Saturday, September 13, 2008

Wisonsin

Leaving Wisconsin
SS Badger 4 hour Ferry Ride
Before get on the Ferry I called my Daughter Angela she said Mom are you Nerves I said NO . Then I thought should I be????
The ferry ride was quite an experience. It included opportunities to view movies, eat, watch TV, eat, sleep in the quiet room, eat and just enjoy all the lake views. I loved the feeling of walking around on the deck with the rolling motion of the waves underneath. However, Carol and Barbara were both relieved when our four hour trip was over.When we first went aboard they both sat in the booth reading there books.
Thanks to Caryn Arsta who donated us this beautiful room at the Super 8.She had shared with me that she wanted to donate this room not because of Habitat for Humanity but because we were CHRISTIANS doing Gods, work. This is our last night in Wisconsin.
The storm came with lightening bolts,I don't ride in the Lightening so I got rescued by ______________. 10 miles from You do what you've got to do in the face of a serious storm.We are grateful to be warm and dry once again.
WISCONSIN
Pam with Barb Seegers and Colleen Laha,

Freedom WI

When I first arrived in Freedom Wi. It was starting to get HOT outside and no motels in town the church there would not put us up so I walked across the street to town hall and met Barb, and Colleen. Colleen was going to let us stay at her home until our accommodations for the night were in a vacant apartment. This was donated by Tom and Mary Murphy. It had everything we needed including kitchen, beds and bathroom. When we arrived and let ourselves in with our temporary key,
Bowler WI
Pastor Dave Dukovan, Lutheran Church Bowler, WI

Pastor Dave Dukovan of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. I had found him sitting outside the church in his back yard. He was very helpful . I got to get copies of the biking maps so I could have something to look at. Since I did not have maps until here.

Bunny Rabbit
Ralph and Sharon Walentowski. with family,

Crandon WI

I had made contact with The Walentowski before the tour and I was not for sure if the girls would ride 10 more miles, I talked them into it. Ralph and Sharon immediately welcomed us into their home and family. Sharon plied us with delicious homemade food and cold drinks. They also had their son, daughter in law and granddaughter staying with them while we were there. Sharon and Ralph kept everyone entertained and happy.we die get to go to the church on Sunday and what a treat. Carol went with me to take the Lord's Supper ,
Eagles' nest, Lake Metonga, Crandon WI

Then Ralph and his son Randy took us out in their boat on Lake Metonga. We went across the water to view a huge eagle's nest, with three eagles in residence. Through the binoculars we could see the adults feeding on a fish. They had one juvenile in the nest who looked like it was flexing its wings, getting ready to fly.

Before Crandon WI

Boulder Junction WI

Not what you think????
http://www.bigbearhideaway.com/
http://www.bigbearhideaway.com/



http://www.bigbearhideaway.com/




http://www.bigbearhideaway.com/



Jeff and Donna Stadelmann, owners
We had a lovely visit with Jeff's partner Donna who told us their motto is "we're here to say yes." We are here to say we are feeling incredibly grateful...again.Jeff had shared with me that he wanted to do something nice to help people out in the future, And then he got a phone call from me. There is a picture in the office that Donna had got for Jeff. It was a a man sterring a boat and God watching over him. Jeff said as long as God is in charge of him and Guilding him , He will be grateful. He is a new Christian. Once again God has put Jeff into our path.
Pam with Bill Brockman at Big Bear Hideaway

Boulder Junction

When Carol and Barbara arrived close to town they noticed a fancy resort BIG BEAR HIDEAWAY. Rustic Luxury. It looked inviting and way too expensive for us so we continued pedaling. Then Carol spotted Pam's bike in the front. We made a U turn and discovered our luxury home for tonight. I had spoken to Bill Brockman, the manager. He called Jeff Stadelmann the owner who gave us the last cabin available. It is more than we could have imagined. It is stocked with all the comforts including cold drinks and snacks. We went from happily sleeping in the church basement to Ultimate Luxury.



Vivian Ernst, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church



Immaculate Conception Catholic Church


Butternut WI

At Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, we were met by Vivian Ernst who is the church secretary. She showed us where to park our bikes, shower, do laundry and bed down in the church basement. She even organized food for our breakfast. The only thing we miss in Butternut is a grocery store. The only grocery store is closing tomorrow, for good. We stopped in and the shelves are on sale. We did find an excellent meal at Jumbo's, the town restaurant.



