Jim and I like to travel together—a lot! Those of you who know us, know we’re off on a trip somewhere–often. Last week, I had a bit of a meltdown because it felt we were going too much. When we travel, we don’t just sightsee, often we visit with friends and acquaintances. We are both engaged in a ministry that works with those who are grieving. We encourage and are encouraged ourselves. I write and speak to women’s groups. The eternal student, Jim, is enrolled in a new program to help him share his faith even better. Let’s call this a working travel trip.

We left on Saturday morning with directions typed into our faithful GPS, even though I still enjoy watching the road with a map in hand.

For our first day, we joined the Sagert branch of the family for a guided rafting trip on the Dechutes River. We had a great time. Note the smallest person on the boat didn’t have to paddle, she sat back and enjoyed the ride!

We had a great time and spent the remainder of the evening with the family, slipped out to the parking lot and to our home-away-from-home RV (we refer to it as the SQ-ShirleyQ) and slept in our own comfy bed. In the morning, we started the first part of our journey to see some new friends who are ranchers in Baker City. But first, we had to celebrate a special day with coffee at Starbucks. You see, it was the third anniversary of our first date and each year we reproduce that date at a local shop. It’s hard to believe we’ve only been together three years. It seems much longer. Almost a lifetime.

After coffee, we took off. The weather was cool and I was sorry I didn’t pack any sweaters. The drive through central and eastern Oregon is so beautiful. Here are some of the sights along the way.

 

 

 

We stayed with some new friends of ours, Lance and Kadie for dinner and the evening. The 10,000 acre cattle ranch they manage is beautiful and could be the perfect setting for a cowboy movie. This cowboy marked the entrance to the ranch.

 

We settled down to a meal of delicious bean soup with biscuits and honey and topped off our meal with apple pie. Soon it was time for bed and again, we trundled out to the SQ for a good night’s sleep. After an early morning coffee, we were ready for our next destination, brunch with grandson Tucker and his girlfriend in college at Nampa, and then on to Salt Lake City.

Of course when things mechanical are involved, something is bound to happen. And it did. Even though the SQ is only 15 months old, she had some power problems. Going up one of the many mountain ranges, Jim noticed a lack of power. Hmmmmm. Then the engine light came on and the indicator light that told us to add fuel additives came on too. We knew this could not be ignored, so we began searching for a shop to have a look at our ailing vehicle.

If you’ve ever had an RV of any type, boat, motorcycle, motorhome, you know this is a very busy time—one place said they could help us in three weeks! What did we find, but the largest Sprinter repair place in Idaho and Utah. We arrived early in the morning and after making a few false starts—we left with an all-clear. 45 minutes later, the engine light came back  on again and we turned around and returned to Salt Lake City. They worked on it again, and this time after working overtime, they fixed it—they said for sure.

Do we think this was a coincidence we found the best place for repair of our vehicle? No we do not. We believe we were directed by our loving Savior who cares about everything—even vehicles! We asked God for guidance as we googled various shops in the area. The repairs cost us nothing but our time, for all of this was under warranty.

We drove until dark and stopped in the friendly Walmart parking lot where at least three other campers were parked, had a great night’s sleep and headed to Arches National Park. What sights we were rewarded with. Here are just a few:

 

 

 

Our plan was to rise before the sun and take more photos in the early morning light of the north end of the park. When Jim stepped into our kitchen area, he was sloshing in a mini lake! We had a water leak! After some trouble-shooting the problem, we bagged the idea of an early morning photo shoot and began our drive to Colorado Springs, hoping we’d find some help there. We were helped by our dealer, and he found a mobile RV repair man who would come to our campsite. Wow. Another miracle. I had visions of staying in a hotel, having to leave our van somewhere, but instead, he came to us. And quickly diagnosed the problem, too.

I am continually amazed at how our God helps in time of need. And wants to. He tells us this often in the Bible. Just yesterday, when we didn’t know what to do we read in the Psalms:

LORD, help! they cried in their trouble,

and he saved them in their distress.
He calmed the storm to a whisper
and stilled the waves.
What a blessing was that stillness
as he brought them safely into harbor!
Let them praise the LORD for his great love
and for all his wonderful deeds to them.
Psalm 107: 28-31

We cried out to God in this situation and invited others to pray with us. I am praising the LORD for yes, his wonderful deeds. For finding a dealer to take care of our specific kind of vehicle. For finding a person willing to come to our campsite to fix the leak problem. For safe travels. For harmony as we drive (mostly, though we were stretched this time—that’s another story for another time). For the beautiful country we live in and the freedom to travel and enjoy it.

Tomorrow, we’re staying put here in Colorado Springs. I’ll tell you more about Glen Eyrie—-an interesting place with a real castle and carriage house. And rocks right there on the property.

 

Enjoy your Friday!