Today was an incredible day. It was long and it feels like there has been multiple days lived within one. This morning we woke up at 5 AM in North Carolina, Lexi brought us to the airport to set us off on our adventure in prayer and love.
I (Mark) actually was sitting by a lady on the plane to San Fran who was going on a missions trip to Alaska with her church, pretty cool. Also Josh and I's seats weren't next to each other and then by the time we took off The seat by Josh was the only empty seat on the plane, so I promptly took the Lord's leading and moved seats to be with my accomplice.
It was the most fun and interactive flight I have ever had because we were flying directly over everything that we will be riding back across over the next 2 months. 6 hours there, 60 days back. It was especially cool to see the Colorado river through Colorado and Utah.
The Colorado River
We landed smooth, and then got on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to go meet John! John is the husband of Alison who I had met through an online bike touring journal site crazyguyonabike.com. She wasn't able to be here because she is out leading her own bike tour, but John graciously welcomed us into his home and also picked us up. It has been such a blessing being here already and we have 2 more nights here because we have to wait for our bikes to arrive by mail with FedEx.
John blessed us with great sandwiches, took us out for dinner to a Japanese restaurant. I tried a bunch of sushi and actually liked it, total shocker. He gave us a walking tour all around his neighborhood which is up on a high hillside surrounded by so many mansions, amazing trees like eucalyptus trees, stunning landscaping, and perfect views of the cities of Oakland and San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge was on full display from this high up. We are so lucky right now and are getting a full San Francisco experience. God is so good and has blessed us beyond belief so far.
view of the bay (Golden Gate is in the background)
Sunset view of the Bay (Alcatraz is there too)
Tomorrow is a city exploring day. We will get up early and take the ferry back from Oakland to the San Fran ferry building. I have to buy a new handlebar bag because mine melted in the heat of NC (so dumb!) and I will get some food supplies, meanwhile Josh will be meeting with a few different architecture firms in SF. The architecture is amazing out here, I have never seen so many amazingly manicured gardens, bushes and trees. San Francisco seems like quite the city and we are really looking foward to doing some exploring!
John also helped us with mapping our route a lot today. We have had to come up with some extensive optional route plans because of the Yosemite fires. I'll let y'all know more when we know our plans. But keep your eyes open for any opening of highway 120 (tioga pass).
Thank you all for your prayers, they mean the world. God is taking care of us and keeping us safe. This trip is already amazing.
It is fun to read about your days. We so enjoyed being with the Klevorns yesterday and praying with them for you guys. That is crazy about your bag melting. Was it the one I sewed up? Blessings to you both. Love, Mom
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