Today we left out on 7 East to 340 North , arriving to the National Park around mid morning. We took the shuttle to tour the battle grounds, then traveling to the town of Harpers Ferry. A little note about the park land it includes three different states Jefferson County West Virginia, Washington County Maryland and Loudoun County Virginia. At the point of Harpers Ferry the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers come together. Michele and I along with Mike, Shelia, Paul and Linda headed back towards Winchester while the rest stayed for more sight seeing. We rode Harpers Ferry Rd. in WV to 9 East (Charles Town Pike) crossing back into VA. while continuing on 9 East to 7 West. We stopped in Leesburg for lunch before returning to Winchester. The countryside is still rolling hills but now dotted with wineries,  a distillery and a brewery. There is one thing about this area of Virginia you can point your bike in any direction and have beautiful ride for the day. Tonight’s dinner was at the Apple Blossom. It’s worth trying when in the area. Brother Tony headed back home to PA. while Larry and Kathy went towards WV. They all made it to their destinations  safely. Today we shared the beauty of God’s artwork while enjoying some laughs with family and friends.

Today not much to write about everyone did what they wanted to do. Some went to Old Town Winchester, some rode to a museum while another rode to a Civil War cemetery. Then there are ones who just stayed around the hotel for the day. The day was mixed with gray clouds, sunshine and a shower for some. Tomorrow we will head South riding first down the Sky Line Drive. We are all very thankful to our Heavenly Father for his protection and grace as we travel. Today with the gray clouds with sun peering through at times reminds me even in our darkest time The Son is always with us.

This morning was a late start to our day, after the ride yesterday. We needed a little extra down time. Prior to our departure Rick and I had the privilege to meet Trevor a brother in Christ with the Remnant Sons MC (Christian based ministry). Trevor prayed with us this morning before we rode out. When Rick and Rose return later he prayed with them, then Rick had the opportunity to pray for him and his ministry. We were blessed by a brothers  willingness to be obedient and show us God’s love. Rick had to get a new phone due to the casualty from yesterday.  Afterwards they rode to Leesburg, VA. to enjoy their day. After a short run down to exit 313 for a stop at Grove Harley Davidson we headed North. We rode out on 37 West to 522 North riding through the hills and mountains of Virginia and West Virginia to Berkley Springs, WV.. In Berkley Spring we had a great lunch at Tari’s before heading back. On our return we traveled 9 East (George Washington Heritage Trail) at Hwy. 901 Dave, Sonya, David, Cherie, Larry and Kathy visited a Harley dealership in Maryland. We  continued on 9 to 11 South riding through Old Town area of Winchester. Dave and Sonya received a blessing today, they were able to meet their son Justin & family for dinner. We were blessed with another day of great weather and fellowship. Tomorrow we will ride to Harpers Ferry, Maryland. Larry and Kathy will being riding to Princeton, WV. to visit some friends, please pray for traveling mercies and protection for their journey. Here is something to think about we may be the only light of God that somebody might see. Are you willing and will you be obedient? A light is to be seen not hidden.

This morning we left out on 11North to start another day in God’s wonderful creation. Hwy. 11 is a easy going ride with slow moving curves that lead to gentle straight aways. The road is laced with small towns and communities, some which are farmlands while others tend to be more industrial.  Later in the day we would ride 81 North when we needed to make up some time. No matter which road you rode there was still rolling hills and farmland on both side. To the East you would have the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop early in the day then changing to the Sky Line Drive against the blue skies as you knock down the miles. We only had one casualty today a runway cell phone, yes you are correct it did not make it. It lies at rest on 81 North. I am always amazed at God’s creation and His artwork for it is simple to see it and still not completely grasp the scope of things before us. Today was another successful ride, we all arrived safe and sounds with brother Tony waiting to welcome us. The mileage today was 330. We will be here until Thursday. May God’s Son shine upon your face, bring joy to your heart and be the light for your journey through this life.

We all met at the Cracker

Barrel in Cartersville @ 8:00 am for breakfast. Afterwards around 9:00 am we rode North on Hwy. 411 towards Maryville, TN.. The weather was clear skies of blue with the clouds of cotton lining the heaven above. It was a beautiful day to ride with family and friends. You know no matter how prepared you are sometimes thing just happen. The first thing was a little kickstand failure bike goes down , no one gets hurt and the bike is ok. Just a few mile from downtown Maryville the second adventure of the day occurred when Paul had a front wheel bearing go bad. Paul had to wait on the repairs so Mike stayed, while the rest headed towards Bristol, TN.. We continued on 411 to 383 North, 66 West , 40 North to 81 North. Upon  arriving at  the hotel Michele noticed oil under my bike which made the  third occurrence of the day. Here is the point with all that has happen today  no one got hurt. Paul was close enough to a dealership to get the necessary repairs done without having any further damage done to the bike. The oil leak was a loose drain plug easily repair with out any significant oil loss or damage to the motor. We realize thou these things happen that God is still in control and by our sides even when things get difficult or when inconveniences come along. Even in those time there is still things be thankful for and see the blessing in the situation. Like I mentioned above no one got hurt, no real damaged done and everyone arrived safely. Must also give kudos to Smokey Mountain HD for taking care of Paul. Here is  a though for today: when conflicts, disagreements and occurrences happen we must do  our best to remember that our Heavenly Father is with us and that is the time to draw close to the throne. Today was about a 300 mile day and tomorrow we head to Winchester, VA. for a few days.  We will also be meeting my (brother) Tony from PA. there. before riding back on the Sky Line Drive and hopefully the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Larry,Mike, Don, Rick, Dave, David and Paul

