We left Amelia Island by the way of US17 North to Kingsland, GA.. Entering into Kingsland we stumbles onto Steffens Restaurant established in 1948, 2 eggs, grits, home fries  and biscuit $5.00. Everything is made from scratch daily and they also support local farmers and merchants by using their produce at Steffen’s. Here is there motto”We believe that fresh food taste better! Please be patience Good Food ain’t rushed.” This definitely a place to eat when in area. That’s another reason to hit back roads of Small Town American. You won’t find these type places in a Cities or the Super Highways; Thistle Dew Plantation, Catfish Creek, Tower Swamp and Crooked River. The rest of the day was spend out on Jekyll Island, some spend the time checking out the architect and others the landscape. I said this before but not matter how many times it is said it will always hold true. That seeing God’s beautiful and amazing creation never gets old and it reminds me that He is truly  the greatest artist who has ever been or will be.

Today we left under clouds and rain while riding on 98, but once we got 79 N the sun began to shine. Turning East on 20 the landscape became one of twisted and broken trees as a reminder of passed storms and that it only takes a moment to change one’s life. Later in the day we turn onto 90 E then to US 301 N before getting on  200/A1A into Amelia Island. Upon our arrival we found out that is mandatory for you to wear a mask. Then we checked with our other destinations and found more of the same. Also in Pawley Island, South Carolina you can be arrested  and receive fines if found in violation of said ordinance. With that being said we are looking at going to the Cumberland Island area of Georgia for a few day then heading home. I felt like we entered the USSA . On other note during our travels today we stopped in the town of Clarksville, FL. were we met a friend of my Brother Rooster. Let me say this about riding the back roads of this country you to experience small Town American, it’s history, it’s architecture and it’s culture; you can’t get that running 90 mph down the interstate. Seeing the twisted and broken trees reminded me that we all are broken or maybe even a little twisted, but through Jesus Christ we all are repaired and made whole. For God is good all the time even during all our brokenness. Have a blessed evening.

Today was just one of those laid back kind of day for all. Michele spend a couple of hours with the grandsons this morning; before joining Tricia on the beach. In the mean time Stanley, Gary, Bob and myself joined Robby’s mother for lunch at Barefoot on The Bay. After the wives finished their beach time we all went back to Barefoot’s for dinner. Robby returned home today, while Stanley and Tricia will head back sometime tomorrow. The rest of us will be riding to Amelia Island for a few days. Last time Michele and I were there was during the Okefenokee Swamp Fires of 2011, remember Joker. We are thankful that Brother Robby made it home safely. We pray for God’s traveling mercies as we continue our summer time journey. Be blessed and may God guide each step you take in life.

This morning after breakfast  we meet Robby and Bob at Panama City HD. There we met Matt and TJ who we got to fellowship with before riding out to Choctaw Bay. We rode 331 N to 20 W to reach our location under clear blue skies with a temperature of 98 today. Then we flip flop 20 stopping at the Shell station where we meet another young brother Patrick who we got to fellowship with  before heading on to 79 S. Then in the early evening we met Robby at his sister Susan home for a low country boil, prepared by Chef Stanley. It was great evening of food and fellowship. We never know when God will place an opportunity for us to share His love and word with another. So we must always be prepared in all seasons.

After a early morning thunder storm the sky became became hues of blue with clouds of white and gray. It’s was a 338 mile run to Panama City Beach with an average temp of 95. We did a get a little dousing of  heavenly water on I-10 before getting off on 79 South. It was another blessed and glorious day sharing time with family and friends. Riding through the rain today made me think about even with the dark clouds there still a light shining through the darkness. So no matter what we are going through the Son is always shinning upon your face and in your heart. God’s Speed

This is the final chapter of The Fantastic 5 Ride. We returned by riding 22 East to 278 East. The only thing for today was about 6 miles outside of Double Springs, AL. we got drenched by a unexpected  storm. For six miles no where to pull off and just keep wetter. But on entering the town of  Double Springs there was a lone gas station were they allowed us to change our clothes. First time ever that I have been that wet and cold that  I had to change my clothes. Once again God guided us and keep us safe. For us it was a great ride and very enjoyable see the things we were blessed to see. Everyone made home safe and the ending mileage was either just under 5000 or just over depending where you lived. Like I always say, Pack lite, Ride far and May God bless the roads you travel. Until the next adventure God’s Speed

Our route today 40 East, 49 South, 61 South, 278 East and 45 North.  We rode through the Delta of Southern Arkansas and Western Mississippi with it’s fields of Milo and Cotton. But later in the morning the landscape became one of rollings hills laced with trees, swamps and a occasional  farm pond. Today was another hot one seeing 100 once again. This is our last night on the road in Tupelo, MS.. The birth place of Michele’s teenage heart throb, you guessed it yes Elvis. If you are ever in the area make Crossroads Rib Shack a place to stop, you won’t be disappointed. Our mileage at this time is 4703. We have road many miles of rough roads, fighting head and cross winds with different weather conditions. Point is this, that through your faith you are anchored securely in the arms of our Heavenly Father no matter the storm you face.

As far as today it was a repeat of yesterday. We rode 97 South, 117 East, US 75 South to 40 East. Heading towards Little Rock with temps @ 100 but like always the Lord provided us with cloud  cover and a shower when needed the most. Well you know Michele doesn’t meet a stranger,see pictures below. As the trip is coming to a close here are the some of the things we were able to experience and enjoy. National parks: 1. Petrified Forest, 2. Wupatki Forest, 3. Sunset Crater 4. Grand Canyon (North Rim) 5. Zion, 6. Bryce Canyon, 7. Capitol Reef, 8. Canyonland, 9. Arches. We also visited spots along Route 66 and got to stand on the corner in Winslow, Arizona. Then our travels allowed us to journey into these states: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Kansas. We had the opportunity to fellowship, pray and share God’s love with others as we saw His beautiful creation. Mileage at the close of the day is 4412.

Beep Beep

Been replaced by Elvis

This morning was much like the two previous days. We continued on 400 East then on to 35 South just outside of Wichita, KS.. After stopping for lunch in Tonkawa, OK. we got on 412 East towards Tulsa. Part of  I-35 is the Kansas Turnpike and 412 is the Cimarron Turnpike, making them both toll roads. But the $6.25 tolls that we paid were will worth it. The roads are some of the best we have traveled. The 412 traffic considerable light compared to some of the major interstates we have ridden.  The landscape became that of more rolling hills with rich shades of green. The trees were more plentiful as well as the water sources. Today was a much better ride with cooler temps and clouds that offered us shade from time to time. I turned  over 117,000 miles today on 412. Our mileage to date is 4130. No matter how much we ride and no matter where we go, you can always see God’s hand print in all things.

We left this morning with same type of sky as yesterday riding south on 25. Rode to Pueblo, CO..  Riding passed Pikes Peak before stopping at Outpost HD.. Then it was on to 50/400 East to Dodge City, KS.. 50/400 is also know as The Santa Fe Trail. The landscape became flat land and rolling hills of green with hints of brown. There was farmland with acres of Milo and hay which had been harvested. Then the Feed Yards with that special aroma that no one can forget. The biggest thing for us today was coming out of the mountains of cool temps; to the plains of east Colorado and west Kansas were it was hot and more hot! Miles to date 3801. We are thankful and blessed this evening to have A/C.