Sandhill Cranes
When Carol and Barbara arrived in Hayward, I had got a free night at the Lac Courte Oreilles Lodge, which is an Indian gaming casino. Whatever our opinions of gambling, we have an excellent room, great food and no complaints.
Rice Lake WI

When we arrived in Cumberland, we met up with people from Habitat for Humanity who were driving us to Rice Lake, 20 miles away and off of our route, to stay with Doug and Mattie Pitts. . Between a small truck and a station wagon, we, three bicycles and many bags were on our way to Rice Lake. Pam's bicycle was tied to the back of the pickup.




My Street
We were given a tour of some Habitat homes in Cumberland and even met Magritte Graf's (She had met me for lunch while we were waiting for the other 2 riders to show up to get a ride to Rice Lake off route. )family, who live in one of the homes. It was quite rewarding to meet the 5 children and Magritte who are so happy to have their own home. Magritte and her husband are working to individualize it for their own needs and all are thrilled to be out of a three-bedroom apartment.
We were treated to a lovely dinner by Habitat. Pat, the volunteer secretary, accompanied us and told us which Wisconsin dishes we needed to try. Her top recommendation was Mexican deep fried ice cream. We were also joined by Barbara's longtime friend Patty McCrery
Josie, Doug and Mattie Pitts, North Shore Resort

RICE LAKE, WI

The home of Doug and Mattie Pitts at the North Shore Resort on Rice Lake. Their resort cabins were all booked and they put us up in their own home, in their own bedroom. After discussing our next day's route and visiting with Doug, Mattie and their daughter, Josie, we fell asleep, in separate rooms.




Sunset in WI
Wildflowers in WI
At all the homes for Fire Dept to locate address
one of many beautiful barns in WI







Dalles
Dalles
Dalles

Pastor Alan

I had contacted Pastor Alan and he got Doris to put us up whenever we got into town.

Doris Simenstad, Osceola WI

We felt so welcomed by Doris Simenstad. She graciously opened her lovely home to us. She was ready to do anything we asked, from offering us cold drinks, to hot showers, to a dip in the front-yard pool. We enjoyed a delicious snack of locally made Wisconsin Gouda cheese as we gazed out the windows through a screen of trees overlooking the St. Croix River, which runs behind her backyard. Doris shared the Osceola town history with us. Her late husband was a physician here. She showed us the town history book her husband, Dr. John Simenstad, had authored. He even has a town bluff named in his honor because he was instrumental in preserving this open space from development.


Doris felt the hike up to the bluff would be more than we would want to tackle, so she drove us to St. Croix Falls to see the St. Croix Dalles. These are the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River where it flows through Osceola between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The views were breathtaking. We were so grateful that she suggested this trip to us. We had no idea what beauty is in this area.








Saturday, August 30, 2008

Minnesota

Minnesota (Men-a-soda)
after 2000 miles.... mutiny begins the other 2 riders did not want to do any more long mileage.......the Whining begins
Debbie and Bruce Cochran, Milaca, MN
Debbie and Bruce Cochran,home in Milaca, MN
I arrived in Milaca and went to church where I was adopted by Bruce and Debbie Cochran. Debbie asked me jokingly if I liked to arrange furniture. I jumped right in on their home and Bruce said it does look better. One of my favorite pastimes is arranging furniture. Barbara said...Man, that's impressive after riding 74 miles. I was happy to have a hot shower.Debbie has invited us to have dinner tonight, breakfast tomorrow morning

Pastor Bakewicz and Karen, home in Long Prairie MN
I did not have a contact in Long Prairie and arrived with no place to stay. By the time the girls caught up with me in town, we had been invited to stay in the private home of Pastor Bill Bakewicz and his wife Karen of the Lutheran Church. They live outside of town approximately 5 miles and when we arrived with appetites for lunch we were treated to home made venison sausage.When we 3 girls got up at 4:00am I fixed a piece of toast and it was thin bread with a hole in it, It set off the fire-alarm which i could not reach to fan, Karen came running out of her room I was so embarrassed......no more toast for Pam.
Loon at Glendalough State Park
Wild rice is native to Minnesota
Battle Lake MN
Craig and Wendy Molstad have generously donated 2 nights lodging at their "Battle Lake Motel" so we have a day off. Craig is the executive director of the regional office of Habitat for Humanity in this area. He has spearheaded the building of one Habitat house each year for the nine years he has been in this position. Wendy runs the motel as well as being a busy mom of Gunnar and Georgia.
Craig has taken the time to give us a tour of Glendalough State Park and the Battle Lake Community. In the park we spotted Loons, Red Ring Pheasant, huge Mayflies, even wild rice growing in the lake. Craig interviewed us for an article for the local paper AND he is sacrificing by getting up at "0 dark thirty" to get a picture of us ready to ride.
3 of us biking chicks

