5pST1EFoi30JAO-ty54m24STL68Oz8GTflYZrZsSRfrExoT6Eo_6BXkxLDfwCkWgW7OCxaskqIwqqObgw5YIY2n615HCGpUrEg/s640/blogger-image-1029572747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a quick night's sleep in Willow Creek...famous for a certain museum...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyZ8vnVlgVjwQ4SxfKImEqFz3iYfOPFpUZa3YmOY4gSfRhAPE_fVNTD27i-9mBVsK3JQ9bSFyr-SB4CB__Sp0J8QeNL6FmHjcGeVU1JTbucJikzFUJc9rvTBdtp1oyp_x6L5PIc2pDlA/s640/blogger-image--1113541158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyZ8vnVlgVjwQ4SxfKImEqFz3iYfOPFpUZa3YmOY4gSfRhAPE_fVNTD27i-9mBVsK3JQ9bSFyr-SB4CB__Sp0J8QeNL6FmHjcGeVU1JTbucJikzFUJc9rvTBdtp1oyp_x6L5PIc2pDlA/s640/blogger-image--1113541158.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We turned back east through Lasser Volcanic National Park and have arrived for the night in Reno, NV. Tomorrow it's on to Yosemite!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tanner's animal tally now includes harbor seals, elephant seals, sea lions, ospreys...and grey whales! Yup...saw them right from shore in Oregon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Elsie reports that the favorite DQ blizzard flavors seem to center on Midnight Truffles and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, although Johnny is partial to Choco Cherry Love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Keep your prayers coming...we feel them!</div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-81661806481905411792013-07-25T12:51:00.001-04:002013-07-25T12:51:27.027-04:00RV Living Update<br><div>Living & traveling in the RV is going pretty well thus far. For those skeptics out there, yes, admittedly it's still early on in our trip! So here's the truth.</div><div><br></div><div>THE GOOD...</div><div>RV running well, no issues, yay! Everyone sleeping soundly, content with their chosen bunks and keeping their areas tidy. Plenty of card and board games (I dare you to challenge Elsie to National Parks Memory), as well as some "unique" entertainment that only road trips can inspire. Johnny is the solo driver, despite some offers from Ann, and doing a stellar job.</div><div><br></div><div>THE BAD..</div><div>Stopping for gas so frequently costing time and money (never mind the headaches and grumbling produced due to maneuvering this rig) is a bummer, however this is not unexpected. The bathroom door keeps flying open while driving and objects DO shift while RV in motion. Note: do not leave quart of blueberries on counter. Ann & Johnny are considering starving the children due to the fact that following feeding time chaos ensues. Sometime a little hypoglycemia can be a good thing. </div><div><br></div><div>THE UGLY...</div><div>Same loud noises, same odors, same 6 people. Only there is no escape.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-18271981964393715632013-07-25T02:08:00.001-04:002013-07-25T02:08:07.316-04:00Picture time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHrD1_zPjv7LJQl5YQMrDvVmzziuJlfzH4YlsDnhdX-DPwWF8evaAEIQPZJ0NsShlH7OL8ZgR9G3ocFgsP80dOloWDTFuGpMyipEKEW4ZEclo36H6Q1lbrpOWW3Uc2Zu70vNruON3eh8/s640/blogger-image--1296325833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHrD1_zPjv7LJQl5YQMrDvVmzziuJlfzH4YlsDnhdX-DPwWF8evaAEIQPZJ0NsShlH7OL8ZgR9G3ocFgsP80dOloWDTFuGpMyipEKEW4ZEclo36H6Q1lbrpOWW3Uc2Zu70vNruON3eh8/s640/blogger-image--1296325833.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjxMeip0QSnS8LLUQZaxSN7D1g_N-wVL5tjJy9yMINO1zDIhLiun-H1dA_L8FrN07JzbiSOD1rDG9af4-voVb1ghZgl5YcqTWXcvpqkKnvERJHFJdBV21OXtS4NLCYwjieidivYLeI10/s640/blogger-image--734411324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Tc9obYcNSPzF5VpOcdmUPhjdsTH1cQV3wakY0Vbuw5x3xeQym8FjlLnMC8mgM47gqt50YQkv-hq_inPkCyde0zoyA9dzw7rqkuuFeRRA4Q-7-NAa6p0X3K8xHdyuw9tRR024jDeiNU0/s640/blogger-image-1178212783.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-80093653812259982102013-07-23T20:58:00.001-04:002013-07-24T01:35:16.535-04:00Custer<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeo1qG_ssX5Jj2OTs7kygh6pC7juCda-J2l44aDWLrPomvbgOag6OPb3t4GA7oqIV0nsQL9Q2cM1haFVdhJJSJ96AsU-uJWciHykCCcTNi0mQdAGr2pIr4jTcizEQWRrTPFE0a4vbwhg/s640/blogger-image-1110801233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeo1qG_ssX5Jj2OTs7kygh6pC7juCda-J2l44aDWLrPomvbgOag6OPb3t4GA7oqIV0nsQL9Q2cM1haFVdhJJSJ96AsU-uJWciHykCCcTNi0mQdAGr2pIr4jTcizEQWRrTPFE0a4vbwhg/s640/blogger-image-1110801233.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have to back track a little as we left out one of our all-time favorite places: Custer State Park, SD (about 8 hours east of Yellowstone). This is the most spectacular State Park with lush, majestic valleys filled with bison and plenty of other wildlife. We saw several beautiful herds of bison, up close and from a distance. What a site! Kudos to the terrific rangers and volunteers who keep this incredible creation so pristine! We were fortunate enough to secure a campsite among some large shady trees (yay!) for the night without a reservation. Let me tell you,there is no underestimating the pleasure in finding clean, odor-free bathrooms and showers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Strange as it may sound, kindling and firewood can be hard to find "naturally" in most campgrounds. There are several reasons for this, one being that the brush is constantly cleared out by staff to reduce the risk of forest fires. Therefore, we are frequently purchasing both. As we were preparing dinner together we asked the kids for ideas on how to help out at Custer. They tossed around several ideas and settled on collecting kindling for the campsite next door, no small task. We were told people were due to arrive anytime and they thought it would be a welcome surprise to have a fire pit well stocked. As the evening passed and rain clouds threatened the kids covered the kindling, adding a note stating "this kindling provided by Parks with a Purpose".