Pam's Pictures from ride 4 habitat

Wisonsin

2008-09-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

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/

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.

Minnesota

2008-08-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

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

North Dakota

2008-08-21T17:07:00.001-07:00

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.

Montana

2008-08-17T14:25:00.001-07:00

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

www.whistlingswanmotel.com/TwoMedicineGrill/twomedicinegrill.html

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

2008-08-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Washington State

2008-08-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

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.

http://www.colvilleinn.com/

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.

Back to work July 29 / The Details of the ride

2008-07-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Warrensburg MO

2008-07-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Airplane ride home from Portland Maine to Kansas City July 25
Welcome Home MOM
My Boys, Good to be back home ! Asher 5, Lucas 3 Husband Rick whom turned 50 while I was out riding 4habitat.Such a bad wife I am.
My Flowers Angela my daughter had gotten for me, Plus a clean home.
Back Home with my Husband Rick
I got up at 3 in the morning, looking forward to catching a plane back home. I made sure to have my "airplane pills." You know, it's safer to ride a bike across the United States than to fly. I got the shuttle to the airport at 4 am. I got on the plane and chilled with my pill. I got to Kansas City and Rick, Angela, Asher and Lucas were there to pick me up. What a great treat. We went out to eat in Lee's Summit at a Mexican restaurant, and then we went to Angela's. The pill took effect and Grandma was ready to nap with Lucas. Now I feel so happy to be back home with my family. But the Habitat fund raiser is still going on. Once I rest up, I will be out fund raising to build the habitat home here in Johnson County.
What a surprise once I was back in my own house. It was all nice and clean. due to my daughter Angela. she had bought me a lovely bouquet of flowers sitting on the dining room table. everything looked great. good to be back home.Thank you.

Portland Maine

2008-07-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

Rachel Farrington (Freeport Maine) Showing Pam how to eat a Lobster
Lobster Shack Restaurant,at Cape Elizabeth. This is where Pete and Rachel Farrington and Daughter Ellie took Pam To have her first Lobster, After arriving in Portland Maine.
Welcome. This was the best place to go eat Lobster and to really see the ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
This one was really good.from the Lobster Shack Restaurant , She also said they had blueberry cobbler.
Thanks to the Farrington's they drove all the way from Freeport to take me out for supper. also to see the Atlantic Ocean at it's best.
Pete, Ellie, and Rachel Farrington and a very very happy Pam
What a view
The Perfect splash!

As I crossed the ferry, I looked at my maps once again and thought I needed to take another route to Bethel Vt. because this was the place I was going to stop over for the night. And it would have been 2 miles longer. But I decided to follow the Route, and on the way toward Rochester Vt., I took a short detour to Texas Falls which was great, there are pictures posted. After the long climbs and great down pour, it was the lightning that I didn't choose to deal with. On the way to Rochester I meet a really nice couple and they had a better way for me to get to Maine 180 miles shy from doing this entire trip, I choose to cut 3 days off of this trip and head back to my hometown of Warrensburg MO. July 25 . I have been riding this whole trip alone. By my choice. I learned from this whole experience that I Can do a cross country ride alone. There was never FEAR. It was just nice for my family that someone else was out there. I did my own speed and my own thing and I loved every minute . The people that God put in my path were the best part. I rode my bike early in the day, so I could enjoy the people that I have been in touch with, every time I was off my bike I was talking Habitat, Because my goal was to raise money checks and CASH, (which I will be sending into Habitat), and this was a really nice tour. When I did the Southern tier it was good, but the Northern tier is the best so far. These people that I ate lunch with in Rochester VT., Steve and Sharon Shaw, said you know Pam , we'd love to go to Maine. I said great I'll buy the gas as a joke, well they weren't kidding, so off we went rain and all. The roads were not the best. We got to Portland and got a really upscale hotel Homewood Suites to put us all up. Steve and Sharon stayed also. What good people. Then the airline was able to change my ticket to Friday. I really did not want to spend so much time away from my family. The people that I was supposed to stay with in Freeport, Rachael and Pete Farrington and their little girl, Ellie came Thursday to the Hotel to take me to Port Elizabeth to eat lobster, the restaurant was next to the ocean and the water was spraying over the rocks and splashing over the wall. We went for a ride to see the ocean and they showed me what Maine is really all about. This is an area where Rachel grew up.I even got some Blueberry cobbler. Rachael is a real Bicyclist, I would love the chance to ride with her. She is a long distance rider 80 plus a day, my kind of riding. I will be back to ride with her in Maine she knows all about the roads here . So Maine is on my list.