I seen lots of trucks moving dirt. This is why....
GeeseLarge Yard ART
Buffalo
This man was from Fargo, When I stop for breakfast he wanted to pay for mine . He said Its nice that your out doing God's work. and wanted to thank me.



One of many Churches that I seen, I liked this one . Kristin Johnson, Family Minister, Glyndon, MN
We are extremely grateful to Kristin Johnson for hosting us tonight in the Lutheran Church in Glyndon, MN
Jen of Island Park Cycles, Fargo ND
She got my bike all ready to roll on......
Ducklings at the sugar factory
Fargo , Minnesota
There was an awesome bike shop in downtown Fargo, Island Park Cycles. There were five mechanics and they had recently relocated the 20 year old store to larger quarters in an old railroad depot.
From Depot to Bike Shop





Thursday, August 21, 2008

North Dakota

Hope Fire Hall aka Home for the Night
Allen Dunkel was my contact for Hope North Dakota he got a place to stay at the fire hall
Pee kin at our clothes in Pekin ND
Pekin Prairie View Lodge
When I got to town there was just this Lodge I contacted the owner and told him what I was doing and so Keith Forde said he would give me a room for the night. I was once again blessed by the kindness of others. The other bike riders were happy to have a bed to sleep on. I guess a 65.00 room free and another night to take our sheets off . Thank you Girls! Welcome to Pekin
When we walked the block to town we discovered Pekin was the home of the largest judged art show and sale in North Dakota. Since this would occur two weeks later, we were treated to a sneak preview. It was especially meaningful as so many of the scenes were of things we were seeing along our route.

A House once on now in Devil's Lake ND
Devil's Lake ND
Pelicans at Devil's Lake outside Minnewaukan
ND
Lilac

Donna, Memorial Diner Owner
I met a man on the road he was asking me about my ride I told him it was for my uncle for habitat for humanity. I ask him where a good place to eat breakfast he said in Granville, at the Memorial Diner. Then when I got there I seen his truck, He said. in here so we went in and had breakfast.When I asked Donna, the owner, for our checks, she informed us that Lance Johnson had already beat us to the cafe and paid for our breakfasts. We were overwhelmed. Lance works on an oil rig at night. When he gets off work he maintains the roadside rest area. On his way home to his family and some much deserved sleep, he stopped off to anonymously buy us breakfast. How could we not fall in love with the people in North Dakota?
Louis Arnold, Diane Streifel, Rod Wolf, Helen Arnold ($10 donation)
Esmond ND
Rugby, ND Geographic Center of North America
It was fun being in Rugby, the Geographic Center of North America. We snapped photos of ourselves at the official marker

Rugby ND

Minot ND

Church Secretary Sally Verstraete and Pastor Rick Fossum

I met Pastor Rick Fossum of the United Methodist Church. He took me home for lunch and I got my laundry done. I also met Sally Verstraete, the church secretary who took me into town to get some new pants. Sally also brought us food for tomorrow's breakfast. I got all this special treatment while the girls were spending time at the bike shop.


Deer one of many
Stanley, ND is famous as the home of the Whirl A Whip. This is a special kind of flavored whipped ice cream. Carol and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Stanley ND
Stanley ND
We were greeted at the Lutheran Church by Minister Mark Narum. He offered us everything we need for our comfort and more. When we went to explore downtown Stanley, we saw the local paper with Pastor Mark's picture on the front page. Congratulations were in order as he has just been promoted to Bishop.
Newly Promoted Bishop Mark Narum
so many wonderful looking horses




Yellow headed black bird
Raggy and Andy made of hay
Williston North Dakota
As Anna had just taken us on a field trip to visit Fort Union
Brandon, Doug and Anna Hoffman, Williston, ND
We arrived in town Anna was working the polling place for the local election and Doug was at work as business manager for the Trenton School District. In spite of this, they invited us to let ourselves into their home, never having met us. We were grateful to be in out of the weather. Anna and I had talked lots of times on the phone I had made a contact with here before I left Warrensburg . So i guess we were not total strangers. They are a Warm Shower contact for Bicyclist.






