People, Places and Praises...Day 26

June 30...Day 26...Throughout this journey my desire has been to visit various expressions, that is different fellowships of the body. Multiple reasons caused this not to be the case. Other than one Sunday in Yellowstone, today became the second. My visit with the family at the Lakeview First Baptist church, provided new energy, praise and emotion. A guest speaker, Brad Carr, told of Philippine trips with youth and using basketball as a door into their prisons, their communities and their lives. All while using the beautiful character of Christ. I had the joy in talking to many, often sharing the story of this journey. 

Leaving Lakeview, I made my way to Bly, Oregon. Bly what you say? As I rode the forty miles I was thinking of the special and important role that this tiny town played in my life and my future. In 1975 and 1976 I worked for the Angeles National Forrest. After high school graduation and one year of college I decided to place my application in for the Fremont National Forrest, and it was accepted. After two weeks of working in as an assistant engineer, they asked for volunteers to attend a week long fire training school. What little boy doesn't dream of this opportunity? And they were placing this right into my lap. Dude! Well, the rest is now truly history. Why did they need additional firefighters? It was due to the 'Lost Fire', that would eventually cover more than ten thousand acres. So you could say, that in the 'LOST' Fire, I found my way! And how blessed and grateful I am for that way!

The ride through this area along Oregon 140, reminded me how much this five month experience taught me that 'city life' would not be my place. I then rode into my sixth National Park/Monument, Crater Lake. This is at least my fifth visit, never with the loss of WONDER! Finally, I made camp at a 1990's family favorite, Diamond Lake. Now nearly 11:30 pm, and deathly quiet for over an hour. Quite surprising since this large campground is very full. They must of played hard today:)

Well, past time for bed myself. Tomorrow, Day 27, I ride back into my hometown of Silverton. Wild, unplanned, but happens to be on my 'favorite' number. More of that tomorrow.