Day 46...WE'VE CROSSED AMERICA!!!!

We woke this morning with anticipation of the FINAL day of our journey. As we headed off to breakfast, we met Fred & Sandy, a friendly couple from Iowa.   Fred had pastored in Nebraska for 17 years...what a small world we live in!  We left the Comfort Inn in Chesapeake just before 7 am, the sky was clear, the temperature 75 degrees and humid as we headed back to our spot PAST the closed bridge!  Yesterday, the traffic on the freeway to get around the bridge and back to the motel was at a complete standstill.  Early on this Saturday morning, the traffic was light.  Russ was easily pedaling down US Hwy 13 just after 7:00 am. 

It wasn't long and we were welcomed to Virginia Beach!

 We had four lanes on our side to choose from, as you can see, it was a PERFECT time to bike through the city!

 Next, we turned east on Hwy 58.

 The cross...it is our "gateway", isn't it?

 We turned north on Great Neck Road.

 The street was lined with Crepe Myrtles most of the way, it was beautiful!

After we turned east on Shore Drive before heading to First Landing State Park, Russ took the cross & bike trailer off the top of the van.

 He hooked up the trailer with the cross to the bike and was ready to finish the journey as he rode into First Landing State Park!  This morning was a short ride, just 23 miles that he completed in about 1 and 1/2 hours.

Back on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, Russ dipped his rear tire in the Pacific Ocean.  Today, August 4, 2012, he dips his front tire in the Atlantic Ocean!  Don't you LOVE that smile?  Praise the LORD! We made it SAFELY!

 One proud dad.

 By the grace of God, under His power and direction and after pedaling exactly 3000 miles,

Russ has officially CROSSed America

I'm EXTREMELY proud of him and thankful to God for His mercies.

 We spent a bit of time in the State Park, the beach was beautiful and we met a kind gentleman, Bud "Light" in the Chesapeake Bay center by the beach.  Bud was very helpful with suggestions of where to go, what to see and how to get there. Thank you, Bud, you are a blessing!

 Our next stop was Fort Story, the military base where the Memorial Cross is located.

 The cross is what we were riding toward across the whole country,

in doing so and with last year's trip, Russ completed the CROSS across America.

 The Cape Henry Lighthouse is also located at Fort Story.

The "team".

 Yeah, we're happy!

We went down to the boardwalk and beaches there.

 Helping the fish find the way back to the water.

 Wading in the Atlantic.

In our travels from west coast to east coast, we went through a few supplies, here are some of our totals...
MANY gallons of water!
Lots of trail mix
6 jars of peanut butter
2 jars of honey
18 packages of bread
206 bottles of Gatorade
183 bananas
339 gallons of gas in the van
47 motels/hotels
Countless Blessings!


We are so thankful that our journey went so smoothly and safely.  Only God could make that possible!  As we traveled across America, we saw MANY roadside crosses in memory of people who lost their lives on the road.  It's so humbling to think that we could have been one of them, the highways were many times very dangerous.  By the grace of God, we live and breathe and have our being.  It is with joy that we share what the Cross of Jesus Christ means to us.  The journey was also an amazing lesson in trust.  God is SO faithful to answer our prayers, guide, protect and bless us.  We met countless WONDERFUL people and enjoyed the beauty of God's creation in our diverse and magnificent country.  It's hard to put into words what a fantastic journey this has been, not only a physical "trip" across America, but a spiritual journey of faith.  Thank you for accompanying us on this journey by reading our blog, sharing your notes, comments, words of encouragement and your prayers.  Words cannot express what your part in this journey has meant to us.  The overwhelming peace, comfort and protection the Lord provided as a result of your prayers is indescribable. 

 "Take up your cross and follow me" has new meaning to us.  Bicycling is not for everyone, I know I certainly could not do what my dear husband has accomplished!  Each one of us has a "cross" to pick up and follow Jesus.  What's yours?  I guarantee if you take that step of faith, pick up that cross and follow Him, you will never be the same. 

In the days to come, we are doing some traveling on the east coast seeing some sights as Russ gets back in the driver's seat! (After driving so slowly for so long, I'm not sure I can do highway speed!) You won't be hearing from us on a daily basis, but perhaps we can share a few things we've seen in a week or so. 

As this wonderful day comes to a close and my cyclist is sound asleep, I smile with joy and anticipation of the blessings in the days to come.  You never know what God has in store!  Tonight I also reflect on the scripture we hold so dear...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 

Thanks for sharing our journey!
Russ & Carol