Sunday, August 17, 2008

Montana

Car Wash & Winery , Culbertson MT
Culbertson Montana.
I had to stop for the night here I had planned it out to do so.
Look Grand kids there is a town named after us.
Mary Lou Weeks and Barbara in Culbertson Montana where we spent the night. Mary Lou's daughter Laurie Mattelin dashed over to the church on her lunch hour to prepare a homemade lasagna she made for us.Mary Lou Weeks came to the church to welcome us and give us the grand tour of Culbertson. We loved the Culbertson Museum. It is filled with artifacts, which are beautifully displayed and depict life over the years on the Prairie. A bill for a doctor's visit, $3.00. We saw antique farm implements, ladies hats, even hand made quilts. She also showed us the Missouri Breaks, the reddish hills which make up the banks of the Missouri River.
Wolfpoint Montana
Pastor George and Gerry Draper
Gerry and George was ready for I had made contact with them before the trip i could not wait to meet them both. His Christianity and the Love for the Lord was great to be around. This is when I got to eat Rhubarb pie. Gerri loves to water color painting and in the evening they walk out to the garden with there cat Sammy what a sweet couple . For them so hope up there hearts and home to us. I am pleased to have met them in person.

Red Fox and Supper in Montana
Coyote in Montana
Baby Great Horned Owls
Antelope





Malta, Montana



Saint Mary's Church in Malta where Father Jim was amazed that we had come 92 miles on bicycles.
Glasgow, Montana
Reverend Susan Watterson honored us by asking us to speak at the Sunday Church service. It was especially festive because they were celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the United Congregational Church of Glasgow.They also paid for our room at the Star Lodge Motel(The lady in the picture runs the motel told me about her granddaughter Isabella 5 years old was in a horse accident they community was raising money to help her surgery she still where the pin on her shirt.) It was a lovely church and the service was especially enjoyable with an organist who played Bach and a five member chorus who harmonized beautifully both with accompaniment and a Capella.




Pam and Laurel LeChance at Bikini Espresso Shop, Chinook, MT





A train runs through it.



I do believe this was the train that caught me squatting down by my bike.






Chester Montana
Our usual oatmeal coffee breakfast at the church in Chester Montana
Antique wooden grain elevator, Lothair MT








Windy in Montana
Arrangements I made with Mike Koeke we are in the Priest's Rectory in the Cut Bank Catholic Church. Another gift.
Mike Koeke and Pam















Rebecca and Cody, Two Medicine Grill
































Rebecca, our waitress in Two Medicine Grill was telling us with her story of how she lives in a Tepee in the mountains near East Glacier, MT for four months of the year. The reason she only lives there for four months is because East Glacier has snow for the other eight months of the year. I asked if she ever had trouble with bears. She said she sees bears all the time, but depends upon her three trained bear dogs for protection.

We had many restaurants listed on our map, but every one was closed on Monday. We were finally able to pull into the Half-Way House in Essex on the Marias Pass. Ron and Myrna Sullens, our hosts. They fixed a awesome breakfast. But, since we laughed so hard at Ron's non stop monologue he was glad to let us stay as long as we wished. When I got there I asked Ron how far to East Glacier , I thought he was kidding me. we both started joking back and forth, Then the other riders came in.



Lake McDonald


Park Ranger Sam Thornton
A donated free night at the Mountain Pine Motel in East Glacier. I had made contact with a park ranger, Sam Thornton, through the Internet. He came to the motel to meet us and gave us a stunning tour of East Glacier, by car. We got to see a bear and goats.



http://www.shilohvalley.com/
Coram Montana
Barbara and I visited Pastor Fox's church service which he leads every Sunday in his home, The Bear Den. He even incorporated our Habitat Ride into his sermon and the congregation offered prayers for our safe journey

I had made contact with Pastor Tod fox before the tour. our accommodations in Coram, MT. We are being hosted in luxury by Pastor Tod Fox in the Fox Den. We are even able to stay an extra night for a day off.










Whitefish Montana
WhiteFish ,Montana












Whitefish United Methodist Church, Montana












I was always greeted by such nice people Ronica Hall helped me by taking a package to the post office and letting me use the PC and












a newspaper photographer from Hungry Horse stopped by the church for the 3rd interview I had given today .












