Hi all, and thanks for your comments. We appreciate hearing from you, and knowing that you're following our adventure and praying for us! Today was an easy day, 66 kms along the river in the Yakima Valley, with lots of downhill and two steep uphills, meaning great speed and fun going down. Top speed today: 68 kph. What a blast! Picture is of me (obviously, duh) on top of the steepest climb today, and you can see that it looks like the Okanagan. We arrived early, Wiebo and I, at 11:07 a.m. and everyone was in by noon. What a treat, to be in an air conditioned school, with the temperature in the high 90's F.
We also managed to get on TV today: a shot of Diane and Gerri Vink in action, and a group of us including myself coming in to the school on our bikes. We will surely be on the Yakima Yakkity Yak channel tonight! One serious incident today: Jake Kuipers hit an unexpected and bad bump and landed on his head. Aside from some nasty scrapes and a torn bike shirt (the one given him by his church) he's OK.
Everyone is in good spirits, as today is a sort of recuperation after 2 days of lots of climbing. Tomorrow will be a short day as well, giving sore muscles and chafed butts lots of time to heal for the coming days. The spirit in camp is great: very positive and friendly and helpful. We are truly blessed to be a part of this. We miss our family and friends, but what a bonus that Diane and I can do this together. Love you all, and signing off...
8 comments:
Hi Pastor Bert and Diane
Glad to hear that things are going well with you, and it is nice to see the pictures. It is also nice that we get to hear and see about my Uncle Wiebo and Aunt Erna at the same time. We pray that you will have an awesome time on this wonderful trip and that everyone will have a safe journey and recouver quickly from there injuries
Andy and Jenny
Hello Pastor Bert & Diane!
So this IS a race with being first in camp everyday! Just giving you a hard time - we are proud of you both! Sounds like you haven't had to walk your bike yet so that goal of yours is being met.
Thank God for your safety so far. Enjoy tomorrow, looks like a nice easy day....not as easy as sitting behind my desk but just about.
Our prayers are with you and the whole tour. Madison says hi and hopes your tire doesn't pop.
esther & john
Hey Bert and Diane,
How nice to be able to keep up to date with where you are and how you are doing. I am at the cottage right now with Joel and Marsha next door. We spent some time together today and Joel helped me pick 6 huge dead carp out of the water and 1 dead cormaront. The carp have a virus and are dying at a huge rate around here. Actually very gross. I will show them your blog tomorrow so that they will know where you are, as well. I love you and am very proud of both of you.
Love from your little sis, Jane
Hi Diane & Bert.
Glad to hear your day went easier today. Sounds like it is pretty hot there. Has been here as well.
Glad you are both enjoying it. We figured you would.
Stan has his own set of bruises to contend with. He had surgery on his eyelids yesterday and now looks like he was on a very short end of the stick of a bar room brawl, coupled with a very bad hangover. Anyway, I am sure he will look much better by next week. Just has to wear sunglasses if anyone happens to come over.
Its great to be able to follow your blog. We think of and pray for you all.
So enjoy, ride safe, and blessings to you both and the rest of the troops.
Stan & Faye
Bert:
You look the same as when I left you in Seattle! We are all grateful for you safety and for the energy to keep us informed while we work at home. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and the pictures - the first ones I have seen of the kitchen crew -- surprise that it would come form you! Great job! Keep safe and keep blogging!
Thanks
Al Vander Hart
Hey Bert. It's not right!! You're biking with another man!! And I'm jealous! It's really great to hear that you're doing well. Fran and I were especially worried about your leg but you haven't mentioned anything about it so we assume that it's OK. Our days are radically different than yours. Painting, painting and, then, some more painting. We're just checking off things on our "to do" list until everything is "t'done" and then we're heading south (July 15). But our mode of transportation has 4 wheels and uses gas. I can certainly understand that not being able to bike is eating away at Diane. I mean, it eats away at me a bit and I'm not there to see you come in at the end of your rides. We may have to make plans some day to do something long distance together again and invite as many Slofstras as can make it. But, first trips first. Enjoy your days, brother. Stay safe. Enjoy your new biking buddy. Watch out for big bumps, especially when you're going 68 km/h. Relax on short days. Don't forget to enjoy the scenery. Take lots of pictures for later. Make sure Diane always gives you an extra helping! Watch our for semis. We love you lots and think about you/pray for you both everyday.
Lots of love from John and Fran
WOW congratulations 1st in Yakima! How exciting! As I read your blog, my butt and legs were getting tired! :) I pray all continues to go well.
love hearing about it all... feels like we are with you... the kids say hi... hugs from us all...
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