Some of us forgot to set our clocks back an hour when we crossed another time zone. So some of us (names not disclosed to protect the not-so-innocent) arose @ 4:30 AM thinking it was 5:30AM. Needless to say, we were all up by “o dark thirty”! We managed to kill some time, but still cleaned up the bikes, packed them all, ate breakfast @ McDonald’s down the road, and had kickstands up and rolled @ 7:15 AM.
We rode thru some beautiful, open country with not much traffic. Unfortunately as we left Gila Bend, AZ we passed an accident scene that reminded us again that Freedom never has been free and everyday men and women put their lives on the line to protect us. Details were sketchy but 2 Border Patrol Agents were killed in a train collision with their truck. We saw dozens of BP vehicles speeding to the site, and 2 helicopters hovered to evacuate/transport the injured. About an hour later we passed thru one of the numerous checkpoints. One of the agents to whom I spoke told me one of the killed agents was from that check point. Their families are in our prayers.
At one gas stop we encountered some Marines. One of them grew up in Hampton, VA and one of them was celebrating his last day in The Corps. We thanked him for his service and wished him well. They also got pins!
We rode into San Diego and checked into the hotel. We then rode to Bob & Laura Bonner’s home. They are Bob Atwell’s relatives (as is Laura’s Mom Selma) and he’s a retired Marine. Talk about a warm welcome! They turned their entire house, manicured yard, and garage into a red white and blue welcome center. There was plenty to eat, snacks of every description, and any liquid refreshment known to man available for us. Several neighbors, mostly retired military came to welcome us too. Bob cooked wonderful beef brisket on the grill and we spent several hours reminiscing (Bob, Laura, & Selma have all been to W’ville – last year when The Run arrived), telling stories, and meeting new friends. It was great! Laura and a neighbor who had a van that ferried us all back to our hotel about 10:00PM. What a wonderful way to relax!
Hello Trent, This is your Pastor letting you know that you and all of the folks with RFTW are in my prayers. I should let you know this each day and will try to do better with posting each day. We prayed for you by name on SUnday during the congregaitonal prayer. I was happy that Fred came to worship with Maetta. Everyone misses you and will be happy to see you soon. Your posts are fascinating !!!! I especially like your stories about meeting with and visiting those who are serving in the military and our veterans. Also, the news about the train crash was on the radio today - I'm glad you were able to comfort some of the folks affected.
ReplyDeleteDrive carefully and know that , as you experience this journey of a lifetime, your friends eagerly await your return. Sincerely, Brad
Hey Mayor! I grew up in Hampton Va as well and my brother served in Nam and had many friends lose their loved ones in that awful war. Proud of you for representing wytheville (I was born here) ...you are just a cool guy that's all there us to it! Best wishes and safe travels! I plan to have my camera ready :)
ReplyDeletesusi