Pam, Isaac and Lola, Eureka MT












I heard a "ping" going up the mountain. I knew I broke a spoke. I was flagging down a car and kept a positive attitude by reminding myself, "I'm thankful it's not raining. I'm thankful it's not hot. I'm thankful I have plenty of water." The woman who picked me up had a small car, but managed to squeeze my bike in after she put her grandson, Isaac, in the back seat. Lola lives in Eureka, so she gave me a ride to our donated room at the Ksanka Motel. She even offered to drive me into Whitefish the following morning where there is a full service bike shop.













The Mountain that I was climbing just before I broke a rear spoke.Oh But it was such a beautiful sight












Lake Koocanusa Bridge
Longest in Montana












Montana,Kootenai River












Libby Montana












We are treated tonight by Gerri Fink She prepared snacks for us, then a beautiful meal. She wouldn't tell us what it was, she called it a "sussy", a surprise from South Texas. It was King Ridge Casserole with chicken, cheese, tortillas, tomatoes and green chilies. She included all the trimmings and even a pecan pie. she said, "My house, my rules. You don't clean a dish or make a bed in my house. And if you need anything be sure and ask."so we didn't strip the sheets.












Libby Montana











http://www.libby.org/












Stokr (Scenic Tour Of the Kootenai River )
Susie Rice & her husband Greg showed up on their tandem at 5:30 AM to escort us out of town.

We have also been interviewed by Susie Rice for the local paper. Susie and her husband are cyclists and active here with Habitat for Humanity. They organize a bicycle ride here every year called the Stokr. They raised over $38,000 for Habitat for Humanity with the ride this year. This accounts for most of the operating budget for Habitat for Humanity in Libby, MT and has enabled this affiliate to build seven houses. Susie has offered to escort us out of town tomorrow morning on her bicycle at whatever hour we choose.













Montana
Montana













I was amazed that these Killdeer eggs survived in the front yard with all the elk,deer,Because they do not allow hunting on this property the elk and deer graze on their front yard and swim in the pond morning and evening.
Killdeer
The Osprey were diving for fish in the pond


















Mike and Nancy also have a pet llama which hangs out with the wild animals.
Amber Bear Inn. Heron Montana

We had to turn off onto a hilly dirt road for 3/4 of a mile into the woods. Where was Pam leading us this time?Questioned Barb. Mike and Nancy retired from the corporate world and built a 10,000 square foot B and B situated in the middle of a 400 acre wildlife sanctuary. They were closed Tuesday and gave us the run of the place. They were so generous to us in every way.
Our room, since I was the one that got all the accommodations set up I always got a bed of my own.Carol said to me that if there is only one bed you get it. for all the work that I had done.One of the requirements that I ask of the girls was that they gladly removed the sheets off the bed. after all the places were giving us a gift to stay there for free. I said that's the least thing we could give-back as a thank you.

Mike and Nancy Masten



http://www.amberbearinn.com/

Idaho

Ione, WA to Sandpoint, ID 90 Miles
Yes, you read that right, 90 MILES!! But we were in and out of Idaho did not have that many miles to ride there.
When we crossed the border into Idaho I was already missing Washington. Our nice road shoulder disappeared and the drivers were not as courteous. However, the trees got bigger, and we were finally treated to warm sunshine. We were still following the Pend Oreille River as we climbed up, down and around. We really had a perfect day of riding.
We talked about taking a day off. When we got into town we had 89.5 miles. I said we needed an even 90 to earn our rest day. We just can't get that close to 90.so we dutifully cruised the pleasant neighborhood while waiting for Pastor Hewson to deliver our key to the church.
We are delighted with Sandpoint. We are installed in the United Methodist Church basement
we have the place to ourselves as it is Memorial Day. We are enjoying a well deserved rest day.
Paster Darryn Hewson and daughter Ainsley with riders
United Methodist Church, Sand Point, ID

Many Logging company's and trucks to go with them.
We had a long bridge across the Pend Oreille Lake with sparkling water and snow covered mountains as a back drop.
Seven miles before reaching Sandpoint, we came to a paved bike path. We decided to stop for lattes to give us the energy for the last leg of our journey. It was already 5:00 PM. With our hot lattes in our bellies, Carol always got the Chi. we hit the bike path. We were revived and soared over the little ups and downs on our own private trail.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Washington State

