We had lunch with Max and Terri at Iron Works Grille along the Tellico River before departing for home. When ever in the area stop by for a meal and try the bacon wrapped pickles, won’t regret it. They are open Thursday – Monday 11:00am – 9:00pm. Thou this year’s trip had to be changed on the fly to speak of it still was a very enjoyable trip. The bumps in the road allowed us to meet up with friends and share a meal, it also gave us the opportunity to experience different parts of the country and to travel roads that we might never would been able to.  This was the shortest trip we have taken over the last several years only totaling 1750 miles, but we would do it all over again. The trip reminded that if we allow God’s word to be the light unto our path we will never be lost despite the bumps in the road as we travel through this life (Psalm 119:105). Until the next time may the Lord bless you and keep you.

This morning we met up with Max and Terri to ride the newer section of the Foothills Parkway, built about 2 years ago. Today the temperature reached 100 degrees with clear skies. We stopped at Texas Road House for an early dinner before returning to the hotel for the evening. God’s beautiful creation such an amazing gift for all to enjoy. Stop, look, listen and enjoy.

Our travels this morning started out on 441N  riding through the hills and valleys of middle Georgia. We rode 441 until we got to Athens were we got 129N to Murphy, NC.. In Murphy we took 64W into Tennessee and  along the Ocoee River. Where the temperature went from 99 to a cool 82.  But after leaving the river area and heading I75N to Sweetwater, TN. the heat returned with it’s vengeance. After checking in to the hotel we meet our friend, Brother Max for dinner at Bradley’s BBQ. Michele said “that her ribs were fall off the bone good.” It is always a pleasure to break bread with our brother and sisters while we also enjoy their fellowship. For we need the fellowship of like minded people in spite of our difference. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

After having breakfast at Steffen’s we left Kingsland under cotton candy skies and mild temps on 17N to the light house on Saint Simons Island. Afterwards we took 341N to McRae then a quick turn on 280E to US319N into Dublin, done for the day. Tomorrow Gary will head home while we go on to Tennessee for a couple of days. It is really sad and troubling to see how people are living in fear as we travel across this country. Then you meet some that are just a breath of fresh air that brightens your day. Even in the darkest times God brings light and hope for He promises never to leave us or forsake us (Isaiah 41:10-13). Remember where ever we journey in this life we are never alone.

This morning we rode out to Golden Isles Harley Davidson in Brunswick then back to St. Marys. Upon on return we met Pastor Donald for lunch at Lang’s Seafood Marine, were we enjoyed the fellowship and a great meal. Afterwards we went to see Katie and the girls, it was great to see that they all are doing well. Like yesterday the rest of day was relaxing in the pool until dinner time. Tomorrow we start another journey on the back roads of Georgia to Tennessee. Another point to consider as you travel the back roads through Small Town American, take time to look at the scares left behind by these super highways know as interstates. The empty businesses that held this country together; the Mom and Pop restaurants, Full Service Gas Stations and place like the Friendly General Store. It won’t be long until these things will become a distance memory. So when you have an opportunity to slow down take a back road and get lost in the history of Small Town American before it’s to late. On funny note check out the sign below form an antique store in Woodbine, GA.. Final thoughts about today first you have always heard you can’t take with you when you leave this old world. Which is true of your earthly possessions. Second is I came in this world with nothing so I leave with nothing. Think about this I came into this world with nothing but I am leaving the world with the promise of eternal life with my Heavenly Father. The question to ask one’s self am I leaving this world with that same promise?

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