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Knowing we cannot make large donations or a great impact everywhere we travel, we continue to look for small opportunities to show and share God's love. Of course, God asks us to do this always. We are learning to be more mindful of this. Our eyes and ears are becoming more keen to the needs of those around us. We won't share these all with you, however know that we are praying and ask for your prayers in our mission to reflect His goodness. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-40371216588881006382013-07-21T01:22:00.001-04:002013-07-21T01:55:48.788-04:003500 miles...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq7FPbs3830dA0HXWF45LUeNvHN2nPcxglClFopSrSdJLQp8kQz8UE2UxLJwFTN4Bg80_-7UfrQxJDwNkU3_uy04sqSoLhkqx-vNMyEuANEqkQCOX3epujbiscl8-Bgx6xbeyspZWglo/s640/blogger-image--946857732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq7FPbs3830dA0HXWF45LUeNvHN2nPcxglClFopSrSdJLQp8kQz8UE2UxLJwFTN4Bg80_-7UfrQxJDwNkU3_uy04sqSoLhkqx-vNMyEuANEqkQCOX3epujbiscl8-Bgx6xbeyspZWglo/s640/blogger-image--946857732.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We've made it to Glacier National Park! Camping just a few miles to the east of the west entrance and actually have wifi access for the first time in a while. Here's the latest update...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had an incredible time in Yellowstone NP. Cody (WY) is such a western cowboy town...what a fun place to be. Of course we went to the Cody Rodeo and marveled at the skills of the men and women who rode the bucking broncos, lassoed the calfs while riding full speed on horseback, and those brave enough to try and last 8 seconds on a bull. When they invited the kids to come down and try and pull a ribbon off of the run away calf's tail, Lucy came a whisker away from grabbing it! Good times!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yellowstone was of course, remarkable. The wonder and majesty of God's creation is awe inspiring. Probably the highlight of highlights was watching a grizzly bear frolicking in the meadow just 50 yards away. A beautiful animal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent each night along the shores of the reservoir at Buffalo Bill State Park. Total wilderness in the Wapiti Valley. One evening a huge thunderstorm rolled through and we watched the lightning strikes head off over the mountains in the distance. A kind park host kept us well supplied with drift wood for our fire. A neighbor couple (who incidentally are going from west coast to east coast in their rv) gave us some great tips and even gave the kids $5 to buy Wilcoxson's ice cream...a Montana speciality...especially if you get the huckleberry! Another neighbor saved our towels and chairs from blowing away when the storm came racing in and we were away in town. Such kind people giving us small provisions of grace along our journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent a great morning with some fine and faithful folks who run the Provisions of Grace food pantry in Cody...a ministry of Harvest Church (www.harvestweb.net). Each one of the volunteers we met spends close to 30 hours a week at the pantry, which in turn provides food to over 60 families in town twice a week. We got to tour the facility, hear about the people they serve, and how the church is responding to the needs of the community. We then heard what their most pressing needs were for the pantry that week, and went on a shopping spree to buy lots of fresh produce and dairy items. It was moving to bring it all back to the pantry, spread it out on the table, and to pray over it, and for the volunteers, and for the families that will receive it. The Missions Ministry at Covenant Congregational Church provided funds for just such an opportunity as this. In a real and tangible way, the church there in North Easton impacted the people of Cody. Praise God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A couple quick updates...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Elsie reports that the ice cream intake has increased dramatically and Dairy Queen continues to serve us well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tanner reports we have now seen 500+ bison, herds of elk, more pronghorn than we can count, bald eagles, a golden eagle, a coyote, a marmot, loads of deer and mule deer, big horn sheep and one big grizzly bear. Hopefully here in Glacier we will see some mountain goats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lucy continues to take lots of pictures that we'll post on our Facebook page (Parks with a Purpose).