This is a great Picture don't you think so?
Okay so this is got to be one of my favorite SIGNS
I love to go downhills.....Mountain also.
We had a big 11 mile climb up Loup Loup pass. Loup is French for Wolf. . As Barbara and I were approaching the top, I noticed an RV parked by the side of the road. and said, "maybe that's my aunt who has come to help us carry our gear." Barbara, the skeptic commented, "you have a big imagination." As we rode by the RV a woman came out and told us she was supporting her husband on a coast to coast bike trip. Would be like for her to carry our gear also? No pause, Barbara blurted out YES!! .Laura Brimlow is supporting her husband, Dave Brimlow on his coast to coast bicycle trip. Dave has been diagnosed with MS and he is raising money and awareness about what a person can do even with the diagnosis. Their story is quite heartwarming and we are grateful to be a part of it.Laura and have become good friends we went to church together and She called me often, nice to be around her she has such strong faith in God , What a blessing to have met her.I can't wait to hear about his outcome after his ride. Praise the Lord.
You can read their blog at: www.freewebs.com/jubileetour
Ione Washington
Ione is a small quiet town. But, I made contact with a lovely lady, Jean Munding over the Internet while I was working on the schedule for our trip.. She is 87 years old and still going strong and living independently in a trailer. She packages her "Holy Tea" and sells it over the Internet. Jean fed us delicious homemade turkey soup before handing us over to her daughter, Judy McLaughlin-Wittenmyer, who offered us her camping trailer to sleep in. When we got to Judy's house we saw Jean's artwork beautifully displayed. Jean is a genuine artist. She had lovely paintings of birds and nature scenes. Jean also showed us her lovely prizewinning quilt. Each of 50 squares was a state bird. The detail and colors were stunning. Judy's 12 year old son Eric, 6 year old granddaughter, Emma and friend Sean were outside jumping on a trampoline. I couldn't resist joining them.
The sign outside Judy's home Witt's End You would have to been there to fully understand. :)
The Camper

Body Heat ?
Okay so you really can't make this out.But this was the first Black Bear that I had seen i was a little shaky, But whenever he came down the mountain 25 miles after I left Ione Wa. I seen a Bald Eagle and then the Bear what a treat before 8am.

One of many motel rooms with all 3 bikes
Views on the way to the mountains in Washington
Ride4Habitat Flag The Flag that was really important on this tour.
Andy the grandson of the late Benny in Colville Washington this is a moose or elk ?Andy help me out twice, First when we drove to Washington we stopped and he gave us 2 rooms then on the way leaving Washington we stop back by and he gave us another room. Andy is a Christian and he and I really had some good conversation. I am so pleased to have got to met him.







Reflection of trees by a lake



Newhalem Washington



BunkHouse 13 we got to stay here for 2 nights It was really a nice place to stay since the Mountain was closed due to the avalanche .



We went ahead and road on the mountain without cars. they were going to opening the road up that day.WOW!! We did it!! Rainy Pass and Washington Pass. We left Newhalem at 5:00 AM in the rain. Boy, these girls from Kansas and Missouri are hard core. No whiners or complainers on this trip. This is what Barbara said .....then
Winthrop Washington




We are hosted tonight in Winthrop by Tom and Carolyn Sullivan and their son John. Tom is also a bicycle rider. So he and his wife know how to host riders. Carolyn was holding a bible study group in her home when we first arrived. So nice to be hosted by Christian people once again.




Northern Inn Republic Washington



http://www.northern-inn.com/



Kathy donated a room to us for Habitat




Republic Washington




Concrete Washington




Okay so do you really think that I am getting into this 1954 Bonanza vintage airplane that is one year older than I am. Well I don't think so .Someone needs to stay on the ground and take pictures correct?


If you ever go to Concrete Washington you will see the high school and you go under the school and you will be at Concrete Washington airport and if you just hang out long enough you will find the vintage airport museum. A trip worth taking.



www.townofconcrete.com/airport.






I can tell you who's is not in the plane. Me




Anacortes Washington the start of the Ride 4 Habitat bike trip











Darlene Laubenstein a very good friend of mine and her sister Betty drove Carol and I from Warrensburg, MO to Anacortes, WA in her van. In addition we were all surprised when my Aunt Lorene and her friend Mike showed up from San Jose, CA, 950 miles away, just to see Pam pedal off. They made sure to send us off with a healthy 2nd breakfast.









