This morning began waking up wondering, "where am I?" It's funny, staying in a different place most every day, remembering where you are and what day it is. Realization sets in, and a journal makes it easier to recall the details! We left the Clarion Hotel after breakfast in Cookeville around 7:15 to drive west of town to the spot we stopped yesterday. The sky was completely clear when Russ started riding just before 8:00 am, the temperature was 80 degrees. The road was curvy and hilly with no shoulder with heavier traffic than yesterday around noon when we ended the ride. Wondering if we should have gone further yesterday, a little worry crept into my mind. Each morning as we hold hands and pray it brings a sense of peace and protection for the day. Funny how a grain of doubt breaks away some of that peace. Praying as I drive along eases the doubt away and brings the confidence of the Lord's protection over us. It wasn't long and we were out of the busier traffic and back in Cookeville. We took a break in a grocery store parking lot, we needed more bananas again! By now Russ had ridden 16 miles, it was 85 degrees and big puffy clouds were moving across the sky. Today the winds were quite favorable. As we rolled through Cookeville, we passed the large downtown United Methodist Church, the beautiful cross caught my eye.
Once again, our surroundings were beautiful today. After coming out of the hills, we broke into a beautiful valley then headed back up the incline again.
Sometimes the road was very shady.
Several houses we passed had the inviting porches, it made me feel like stopping to enjoy the swing!
At one house we passed, similar to the one above, a lady stood on the front porch wearing a straw hat and returned my wave. She looked like she was getting ready to do some gardening. I did a double take because she really looked like our friend, Daina Baker!
As Russ climbed the hills and went around the curves, we probably didn't need the sign to get us to travel slowly!
We saw just a few fields of corn and soybeans. Most of the trees we've seen through Tennessee have been deciduous trees, later in the morning we began to see some coniferous trees.
We passed the Royal Oak charcoal factory.
As we travel, it's amazing to me how many times we see scripture posted on signs in the yards of homes. What uplifting and encouraging yard signs! Makes me think about what verse we'd select for our yard.
After a break in Monterrey, then Crossville, Russ rode on to make his 60 miles for the day. We spent most of the day on Hwy 70N and by the end of the day we joined Hwy 70 once again...it was like seeing an old friend again! The highway sometimes paralleled and crossed Interstate 40. As we came up on this sign, I first thought it said "Russell" Motel, but on closer examination it proved me wrong. We ended the day in the parking lot of this Apple House, unfortunately, the only thing that remained was just the sign. An apple would have been kind of delicious, wouldn't it?
We drove back the few miles to spend the night in Crossville at the Comfort Suites. Both the pool and hot tub were refreshing and relaxing. The evening has been filled with rest.
Russ takes time each evening to look at the route and roads ahead. We have about 600 miles ahead of us to reach Virginia Beach. There will be hills and challenges ahead. Our estimated date of arrival in Virginia Beach is Saturday, August 4th depending on weather, roads, etc., and by the grace of God. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. The encouragement note for today said this:
CHRIST
FELLOWSHIP with Him. WALK with Him. PONDER Him. EXPLORE Him.
In Him you are part of something endless, unstoppable, and unfathomable. (Max Lucado)
The God who lives in you is doing AWESOME things through you.
"Glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us,
He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Glory be to God!!! Until tomorrow,
Russ & Carol
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