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tobi has completely run out of books to read even with her kindle fire loaded down with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ann met some amazing cyclists who are riding 4000 miles from Baltimore to Seattle to raise funds and awareness for cancer research...many of them riding for specific individuals battling the disease. Very cool to see their commitment and determination.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The RV is doing well, other than a busted door knob on the bathroom that is a constant source of irritation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks for the prayers...we feel them!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-30381305734454372582013-07-14T00:12:00.002-04:002013-07-14T00:12:39.398-04:002500 miles...After close to 2500 miles, we've reached The Badlands in South Dakota. We can see the strange peaks of this former underwater sea floor from our campsite and look forward to heading in first thing in the morning. Then it is off to Custer State Park and the wildlife loop that include a huge herd of bison, loads of pronghorns, wild burros, prairie dogs, and who knows what else! We'll camp in Hill City near Rushmore and Crazy Horse, spending the day in the Black Hills before heading into Wyoming. Yes...we'll be visiting Wall Drug tomorrow after the Badlands. Probably the best tourist trap in all of the USA!<br />
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We got such wonderful hospitality up in the UP of Michigan on Hagerman Lake from the Gotberg's and Strom's. The kids spent the day tubing and trying to waterski, and we went down to Covenant Point, second best only to Squanto, for a visit.<br />
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We also stopped in to visit our old neighborhood, Currie Street in Maplewood, MN, and were thrilled that all the old gang was there. It was just like old times, hanging out in the driveways, talking about life, and laughing. Amazing people that we still love dearly.<br />
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At each stop we've been making sure to keep our eyes and ears open, sharing the purpose of our journey with those we meet. Interestingly, it seems to make others want to help us instead of us helping them! In Bear Lake, MI, a wonderful older couple gave us a tour of the town, took us to get firewood, and even helped us to get our fire started. We shared our s'mores with them! Red also showed me his trophy buck that won him first prize...a beautiful deer.<br />
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Today, Ann met Bob here at the campground, who is riding his bicycle from MI to Phoenix, AZ. And yes, you just read that right. His bike is loaded with packs and panniers, a tent and cook gear. He is averaging about 80 miles a day. He said the hardest part is being lonely, so we invited him to join us for dinner (he declined because he was already set) but Ann spent sometime after dinner talking with him and hearing more of his story. It's good to know that sometime the best gift we can give to someone is our simple presence.<br />
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Thanks for all you prayers! We feel them!<br />
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Elsie reports that soon after crossing the Mississippi River in MN we pulled into our first Dairy Queen. There was great rejoicing.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-28065478472939299382013-07-08T23:36:00.000-04:002013-07-08T23:45:06.869-04:00Day 1 & 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FkWi6f92clX3xM__CMrpEL4wnstjsFQooQqWOLT8ALYl55rBEVOFAXMs6XZdBBOQZQ6YpJZrgCcXrFMYxxA8hd440M-NOefOihzOtGVSOBFDO9iMkPfCSnOoRGFPe_DP-whu7DVhUGk/s1600/IMG_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FkWi6f92clX3xM__CMrpEL4wnstjsFQooQqWOLT8ALYl55rBEVOFAXMs6XZdBBOQZQ6YpJZrgCcXrFMYxxA8hd440M-NOefOihzOtGVSOBFDO9iMkPfCSnOoRGFPe_DP-whu7DVhUGk/s320/IMG_0759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's our first update...<br />
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Elsie reports that we have traveled 2 days and consumed zero total ice creams. This must change quickly.<br />
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Tanner reports that so far we have seen a deer, a mother turkey and 4 babies, and one rabbit. He looks forward to getting further west where there are bigger mammals.<br />
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Lucy took the photo of the day above. More below about the story that goes with it.<br />
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Tobi's quote of Papa overreacting is: "shhhhh....we have neighbors you know!"<br />
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Coolest thing after 2 days: a field filled with hundreds of fireflies which we tried our best to catch.<br />