JB and Beth Seaman. They hosted us in their lovely home, fed us and shared all their love and interests with us. But Now we have to say good bye. We are off to ride to Maine we left Washington May 16 2008. My sister Barbara Warehime called me and said "Pam for my birthday which is May 16. I don't want you to go , " She is my little sis and just was afraid I might get hurt. I told her not to worry I'd be fine.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Back to work July 29 / The Details of the ride

Elk
The Black Bear
Rainy Pass in North Cascades no traffic because we went under the gate. They were going to open the mountain up to traffic later that day.
Concrete Washington airport
I was hoping to leave a package of food here for Barb and David Curtis They were hiking the Pacific Crest trail. But to much snow......
Oreo Cow
Sand Hill Cranes
Gull flying by while I was walking around on the USS Badger
Cormorant's

You tell me. cross between a goat and cow?
A Loon
Deer
There were 3 eagles in this next.

A Bunny. I am told I need to get a bunny for my grandson Lucas whenever I get back home.

The USS Badger 4 hour Ferry Ride.
Blue water ferry ride going into Canada.
Pelicans
Fire station in Hope North Dakota
Buffalo



Hi I just wanted to say I am back at work now. I was to start back on July 29. So I had to make a decision to shorten my ride by 3 days. To be honest 3900 miles is enough. And I still got to see the views on the way to Portland Maine.




I had really worked hard on mapping out our Itinerary and making contacts with people , churches and so on before I was leaving for this Habitat Fund raiser,I looked forward to meeting all the people that I had contacted before the trip. After 2000 miles the other riders decided that they no longer wanted to do 65-90 miles a day rides , Which meant I would have to change my contacts and Portland was going to be my stopping point. That was fine with me. I still had a great time riding , Since they were going to be riding side by side I felt comfortable about leaving them and doing my own speed and getting off the road before the heat, Those of you that know me. I just don't do the heat well anymore. So we lowered the days to 50 or less to compromise my other 2 riders. The only days that I really rode fast was on Sunday morning so I could get to church . I really enjoyed that time .I was in prayer with the Lord and the views were overwhelming, The people that I made contact with were great. I had so much time on my hands that I got to see the town and be shown around and took out to lunch and just had a wonderful day everyday, My other 2 riders appreciated that accommodations where set up before they got into town. I told Barbara, "I never worry about where I am going to lay my head to sleep. God will provide and he did so. Every night.




I just wanted to give a few statics in case you wanted to know.









My friend Darlene Laubenstien and her sister Betty gave Carol and me a ride in a van to Washington State. we left Warrensburg May 11 and got to Washington May may 15. I was greeted by my Aunt Lorene and her friend Mike they drove 950 miles to see me off. Wow that was a treat. We met Barbara for the first time. May 16 we left Washington.









We had 26 nights free from Motels




4 nights from Warm Showers contacts(for Bicyclist) http://www.warmshowers.com/




2 nights at a airport lounge in Concrete Washington www.townofconcrete.com/airport




2 nights at a bunkhouse




18 nights in People's homes




16 nights in churches




1 night at a B & B




4 nights at a Lodge
http://www.bigbearhideaway.com/




1 night at a fire station in Hope ND ( no Pole)




1 night at a apartment complex they had a empty room




1 night at a retirement center




Every night was donated and I made some really good friends. Thanks for




making this ride possible.









We rode the USS Badger Ferry 60 miles 4 hour ride, I loved it, I walked around taken pictures it was great, You could not see any land . The water was a beautiful color. what a treat.




then we rode the Blue water Ferry into Canada, The last Ferry was into Vermont.









Different kinds of foods I ate.




In Canada they like Vinegar on their french fries




I ate Potine. which is fries brown gravy and cheese curds




I ate Wisconsin Cheese




Real Maple Syrup on ice cream




Rhubarb pie




Deer Steak




Lobster




Indian Fried bread









The Animals




3 bears,lots of woodchucks, gulls,yellow head black birds. sand hill cranes, foxes, coyote, a wolf, Buffalo, 2 baby owls,Elk, Seal Eagles and they other things that we see in Missouri.









Niagara Falls was great to see. Texas falls and The Oceans of coarse. The Blue Glacier on top of the mountain which it was so cold and I did not get a picture of it.