This ride 4 habitat ride was so awesome because I got such a wonderful experience and closeness with the Lord. This ride was spiritual for me. When I first began this tour for habitat. My first list of prayers was that God could use me in such a way to witness to others about Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I really thought that he would use me in some way in my daily walk with the people I met on the ride across the USA, to my surprise the walk was a daily one. I prayed every day that God would put other Christian people in our path, and if you read the blogs that Barbara wrote, you can see that God's love was spread all about the entire ride. It was great, there were changes. Barbara kept saying to me "this love of these people and their kindness" I told her, its not me finding these people it is God leading me to these people. My prayer is that all will come to know the Lord Jesus, and I will pray for my other 2 riders as they make the last few miles of their trip, I wish them only the best, and that the Lord will continue to put good people in their path.

We are still short on the goal for our Habitat Ride and hopefully you will mail a check into Habitat to help us finish this journey.

If you want to be a part of this you can join in by sending a check and a prayer.

Thanks , Pam

2008-07-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Erie Canal bike path.
Medina New York July 16 Dave Miller and his wife Gail prepared a lovely dinner for us with other guests who are active in the local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. Dave is president and Maureen( Maureen Hungerford is the lady that let us spend the night at her home in Medina. Thanks you Maureen it was my pleasure to have got to spend time with you. )is the Volunteer Coordinator.
www.shirtfactorycafe.com see the Gallery....

In Medina (MeDYna) we were met by Dave Miller who led us on his bicycle through the old downtown which dates from 1823, along with the Erie Canal. Dave treated us to cold drinks at the renovated Shirt Factory Cafe. Maureen Hungerford also joined us in town.
In Medina (MeDYna) New York along with the Erie Canal Carol, Pam and Barbara
After a few miles I was on the Erie Canal Towpath. This was refreshingly quiet with calm water and no traffic . I stopped at a tall bridge to watch some boys who were ignoring the no trespassing signs to climb up to the top and jump into the canal. I warned them that I didn't think this is what they should be doing I sure wouldn't do it, as I stood there with my camera to capture the moment they jumped in. I have a sport motion on my camera. Was I encouraging their delinquent behavior?

New York, Fair port

2008-07-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

( Linda's Beauty Salon ) close to Pulaski New York where at a fundraiser given by the Masons. I Met Her husband .He told me after I had stopped by asking where I could find a place to buy a charger for my phone. Stop by my wifes beauty salon if I give you some chicken she will give you some fresh water. stop by and say Hi. so I did. What nice people. Lake Ontario
When I arrived in Fair Port New York July 16 2008, I (Pam ) was adopted by Shirley Stickles from Assumption Catholic Church. Trish Fuchs, another friend who adopted me this afternoon. Trish had taken me out for lunch and her car was being worked on so Shirley handed over the keys to her car for me to follow Trish, The funny thing was that Shirley has just met Trish minutes before meeting me, And she said Pam you can stay at my home tonight, so Now I was going to have to find away to let the 2 girls Know where I was. So When they got there 3 hours later They found me and Then we was entertained by her daughter Kristine Rodriguez and her 12 year old son Tyler.

Shirley, Kristine and Tyler took us out to dinner at the most upscale grocery store . Wegman's. Tyler was especially proud because his uncle is a District Manager for the store in Virginia.

Lake Ontario

Geese on the Erie Canal

Redfield, Sterling, Pulaski , New York

2008-07-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Redfield New York Methodist Church."I arrived in time for lunch because there was a work day going on the lovely 1827 Church. When I rode up I met Cliff and ask if the pastor was in. He said we don't have a pastor at this time. Can I help you. I told what I was doing and he had me come in and met everyone cleaning up the church they just sat down to eat. As we were all done and eating the homemade pies Carol and Barbara showed up. And I told them that Cliff and Candy had said we could stay with them, They were always amazed that I have always got a place to stay lined up way before they got to town. I told Barbara That I never worried about where I was going to lay my head down to sleep The Lord will Provide.

Cliff and Candy Gilbert's home is on Salmon River Reservoir. This is in a Cross Country Ski Resort Area. We arrived at this lovely cabin where Barbara and I immediately took a dip in the lake off the front of the home. This is a quiet protected shore where much of the area is owned by the state, so it will stay in its natural state. Most of the residents here have been coming here for vacations for generations. Cliff and Candy are the only permanent residents here in the winter. They use a snowmobile to get in and out of their driveway to get to their car parked above.

Cliff found these red mushroom while he was showing us the other homes around here.

I just had to jump in and feel the nice cool lake. Before We were served choc. coffee and ice cream

When I rode into Fair Haven I found that there was a wedding going on in town and so all the motel were booked. so I search for a church and found Pastor JD answered the phone at Sterling Christian Church. He was young and enthusiastic about my bike tour. As soon as I walked into the church he handed me a plate of chicken gravy over toast and a glass of cold water. As I sat and talked He told where to find everything in the church He even showed me his personal stash of food. OH no.. I notice there was still a little chicken gravy left and soon ate it. I cant Believe the food I eat. I well taken care of before he was enjoying the rest of what was supposed to be his day off. I did not have a signal on my phone so I was hoping Carol did so I left her a message where she could find me. She came riding in and about 30 min. later Barbara showed up behind Carol..They were able to met Pastor JD before he went back to his home.