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We are now 1000 miles into our journey, and camping for the night at the Michigan Dunes near Sawyer, MI. Beautiful spot and we were able to take an evening swim before the thunderstorms came rolling in. Tomorrow we will head up the amazing coast of Michigan, heading for the UP.<br />
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Our first opportunity to serve came this morning, when Ann went into the tiny, time-warped to the 1940's office of the Rustic Acres Campground outside of Clarion, PA. She talked with Quintin, the longtime owner, asking if there was anything that needed to be done, or anyone that needed help. He asked why she wanted to know, and she explained about our trip across country to see the NP's and serve in Christ's name along the way. He was deeply touched by this and talked about a weekly worship service they did there at the campground. He then mentioned a single mom who lived at the campground who had just undergone surgery. She was behind on her rent, and he was worried for her.<br />
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What a blessing that on our very first day we could make a difference in someone's life. We were able to pay for half of her rent for the month, a surprise that Quintin couldn't wait to share with her when she returned later today.<br />
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I admit that I wasn't really thinking about helping anyone today...I wanted to get miles under our wheels, and figured our serving would be out further west. But like the story of the Good Samaritan, we can't be like the priest or scribe and be in such a hurry to do God's work that we miss the needs right in front of our eye. I'm grateful that Ann led us this morning to be mindful of that.<br />
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The RV is running well. We're all excited to finally be moving. Gas costs a lot! We picks up trash on the beach after our swim. God is good. We are so blessed. May we be a blessing to others in return.<br />
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Thanks for your prayers! Keep them coming!<br />
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Peace,<br />
JohnnyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-68647635169652175752013-06-24T16:50:00.000-04:002013-06-24T16:50:42.309-04:00Where are you going?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuuAokrvk_eHQ37dz3JnE0EFpSVGsvcJBzOOBrLxNpw6ZtsfMeAsKg5wRa5rkF3Y2hldoMPeLP2TEh3AzQnDtFnkI3EILt7F-VF8nXP3MfdkM3n35AYs75ogh3OeSaGQCm09Cld24Pvo/s1600/national+parks+as+a+transit+system+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuuAokrvk_eHQ37dz3JnE0EFpSVGsvcJBzOOBrLxNpw6ZtsfMeAsKg5wRa5rkF3Y2hldoMPeLP2TEh3AzQnDtFnkI3EILt7F-VF8nXP3MfdkM3n35AYs75ogh3OeSaGQCm09Cld24Pvo/s400/national+parks+as+a+transit+system+map.jpg" width="400" xya="true" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></strong>e're now less than 2 weeks away from our departure date on July 7th! After a week up at Pilgrim Pines Conference Center, we'll hit the road!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Easily the most common question we get is this: "where are you going?" We've intentionally planned our trip with a freedom of movement that will allow us to spend time as we see fit. In other words, we have no time lines of having to be somewhere on a certain date, or for a certain number of days. We're going to go, and experience, and serve as the Spirit leads us! That being said, we do have a general iitinerary.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Here it is:</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -from Massachusetts we'll head west and head up the beautiful west coast of Michigan and up and over the Mackinac Bridge into the UP.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -after a couple days of visiting friends on Hagerman Lake, we begin our voyage in earnest</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -across South Dakota to Bad Lands NP, Custer State Park (with its amazing buffalo herd) and the Black Hills</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -into Wyoming to Devil's Tower NM, Big Horn Canyon NF, Yellowstone NP and Grand Teton NP</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -north into Montana to Glacier NP</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -westward ho into Washington to Mount Ranier NP</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -southward into Oregon to the Pacific Coast Highway with maybe a side trip to Crater Lake NP</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -further south down the Pacific Coast Highway into California to Redwood NP, Yosemite NP, Kings Canyon NP, Sequoia NP, Death Valley NP and Joshua Tree NP</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -east into Arizona to visit family in Phoenix, then onto Sedona and Grand Canyon NP</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -north to Utah to Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Canyonlands NP, Arches NP and Monument Valley</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> -east across New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas...and if there's any time maybe down to Mississippi and Lousiana...before heading northward through Great Smokey Mountains NP, Shenandoah NP...and homeward</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Of course, on the way we'll stop at all sorts of historic sites, tourist traps and anything that catches our fancy. We plan on serving in as many of the National Parks areas as we can through local churches, non-profits and agencies. It should be quite a trip!