Century number 2! We biked 101 miles to Pinedale, WY!! Today was the
beginning of our photo scavenger hunt, and I was a memeber of team USA
with Alyson, Caroline, Will P and Mark. The hunt consited of taking
pictures with live animals, doing yoga poses, in firemen outfits and
much more. It was a lot of fun riding together as a group, especially
because we normally ride with all different people. A little after
second lunch (yes, another two lunch day!), the skies opened up and we
were pelted with rain, hail, and such and intense headwind we were
working as hard to pedal downhill as when we pedalled uphill. It was a
little frustrating. But that was the only bad part of the day. In
total we visited some horses, a llama farm, a fire department and got
to enjoy 101 miles of beautiful Wyoming. Once we arrived in Pinedale
we were greeted once again with immense generosity. There were snacks
and goodies and sodas waiting for us, along with a hint of what was
going to be provided for dinner. I told the wonderful woman who was
preparing some zucchini qnd red peppers for the grill, along with her
husband, about the garden my parents had back home and how excited I
was for the grilled zucchini. Then I was able to talk to many dear
friends from home, which was very very nice but it made me late to
dinner. This didn't bother me in the least as I prefer to go last in
the first place, but the husband noticed that there wasn't any
zucchini left for me, and was clearly upset. He went to the grocery
store, bought and grilled more zucchini! This is the kind of amazingly
generous and kind people we are encountering!
Jackson, WY
The ride in was great, the Teton Mountains looking bigger and more
beautiful with each mile. Everything we are seeing is just stunning.
Finished up the scavenger hunt and arrived at a house about 7 miles
outside of Jackson Hole, WY. We camped out at the Ambler's just
because they are a kind couple. Some slept in tents, some in the
garage, some on the deck, and some (like me) in the back yard-which
was the PERFECT place for stargazing. Located out in the country, we
were surounded by beautiful fields with wildflowers, horses and cows
grazing together, and of course the wonderous backdrop of the
mountains and hills. Words cannot describe the serenity and beauty of
this place.
The next day was a rest day, so we managed to sleep in until 8, after
an initial wakeup when the sun was rising. I spent the morning
journaling, reading, and soaking in the beauty of the mountains. When
people ask me what is my favorite part of the trip, I first say the
people and then the mountains. I have no idea how I will handle being
in flat Michigan in a few short weeks. Later we went to the Grand
Teton National Park and saw some herds of bison, then into downtown
Jackson to explore. It's a great town! Back to the Amblers for dinner.
There was laughing, singing, eating, drinking, dogs, wonderful weather
and scenery, great conversation and people. A recipe for a perfect
summer evening. After judging the photo hunt pictures, it was time for
a little more stargazing before drifting off to sleep.
Idaho Falls, ID
Epic day. Climbed Grand Teton pass, which is one of our steepest
climbs this summer. About 5 miles of 10% and higher grade. As each one
of us reached the top, we were first greeted by Sharif waving the
American flag and then Will Green carrying speakers with music, all
cheering us on. Then came Joe with the cowbell and a high five and the
rest of the group cheering and making a spirit tunnel. Lots of yelling
and adreneline rush. Once everyone made it to the top, we had a dance
party celebrating our accomplishment. We climbed another mountain!!!
After the descent we all got world famous huckleberry milkshakes
before continuing the remaining 70 miles to Idaho falls. When lunch
was over, I was filled with energy and went descently fast over some
more uphills and downhills both. Then some annoying construction, a
stop at Wendys, and we arrived at the church greeted by three sweet
girls who showed us where to put our bikes and where we were sleeping.
Dinner was great, a baked potato bar! We are in a new state after all,
yeah Idaho!!! I sat with this marvolous woman named Shirly who
reminded me of my grandma. So so sweet, this church has been my
favorite so far I think, they are extra kind and nice and thoughtful.
Build day tomorrow!!!
Sent from my iPod
Good Morning Kristen
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiasm bubbles from you words. Everyday seems fresh and new and exciting for you. I think God's creation does that for us. His mercies are new every morning and His creation enables us to worship Him with every breath. You are so blessed to be doing this amazing trip! and I am blessed to experience it through you. What an accomplishment.
Picked blueberries yesterday-so sweet! Sort of went overboard-25# is a lot of berries. Now I can give them away. Sweet corn is ready in alot of places-2 weeks early. I made a zucchini/carrot bread last week. The bed and breakfast we stayed at in California had it so I asked for the recipe when we got home.
Be safe today as you build! Blessings as you again serve others! love you!
Kristen, I can just picture you talking to all these nice people you have been encountering and asking them all sorts of questions - it is so like you!! I wish it was possible to "teleport" some of the vegetables we have been getting from the garden to you. We are starting to get more zucchini and cucumbers than we know what to do with. We had our first meal of fresh beans last night and the tomatoes are just starting to ripen. Yesterday, Ryan, Kevin and I spent the entire day at the beach (and have sunburns to prove it). It was a perfect beach day - sunny, water temp 72, green flag, cool breezes. Three more days.....Love you!!
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