Burt Goodnough took me to a store in Pulaski New York off route where I purchased a new phone charger. We went to a couple of stores before finding the correct Charger. I had stopped at servel stores before i had got to this town.with no luck I even stopped to have breakfast hoping the girls woulds catch up. Finally I was about to enjoying barbecued chicken at a fundraiser given by the Masons. Carol and Barbara showed up and they gave them some free chicken also. Becuase I had told them That I was doing this Habitat 4 humanity ride and they wanted to help.

Vermont ,New Hampshire

2008-07-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hills Green Trees all the way from Vermont to Maine as far as you could see. The Rain was just an extra enjoyment. Thankful for being able to see God's Country. Robert Frost Trail on the way to Bethel VT.Middlebury VT
This was the Last Sunset I seen in New York another wonderful painting from the Lord.
Sea Gull's checking me out before going onto a ferry to Vermont

2008-07-24T06:05:00.000-07:00

Karen Fendler Homewood Suites by Hilton

Portland Maine They put me up for 2 nights while I was in Portland Maine to help me out before leaving to go back to my home.

Our day off found us touring the falls on the Maid of the Mist tour. We climbed on board a boat packed in with many other tourists wearing blue plastic rain ponchos. Then we rode right up to the falls where the water was flying up so hard and fast, that the falls disappeared from view, only the noise reminded me of the overwhelming presence of the falls. That and all the water sloshing around us.

Niagara Falls Canada

Me Pam at Niagara Falls

Before crossing back over to the US. We had a lot of confusion getting to the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge leading back into the US. It turned out we missed the turn, because the sign which said "Bicyclists to US" was not facing our direction.I kept saying to the girls this don't feel right I knew we were heading back to the falls. We followed the arrow on our return, Then the American official directed us to merge into the car lane. Barbara made some drivers quite angry, She went in front of the cars that had been waiting for 30 minutes.So Then Carol Followed after Barbara and I thought great what do i do. I apologized over and over to the man and said I got to go sorry about cutting in line But Barbara and Carol had already went ahead of this angry driver.. The official did protect us by threatening the driver with jail if he hurt us. Sorry!Again

Glad I was riding down this one. I Love this sign

Steven & Sharon Shaw I had lunch with in Rochester and Stayed with them.

New Waiter at Rochester Cafe

Cool Door in Rochester at Judy's art studio

Vermont July 23

2008-07-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

July 23
David Segal and Conrad Riding to Ohio
Pam Getting ready to Ride Ferry To Vermont Storm ComingTexas Falls on way to Rochester VT
Side trip on way to Rochester VT

2008-07-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

July 22 2008
july 22 2008
55 and over Community Luncheon Long Lake NYCharli Swanton, Burt Goodnough Friend treated us to a Nice home cooked Meal
10.00 donation and Taste of putine in Niagara Falls Canada

Long Lake, Wes-Leyden, Ticonderoga New York

2008-07-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Gail Feliciano and Pam At Super 8 in Ticonderoga New York where Art Carney Stayed
Rt 74 Coming into Ticonderoga New York July 22
Raquett Lake 25.00 Donation From Shelia
Steve and Craig Fixed Pam's Blow-out in Wes-Leyden NY
Long Lake NY

When i rode into town I looked around to see where God was leading me, I seen this down hill And thought do I want to check out the town or stop here at the Wesleyan Church.A 55 plus luncheon for the community was going on. So I was close 53 so they laughed and said come on in and What a treat to listen to the stories and had sloppy Joe's and brownies . Mary Ellen invited me into the House and said come on in and took me upstairs and said I have a room for you. I said I have 2 more riders coming also she said Great they can sleep in this room with 2 beds.pastor Chris Humby and his wife Mary Ellen. They generously took us into their home, even though they've only been in town for three weeks and have a two sons; five year old Patrick and two year old Micah, and Mary Ellen is expecting her third in November. Patrick said Grace for us before dinner and Micah wanted to add his own with "Amen". Mary Ellen and I stayed up late and had such a nice visit I really wanted to just hang out with her and help her get things settled in for her . I did her laundry and cleaned up and helped her with some household duties like putting away her grocery She is one organized young mother.and a decorator.

Niagara Falls in Canada

2008-07-19T13:05:00.001-07:00

Niagara Falls In Canada July 14 & 15

I wanted to find the dish everyone in Canada had told me was the best, Putine (PooTEEN). This is french fries covered with gravy and cheese curds. Barbara rode with me for moral support, not to indulge. We found "Potato Heads" which was a little red trailer parked by the side of the road. Robert, the owner ended up giving me the Putine for free after finding out all about my habitat ride. Robert was so generous. He even made a $10. donation in Canadian money to Habitat.

Overwhelming presence of the Niagara falls