Pacific Coast Bound!

I am on the Pacific coast with a light house too! Tonight was a chilly camping night at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. I set up camp and made dinner and read for a few hours. My personal connection today was Miranda Everitt, Kelly’s cousin. Miranda is Kelly’s father’s brother’s son’s daughter (so really, Kelly’s first cousin - once removed). I’d never met Miranda, but her mom (Kris) knew I was going to be coming through and connected us. Miranda is an avid outdoors person and has hiked many trails around the world. I met her for coffee/breakfast before heading toward the coast.


The ride today was spectacular. It got cooler and cooler as I headed toward the ocean. Portland was toasty at about 80° but it soon cooled off to about 60° by the time I got to Tillamook, OR. I stopped, and for the first time put on my chaps because my legs were freezing! The cool damp air coming off the water and the fog in places made it feel like 48°. 


When Jesus sent out the apostles, in Chapter 9 of Luke, he said, “take nothing for your journey: no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money - not even an extra tunic.” (NRSVUE) We can only wonder what Jesus was teaching his closest followers by giving them those instructions. We can assume that he wants them to travel light and be at the mercy of those they are sent to serve. That way they would be able to travel faster and cover more territory. The message of the Kingdom of God is one of urgency. The world is hurting and needs love and reconciliation as quickly as it can respond to the good news. There’s something to be said for that, but for one, I’m glad that I have 2 jackets (light and heavy, with liner) and chaps! I always tend to overpack for the journey trying to anticipate what conditions I will face.



Challenge to St. James and Self: Prepare for the journey. It’s not always about what you physically take with you and what you leave behind, but how you are prepared to face the next obstacle to come. That’s why we have to “practice” our faith, so that we are ready to face the world with God’s love.

Camas, WA to Reedsport, OR
Ride: 234 miles
Location: Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground, 460 Lighthouse Rd, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA

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This Week!

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