Today we visited Zion National Park in Utah. It was established as a national park in 1919. The park was first called Mutuntuweap (straight canyon) by the Southern Paiute Indians. In 1860 Mormon settlers renamed it Zion. The word Zion is a Hebrew synonym for Jerusalem and meaning The Promise Land To Come. For the earlier pioneers it was a place of refuge. The highest summit is at Horse Ranch Mountain (8726 Ft.). The river that runs through the canyon floor is The Virgin River a tributary of The Colorado River. The River runs 162 miles covering the states of Utah, Arizona and Nevada. In 2009 The Virgin River was designated Utah’s first wild and scenic river. Another area of interest is The Towers of The Virgin which peaks over the river below. Main formations are The West Temple which rises majestically above the canyon floor at 7810 Ft., then Sundial 7590 Ft..Thirdly The Alter 7505 Ft., it is call this because of the blood red stains from the iron ore which streaks down the face of this formation. Then there is the natural bridge named The Crawford Arch after its founder located where else on Bridge Mountain. The awesomeness of these powerful  creations just reminds how great our God truly is. Made a new friend today a Harley rider from South Korea and his first time in American. It was a great day with Michele and friends. Rick and Rose got to pray with Kathy for her and her husband (a heart patient) who works at the hotel. God continues to direct people in our path’s.

Today was a simple ride of 95 miles to Mount Carmel Junction, Utah. Checked into The Thunderbird Hotel around 3 afterwards it was a day of relaxing. 2336 miles to date. There is not much to write about for today so here  are a few more pictures from the ride.

The day started early riding South on 89 to 89A North , then onto 67 South to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  The ride on 89A North took us along The Paria and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.  The area was established as a national monument in 1984. The Cliff’s elevation runs from 3100 – 6500 ft. and the park covers 294,000 acres. At Jacob Lake, AZ. we turn South on 67 riding through the mountains of The Kaibab National Forest. The walls of  the forest consisted of Aspen, Douglas Firs and Ponderous Pines. On the south side of the summit there were rolling fields of green dotted with flowers of yellow, purple, white and pink. The forest covers  1.6 million acres and boarders from the South Rim to the North Rim. Arriving at The North Rim of The Grand Canyon we walk the trail of Bright Angel Point. The words and pictures can not it justice, it is truly an awesome and amazing creation that our Lord has given us. Before heading back we had lunch at the lodge. The trip backed tract until we got to 89A at that point we turn north to Kanab, Utah. In Kanab we got on 89 South back to Page. Riding these roads back  today gave us the understanding of the term High Desert with the temp of 103. This was a very dry heat making for a hot return back. You what to know about landscape? Take the time to look around to see what God as created for us to enjoy. Today we rode 281 miles giving us a total of 2241. We can now add AZ. and Utah to our list of states. On a personal note I turned 114,000 on Route 66 in TX. and today 115,000 on AZ. 67 South. Tomorrow we are riding to Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah. May the joy of God surround your life.

The Day started off with our nephew Ron coming to breakfast. He currently lives in Prescott, AZ. and work for Bonnie Plants. Our travels today was up 89 North. The first stop was at Wupatiki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Sunset Crater is a dormant volcano. It’s last eruption has been more than 900 years ago. During that time it cover 64,000 acres with it’s ashes. It became a national monument 1930. Wupatiki was designated as a national monument in 1966. Prior to the eruption the Puebloan people occupied the area has farmers but by 1250 they had moved on to establish a new life. There were a few who remained and learned to adapt to the new environment. Their descendants still live near by today. They include the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo people. Upon leaving the park we rode through a rain and hail storm. With guiding grace all is well. Continuing on 89 North we stopped at Cameron Trading Post for lunch. If you leave hungry it’s your own fault. Afterwards we rode through the northern mountains of Arizona passing by Marble Canyon, Echo Cliffs and the Navajo Nation. God’s traveling mercies guided us through the storms of today. Just remember in every storm that comes along in life God is always with you to help and guide you through it. Today was short ride 156 miles bringing our total 1960. 

This morning we left riding to Flagstaff, AZ. through the Zuni Mountains of western New Mexico. The ride required a light jacket due to the cooler temps and the blue and gray skies. Final note on New Mexico is that we rode through the Navajo and Hopi Nations. But afterward crossing into Arizona it felt like a oven because of the open prairies and the sun beating down on you like a blow torch. We made a stop at Indian City for a short break. Upon our arrival a lady saw Rose’s cut and said “Servants of The Cross that’s what I need”. We were given another opportunity to pray for her and her husband. God continues to work through us on our journey. On our travels today we took the time to visit the Petrified Forest National Park. The park was established in 1962 as a National park. The park is a 28 mile ride through a painted desert with a age of 10,000 years. It is also one of world best places for fossils and archeological sites. Afterwards we stopped in Holbrook, AZ. for lunch at the oldest restaurant in town, Joe & Aggies Cafe and yes another mom and pop type. I wasn’t disappoint another good eat. Next stop was Winslow, AZ. to Stand On The Corner. This was made famous by the song ” Take It Easy” written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey and recorded by the Eagles in 1972. They deemed it a state park and opened in 1999. The park consist of two bronze statues one represents Glenn Frey and other has two possibilities, first a man who used hang on the corner with a guitar by his side. The second is some believe it is Jackson Browne. Final you to have old Flatbed Ford. Here is some final facts about this leg of our trip. First I-40 is also know as The Purple Heart Trail, Second we rode Route 66 in OK., TX., NM., and AZ.. Route 66 is know as the Mother Road running from Chicago, IL. to Los Angeles, CA. established 1926. God as truly showed us is mercy and grace through this leg of the trip. We rode 356 miles today bring total to 1801.