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What are we missing that we just have to see? Any suggestions for us?</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-70025519614186631842013-06-07T14:42:00.002-04:002013-06-07T15:50:08.299-04:00...so that...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJrfPJXDzqxbQz6kLIWktt35IoDeahi5CK4M3imRaZ3zVMcaRzJ_lbV6iOd7saKzZMDwnDktgLV-onU-GEac7s65etxENWCotrmUakE6SJOvraYHtMwfsQKzEUmmA05F2oZPwfLMV8wU/s1600/national+parks+service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 221px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 174px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJrfPJXDzqxbQz6kLIWktt35IoDeahi5CK4M3imRaZ3zVMcaRzJ_lbV6iOd7saKzZMDwnDktgLV-onU-GEac7s65etxENWCotrmUakE6SJOvraYHtMwfsQKzEUmmA05F2oZPwfLMV8wU/s200/national+parks+service.jpg" width="153" yya="true" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>W</strong></span>hen our first National Park, Yellowstone in Wyoming, was established back in 1872 by congress and President Grant, it was done so with recognition that these amazing and beautiful places are an incredible blessing for our country and the world, and that these blessings must be celebrated and protected <em>so that</em> they can be passed on and celebrated by future generations.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As we as a family prepare to begin our summer journey to visit the great National Parks of our country, we recognize that we are receiving a wonderful blessing that will impact each of us for the rest of our lives. We will always remember this trip! We know that not everyone gets this opportunity, even if they desperately want it...time off from employment...financial resources...it simply isn't easy to make it happen. We do recognize just how blessed we are to have this opportunity, and so in response, we want to make sure that we are a blessing to others along the way as we experience this journey.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Psalm 67 says: "<em>May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine on us - so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations</em>." It is so easy to think of blessings as "for us", when in reality we receive blessings in our lives <em>so that</em> we can in turn shine the light of Christ into the darkness of the world. As we have reflected on the blessing of our adventure this summer, we feel the responsibility of those two small words: <em>so that</em>...and we pray that as we receive the blessing of <u>Parks with a Purpose</u>, that <u>Parks with a Purpose</u> might be a blessing to others in a way that reveals God's love for them and this world.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-85175012382742648922013-05-28T15:49:00.001-04:002013-06-07T15:49:45.170-04:00Item One: Check<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrMK0qbfSGlEqVI69jjYT7vtY9Js-5GTWS15kA9wzf0CWz7rcFn5O85bKOJPIzu4D6yV33cIAeYlfJHLCaFyjJf-UnMs6fImTEYw_Kv1Dopw5xxuDL6mYQ9YpAvnioYHMlBPr-GGDo9s/s1600/vp3156788_2_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrMK0qbfSGlEqVI69jjYT7vtY9Js-5GTWS15kA9wzf0CWz7rcFn5O85bKOJPIzu4D6yV33cIAeYlfJHLCaFyjJf-UnMs6fImTEYw_Kv1Dopw5xxuDL6mYQ9YpAvnioYHMlBPr-GGDo9s/s320/vp3156788_2_large.jpg" width="320" yya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>W</strong></span>hen taking a once-in-a-lifetime family RV journey across the United States, to visit the grandeur and beauty of our National Parks while serving in Christ's name in the first-tier communities surrounding them, it would be good to actually have an RV to take on the trip.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Item #1 on the trip checklist: check.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A 2008 Winnebago Access 31J will be our traveling home for our two-month trip.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274191000259058005.post-41622500789817552012013-05-28T15:43:00.004-04:002013-06-07T15:49:58.237-04:00Official Logo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELHEp4SN30cQxg_X9khJSXWA_VKrhzXa2q63bYX9VVvagsawPeCQjGEB7aIMp1rabhLYREEr_uct5ke1dL99QVDN7j92ni4StybEnbbSZy6cV70pzMLfGo9dJ6AdX4kOpcFPcbyrknGE/s1600/Parks+with+a+Purpose+v.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELHEp4SN30cQxg_X9khJSXWA_VKrhzXa2q63bYX9VVvagsawPeCQjGEB7aIMp1rabhLYREEr_uct5ke1dL99QVDN7j92ni4StybEnbbSZy6cV70pzMLfGo9dJ6AdX4kOpcFPcbyrknGE/s400/Parks+with+a+Purpose+v.1.JPG" width="400" yya="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Special thanks to the talented, gifted and generous Armen Varadian for designing our official trip logo!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16570477021501514028noreply@blogger.com0