Josh and I set out a weekend plan after we knew we'd be in town until Monday. We decided We'd take all of our current day (Friday) to plan our route out of Seattle, get stuff settled, buy supplies, and more or less do chores. Also, Al, the man who let us stay at the church, had invited us over for dinner at his place. Saturday we decided go to a men's breakfast the church was hosting and then we'd go back into town and see the other 1/2 of Seattle we'd yet to visit. Sunday we'd wrap up by attending church service in the morning and prepping for departure the next day.
So Josh and myself figured the least we could do was offer our services around the church Friday morning. We spent a good 1.5 - 2 hours vacuuming a large portion of the church with the awesome backpack. You know the whole "Ghostbusters busting-backpack"? It was kinda like that. I loved it. Here's me being the man.Josh tried being the man too, but as you can see... he was an utter failure.
So, after helping out around the church as much as we could, and Al bringing us a free lunch (spaghetti my favorite~), Al let us into the basement of the church with housed the "Lord's Gym" which was actually a pretty nice weight room. We considered working out, ya know, trying to keep our strength for the trip, but I decided against it and enjoyed the feeling of a nice, long, hot shower. Nothing makes you feel more human than a long shower after a few days.Pleasantly showered and shaved, and wearing my Sunday's best, we were picked up and swept off to Al's house to meet his family. Honestly they're amazingly kind and interesting people. Let me introduce them. First there's Al, head and father of the house hold. Al's wife is Caroline, who is an amazing cook! Then there's the son, Justin, who's a elementary school music teacher. Kim, the daughter is... well, I don't actually know what Kim does. But she's pregnant and due next month! Yay Kim! Kim's husband is Mica, a strapping young fellow from North Dakota I believe? Or was from ND, this is why I need to post more often, see?! And finally Mica's father Rob, who was up visiting for a wedding on Saturday
From left to right- Mica, Kim, Rob, Josh, Myself (in my Sunday's best), Al, Caroline, Justin
(Note- taken at Al and Caroline's new house they're building.. just a gorgeous place. Mom, you'd love it)
So Josh and I had dinner with the family, and it was spectacular! Mmmmmm GREAT food (lamb I do believe) and Josh had about 4 courses of dessert (and no, I'm not joking, he's holding his own on this trip). It was great being out of the tent and socializing with some people over a tabletop. I must say though, Al's place was really cool. They're back yard had a really nice pond in it which Justin built himself, and also a lot of wild and exotic plants. Check this out. They have a freaking banana tree!We spent the rest of the night discussing my route, and seeing pictures from their family trips. Al, Justin and Josh played a few games of chess together. It was really unique to see a family that interacted like that. Not in a bad way, don't get me wrong! When as the last time you finished dinner and sat down for a game of chess with your father. It was frankly refreshing. Now that I think back, I don't even recall seeing a TV back at their place.
After hearing about our plight from Al, Caroline was apparently feeling bad for us and asked if we'd be interested in staying the night. I just can't imagine we'll be passing up the generosity of people too often on this trip. We need it. We happily accepted. Another priceless night of good food, great company, and warm sheets. Heavenly.
6 comments:
Hey Ross & Josh
By now you should be at the top of the pass, from here it's all down hill until you hit Idaho (well not really, but it sounds good). Thank you for the nice write up about your stay in Seattle especially the part about it ALWAYS raining here (don't want any out of town vagrants moving our way).
Ok you've been on the trip a week or whatever and you've spent the night indoors half the time. If you were a real man this wouldn't have happened.
A half day's journey will bring you to a hidden road. At this hidden road, the two escorts will wait as you continue. You alone will follow the road... and leave Covington Woods.
Go to the Temple of Light, in the eastern city of Kurast. There you will find the gate to Hell opened before you. You must find the courage to step through that gate, Ross. Take the stone you hold to the Hellforge, where it will be destroyed.
Josh going to ask you about tonight, "Are you in or out?" Tell him you are out! Whatever he says, whatever happens, say no, you're not interested. Then leave, come back here and wait for me. Don't talk to anyone, don't touch anything, don't do anything, don't interact with anyone and try not to look at anything.
Cordially,
Future Ross
A biking friend of mine tells me you should check these out:
http://www.phred.org/
http://www.adventurecycling.org/
The first one has links to bike lists and good contacts. The second one has a lot of good information on routes and other touring info.
Glad to see you are on your way!
Are you ever going to update your blog?
Hi Ross and Josh,
Wow you made it up the hill to Waterville! Way to go! It has been so fun checking to see where you are every day. We also enjoyed reading what you wrote about Seattle and us :). We are praying for you and wish you all the best. And guess what, the sun is shinning in Seattle! Watch out for the rattlesnakes up ahead.
Caroline and Al
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