Left later this morning due to the temperature being in the 50’s. The canopy was one of clear blue skies. Our first stop for the day was Shamrock, TX.. Shamrock is a small town located on Route 66 and much of the town is like it was back in the day of 66. We visited a couple old gas stations, U-Drop Inn and The Pioneer West Museum. But before leaving we had the chance to pray with Mary (the lady who ran the museum). On departure we rode Route 66 for a few miles before getting back on 40 West. Later stopping Groom, TX. for gas Rose had the opportunity to pray with the cashier. The lesson here is God may use one or He may use all. We must willing  work together if it’s one or all. Today we had lunch at another mom and pop place called Mid Point Cafe (exit 22) Adrian, TX. and once again worth the stop. Now back on the road and the landscape is now one of an ocean of greens , browns and grays. With seas of sagebrush and Mesquite Trees with an occasional  island of large trees. The cover above was one of blue with clouds of white that appeared like cotton balls. It was a long day but one of sharing God’s love with those around us. Think about this you may be the only part of God that someone sees. Mileage today was 435 miles for a total of 1445. May you all have a blessed evening.

Yesterday we stopped at Toad Suck Harley Davidson in Conway, AR., there we meet Scooter an employee at the dealership. He had a conversation God and Church; in closing he said every Friday evening they hold Bible Study at the dealership and for a lot of them it’s the only church any of ever get. If we had not be wearing our cut the door probably would have not been open. But it also reminds me that church is where people gather to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, a dealership, in the back of a restaurant or on the side of  the road. We are reminded in the scripture where two or more are gather the Lord is our midst (Matthew 18:20).

Today we left with cool temps and clear skies towards Elk City, OK. . Riding out I-40 with rolling hills of green with fields of hay and farms scattered through out the country side. We rode through the Indian Nations of the Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Kickapoo and many others. Riding pass Indian Nations Turnpike (road of no return) and The Chisholm Trail. Brother Blue remember the Turnpike? The scenery changed once we were west of OKC. It became like prairies still with farms and pastures of hay, but just more deserted looking.   For lunch we stopped at The Cherokee Restaurant (mom & pop type food) at exit 108. The food was very good and friendly service, so if you are ever in the area it’s worth the stop. Afterwards we continued on to Elk City were we visited The National Museum of Route 66. Later we call it a day. We rode 312 miles to bring the total to 1010 miles. May the Lord’s glory be in your .

Mississippi River

Lunch in Conway, AR.

Before I give a brief about today let me share something from last evening. We had dinner yesterday at Applebees and the Lord gave us the opportunity to pray with hostess before leaving. Another young lady saw what was happening and came to join us. Afterwards the two were rejoicing  for what the Lord had done. So we never know who or when God will provide those opportunities, we must be willing and obedient to what the Lord leads us to do.

Today we continued West on I- 40 to Van Buren, AR. . Were the landscape was hues of green, laced with lakes and rivers against the backdrop blues and grays.We stopped in Conway, AR. for lunch at David’s Hamburgers, the restaurant was one of a soda shop from the fifties. Burgers were good but the customer service was outstanding,(seems to be a rarity these days). When you are in the area grab a burger and take a moment to remember when. Now later in the day near Russellville, AR. Brother Sideways (Bob) got baptist into riding across this great nation. But at the end of the day God smiled upon us with His rays of sunshine that placed warmth around our hearts. We are thankful for God’s wonderful creation and His traveling mercies.  We have ridden in GA., AL., TN., and AR. logging 698 miles to date. May God bless you and keep safe as you journey through this life.

               Today we meet for Bible Study and Communion with our brothers and sisters before departing for Utah. Able to share God’s word and prayers with family is a great way to start our ride. We rode out under cloud cover and cool temps as the darkness of the road was passing under our feet. We travel I-20 West to Birmingham, AL. were we had to ride through the inner city to 65 North (due to construction) then on to 22/78 North. While riding today a couple of things occurred to me. First we rode through a couple of showers so some may say we got wet while we could view it as a blessing, tears of joy from our Heavenly Father. Second there was a black cloud with a hole in the center of it allowing  the sun peered through it darkness. Later the clouds went to a light grey and then a few miles down the road there white clouds with sun shinning bright. Think about this, the darkness being the sin in our life’s and the light being the one and  only SON who brings light into the darkness. The gray represents the distance between us and our sin because of our relationship with the SON. Finally when we are in the presence of our Lord we will free from all sin wash white as snow. Just thinking out loud. We are at Olive Branch, MS. for the night and tomorrow we are heading to Fort Smith, AR.. Today we rode 383 miles. In closing may the Son shine upon you as He brings joy to your heart. God’s Speed until the next.

We all are finally back at home. It was another enjoyable trip see God’s beauty through His creation. Having fellowship with family and friends. Meeting new people along the way. Seeing God at work as you shared His Love with a stranger. Thou there were struggles and pain that came sometimes came along with this journey, in the end it would be will worth it. So until the next time may the Lord keep and bless you all as we travel through this life. Thou it may temporary build memories that will last this life time.