Wibaux MT to Sully Creek ND

Many of you who know me realize how much I love to swim.  After pedaling through a hot day, what better thing than take a cool refreshing dip?  Yet the opportunity to swim seems to elude me these days.  After having the pool we were camped nearby close an hour early before we'd had our chance to get wet, I thought for sure I'd be able to swim in a place called Beach, ND!  But alas, the time we spent tarrying at the Dinosaur museum meant we had to pedal through without stopping.  So many things to see and do!  The question is, are we tuning in to listen to the still small voice and follow it, no matter what?  My disappointment from the missed swimming opportunity was short lived, as it opened up our availability to pray with a couple of people who came to our camp and needed encouragement.  The purpose of this journey is not tourism; it is to be a small but active part of the restoration work that God is doing on this planet.  I believe there IS a personal God who cares about what is going on in the lives of people, how people treat one another and other species on the planet.  If you've just joined in, take a brief look at the June entry for a little poem that describes my philosophy about life on a bike (though I didn't write it). 

We stayed a night at the Wibaux Bible Church.  The Pastor just moved here in December with his family--six of his nine daughters! They came from Georgia.  Would you move to small town Eastern Montana from the land of yummy peaches at the beginning of winter?  Not the first example of a self-less lifestyle we have seen in these remote parts; people willing to give up the comfort of the familiar to go to a faraway place to bring hope where people are hurting. 

Though we didn't swim, the ride through Beach turned into a delightful day despite the prediction of stormy weather.  We lunched at Sentinel Butte, where a family run gas station is known for its belief in "the honor system." 

Even when the owner is at home asleep, the pump is available for those in need of gas.  If there is one thing that touring through small towns on a bike has taught me, it's that hospitality, generosity, and trust are virtues that are alive and well in this land. 

Our route followed an old highway with very little traffic, so we were able to relax, chat, play cat and mouse up and down the hills and enjoy the delightful scenery without the noise and whoosh of trucks going by along the highway. 

Still, though, you never know what might be coming down the road...

A horse camp was our final camping spot; we were hot and tired enough that we had disregarded the separate "tent" loop from the "horse" loop and set up camp in the wrong place.  Though we were a little disgruntled to have to pick up and move camp later on when the Ranger came by, ultimately it led to a nice opportunity to chat with him and learn of a prayer concern in his family.  In the moment, it took a little effort to comply and not say anything; the campground wasn't anywhere near full.  Was it really necessary for us to move?  We could have gotten mad or started an argument and had the story turn out a lot differently.  But it's pretty hard to reflect the hope and love of Jesus to someone if we're breaking the rules or being upset.  Lifestyle.  It takes some work, but it's the most important Christian witness we have: loving our neighbor.

 The 10 days flew by, but it was time to have a last incredibly delicious dinner together and say goodbye to Jana, Celeste and Hannah.  The next morning they were off on the long drive home to California.  How could we ever say enough thanks for the fun, fellowship, food and frolicking together?  We miss you!!!