Kathy, Shelia, Michele, Sonya, Rose, Linda and Cherie

Dinner in Bristol

We left Tifton this morning with slightly cooler temps than days before. Heading north on 75 for our final ride of the trip. It was a great trip with new experiences, some laughs shared among friends and a occasional U – turn to add to the memories . It is always a pleasure and joy to travel this country seeing God’s master pieces that he has created. Remember pack lite, ride far and may God bless the roads you travel. Shall we ride with the SON as we travel through life. God’s Speed until the next ride.

Michele, Barbara, Rose and Sonya

Mike, Ray, David, Don and Rick

We left Lakeland this morning riding North on 98 to Brookville, Fl.. Turning on to 41 N towards Gainesville, this is a excellent road to travel sprinkled with small towns and great country side. We made a short stop @ the Harley Davidson dealership in Gainesville, then went across the street to Wahoo’s for lunch.  If you are ever in the area stop in and try the Mudbug Fries. It was at this time the clouds opened up and the  bottom fell out. We waited for a break and headed north on 75. It was not  long when the skies gave us a repeat performance. If you  can remember our Shenandoah  Valley night ride, you know what I mean. Just north of Valdosta, GA. the sun returned and gave us  a warm ride to Tifton for the night. God truly showed  his grace today by putting His  arm’s of safety around us. During all the rain today I thought about how we all need to have our sins washed away. Even as a believer we still need to  be cleansed.  Remember our sins are washed through the blood of Jesus Christ. We rode 273 miles today. Tomorrow will be our final leg of the trip looking for another great day.

We left Key West around  7:30 am riding North on US 1 then onto FL. 997. Later turning on to 27 N @ Pembroke Pines, FL. then that was  when the gates opened up and rain began to fall.  After a slight delay we made a short run to Weston to grab some lunch and let the rain go  through. Decision was made to suit up  for what lied ahead and it  wasn’t a little ways down the roads we were glad that we did. Just North of Venus, Fl. the Skies started to clear and the  Sun raised it’s head. It wasn’t long  before we had to peel off  our rain suits. Just north of Avon Park, FL. we turn north on 98 to Lakeland for the night.   While riding today I notice that the  landscape looked the same in many ways but at the same time different. Made me think that we as people where created equal in God’s eyes but yet we are still different. The next time  we look at someone different lets try to see them through the  eyes of Jesus and we won’t be disappointed. Mileage today was 376.

After breakfast this morning we caught the Old Town Trolley to do the city tour. Getting off at our last stop near the Shipwreck Museum. Michele, Sonya, Barbra and Shelia went on their sight seeing adventure. They went to The Hemingway House, The Butterfly House and The Old Light House. While Don, David, Ray and Mike went and had lunch at Sloppy Joe’s. After that it was time for those men to relax at the pool and maybe sneak in a mid day nap. Rick and Rose enjoyed their day together celebrating Rose’s birthday with some sight seeing and shopping. This evening we went to Alonzo’s Oyster Bar for our last night and to celebrate Rose’s birthday. We are thankful for God’s blessing of family and friends. God places people in our path of life, sometimes for life and other times just for a short walk. What ever the length time may be what we need to remember there is a reason. It may be for us or it may be for them, so embrace the time and be thankful. Tomorrow we start our journey home. There is one request, prayers for our friends Don and Judy (health and strength).

We left this morning riding out to Key West. It was a late start around 10:00am and temps where already heating up the highway and our bodies. It was just under 100 mile ride down the Overseas Highway. The Overseas Hwy. was completed in 1919 it is a 113 miles long with 42 bridges. Some may be wondering about the title of trip, we are celebrating Rose’s 70th birthday. We stopped in Boca Chica Key to eat a Chico’s Mexican Restaurant ( mom & pop ) with authentic style food. Brother Dave needed a fix. Got to the hotel around 2 where some swam and others just chilled. Later in the evening we went in to Key West. We had dinner at the Hog’s Breath and afterwards we walked down to Mallory Square for the sunset entertainment. There where jugglers, musicians, sword swallowers among others to include different vendors. Dave and Sonya got to spend some time with Vince a old service buddy. As we rode along Florida Straits with the sun reflecting it’s light off  the water for all to see.  Here is the question that came to mind should not God’s light shine through us for all to see.