Today we got up early
6:30 am. Attempted to dry out our tents from the few from the cool night, and eventually got on the road. But that part is the boring stuff. Today was a day of God's blessing, keep reading. It was unbelievable.
Before I get into the good stuff, we found the tracking number for Josh's wheel and found out that it won't make it to moab until Thursday. That's not good since we are already there. So we have to figure out how to change the shipping address of his wheel.
Okay. Now. So. We finally made it to Arches around 3 I think. 50 mile ride. We had to ride on the interstate again (70) but that was great riding. It was when we exited that on 191 to moab when it got crazy stressful. The classic...semis and rvs on a skinny road with a tiny shoulder and huge rumble strips. 30 miles later we finally made it to arches ( after getting lucky and finishing on a smooth bike path for a few miles).
The thing is that Arches is huge and we really couldn't explore it by bike. The roads were very un-bike friendly. We did know this before getting there so we did have a plan; Hitchhike around the park, but that wasn't allowed in the park. So we had to just start asking people. I was still stressed from the ride and was mentally very tired. We asked probably 15 or 20 couples if the could take us to delicate arch, and we had no luck as all of their cars were full of people or luggage or they were on a charter bus. So we finally left the visitor center and went to ask outside. We saw a 60s age lady drive up by herself and asked her when she got out of her car. She hardly hesitated and said "sure I don't know anything about the park, do you? Could you guide me around?" I said I know a few things about t, and the map at least and a few tips from uncle Vern. So we took off with our new friend Sharon.
Sharon was an absolute God send. I was beginning to lose hope that we would even see arches. But she came just at the right time. She loved having us along all afternoon and we loved being with her. We couldnt thank each other enough. Arches was huge and she probably drove us 30 miles and we probably hiked around 4 or 5 to see many many arches. It was a red rock wonderland to say the least. We didn't finish with arches until 7 pm! We saw the delicate arch, landscape arch, double arch, and a bunch of other smaller named and non named ones. We really saw everything and nothing would have happened without Sharon. The best part was that she was a solid Christian! We talked about so many things in the hours we had in the car and on the trails. I still can't believe it. We prayed together and gave hugs before we left. I sure hope we stay in contact. The funniest thing was that I have never hitch hiked or asked for a ride like that before, and she had never given anyone a ride like that before! God really worked in out hearts, and especially hers, to make today at Arches happen. Here are some pics
We had a reservation at up the creek campground ( a walkin campground that was super awesome!) go there if you are ever in moab. So that gave us time to go out to eat. We were looking for a buffet, so we found the local Chinese place. Luckily they didn't have a buffet or we would have gone there. Instead we went across the street to Zax pizza and had a great all you can eat pizza dinner. You're not going to believe this. Josh was talking to the couple next to us at the restaurant about our trip, and later our waitress told us that our neighbors, the Haywood's for Salt Lake City, picked up our tab. Again, another blessing that I have never experienced. It was one of the best feelings I have ever had. The Haywood's blessed us with a $30 dinner. Wow. Praise God.
After the stresses of today's riding with the tough roads, and then searching for a ride God blew me away like never before, in new ways. God just won't stop teaching me new things and blessing us in new ways on this trip. I am learning from so many people how to do the same in the future, and even right now. This life is not about me.
Tomorrow we are hoping to make our way toward Grand junction Colorado. Whoot! Montrose will be the next day where we meet up with the Burns family who the Hickmans connected us with. I am so excited to meet a great family.
Plus a shout out to Jim Camp. Jim, the wheel you got me for my bike is absolutely bomb proof. Without you doing that for me this trip would have been a disaster. Thank you so much for your Generosity!!!!
God bless. Thank you for your many prayers. You can see in days like today that God is answering them.
Tailwinds (fingerscrossed)!!!!
Mark
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