Day 7,8 Kennewick to Pendleton

Day 8, Sea to Sea Kennewick to Pendelton,

Today Hank and I were on sweep team. So we were up early at 5 AM to pack our sleeping bags, air mattresses, chairs, and tent. We were all packed by 545 and than reported to the kitchen for duty. We assisted in putting out all the breakfast and lunch stuff. Today we had hot oatmeal, cereal, toast, bananas, yogurt, juice, milk, coffee and tea. For lunch we could make peanut butter and jam sandwiches, meat and cheese sandwiches, energy bars, bananas, oranges, apples, yogurt, baby carrots, cheese sticks.

After setting up we quickly ate our breakfast and made our lunch and were allowed to get out on the road. I started with Hank, Joan Doorensplete from Bowmanville again and Gerald Kobes from Yakima. Gerald and I were being interviewed by the Heriston Herald along the way, about 35 miles out so we needed to get on the road. We were out by 7 AM.

The weather again is very good. Not to hot to start. There was a head wind going along the Columbia river for about 35 miles. This slowed us down a little, but Gerald did a get job pulling us along. Hank did drop back as he wanted to go at his own pace and we were going too fast. I took some pictures at the Oregon border and along the route.
Again the scenery was beautiful. Each day brings its own beauty. Although the landscape seems barren in places, this still has its own beauty. We rode along the Columbia River and vast wheat fields. We had a long climb 20 miles up route 37 to Pendelton. It was a quiet road so we could enjoy the scenery without worrying too much about the traffic.

I arrived in camp around 230 PM and Hank got in around 3PM. I did stop for a cold chocolate milk which tasted sooo good after riding.

Today 3 cyclists Rubin Vyn, Nick Ellens and someone else went back to Sunnyside to pick up a package and than will bike all the way to Pendleton. All of them are very strong riders. We pray they will make it into camp in good time and have a safe trip.

Hank and I both are tired after the ride but also feel good that we have completed another day without accidents or flat tires. Hank is riding strong and people are noticing he is doing better and spinning his legs more which will help him not to tire to easily. People are encouraging.

This morning Alida VanDyk awarded Hank his PHD certificate for climbing Stevens Pass. Hank really appreciated this as Alida rode with him up the steep mountain pass. He says it was his greatest achievement and was much harder to do than his Phd. He also says he does not want to be held accountable for things he says on this tour. I think he is enjoying himself even though he is working harder and doing something he has never done before.

People are amazed and admire Hank for doing what he is doing.

Pastor Louis Bosma being apprehended for speeding on his bike by the Washington state trooper

Hank and I at a rest stop along the Columbia River

The kitchen crew enjoying the scenery along the Columbia River.

Joan Doorensplet and Dora VanderWoude in the vast wheat fields.

Joan and I at the Oregon border 1 state down 15 to go and 1 province.

Day 7, Sunday in Kennewick

Today was another perfect day. Lots of sun and 90 degree dry temperature. We had a beautiful service organized by the Kennewick CRC church. My guess is we had over 600 people from various CRC churches in the area. Pastor Dan Wolters gave great message and challenged people to make a difference and get engaged in helping others. Pastor Dan had a great vision and understanding of what the tour represented and communicated that to the audience. We had a good time of praising the Lord through singing. After the worship service the church also had prepared a delicious meal for everyone present.

At the worship service we saw Jeff and Missy Bos and their three children who had just arrived back from Bangladesh to night before. Jeff’s parents Yakima and Missy’s parents from Grand Rapids were also there.

In the afternoon we had opportunities to do various water activities. I choose to go to a pool with 18 people and Hank choose to stay in camp and visit and relax.. The pool was just what we needed. There was also a zip line there which I tried. I had never done anything like that but thought here is my chance. Everyone that went to the pool tried it.

I have attached a few pictures of the days activities. I also appreciate the bed provided to Hank and I by Henry Lee’s family in Kennewick and the use of the pool by the Rosendals. All together the day was great. It gave the cyclists an opportunity to relax and enjoy quiet time. Just what the Lord ordered for the day of rest. Lots of people commented about how they really now appreciate what a day of rest means.
In the evening we held our peleton meeting. On Saturday it was reported there were 31 flats and 3 accidents. We probably will have more flats on rainy days.

Worship service in Kennewick
The Bos family
Sunday afternoon relaxing in the pool and cooling off. What a treat. We are truly blessed
Diane Slofstra on the zip line . Even I tried this.


Day 7, Sunday in Kennewick

Today was another perfect day. Lots of sun and 90 degree dry temperature. We had a beautiful service organized by the Kennewick CRC church. My guess is we had over 600 people from various CRC churches in the area. Pastor Dan Wolters gave great message and challenged people to make a difference and get engaged in helping others. Pastor Dan had a great vision and understanding of what the tour represented and communicated that to the audience. We had a good time of praising the Lord through singing. After the worship service the church also had prepared a delicious meal for everyone present.

At the worship service we saw Jeff and Missy Bos and their three children who had just arrived back from Bangladesh to night before. Jeff’s parents Yakima and Missy’s parents from Grand Rapids were also there.

In the afternoon we had opportunities to do various water activities. I choose to go to a pool with 18 people and Hank choose to stay in camp and visit and relax.. The pool was just what we needed. There was also a zip line there which I tried. I had never done anything like that but thought here is my chance. Everyone that went to the pool tried it.

I have attached a few pictures of the days activities. I also appreciate the bed provided to Hank and I by Henry Lee’s family in Kennewick and the use of the pool by the Rosendals. All together the day was great. It gave the cyclists an opportunity to relax and enjoy quiet time. Just what the Lord ordered for the day of rest. Lots of people commented about how they really now appreciate what a day of rest means.
In the evening we held our peleton meeting. On Saturday it was reported there were 31 flats and 3 accidents. We probably will have more flats on rainy days.