Kindness

I last wrote about meeting up with Neil and we had a hard day fighting headwinds.  Anyone who rides knows how difficult it can be, especially when it is relatively flat.  Having Neil with us helped the time pass since we were able to catch up on the past two weeks.  We pulled into town and noticed two recumbent bicycles parked outside the ice cream parlor.  Bicyclists usually stop to talk and we needed a break so we waited for them to come out.  They were finishing a 50 mile day, both retired or semi-retired principal/teachers.  We were planning on camping at the local state park which was only another mile up the road.  They were so kind and invited us to camp in their yard.

"It's only another 9 miles up the road," Corwin said.

I was exhausted and so ready to collapse into my tent but the offer kept getting sweeter.

"We have plenty of room for your tents.  I brew my own beer.  We are right on the river," Corwin added.

Rita mentioned, "You are welcome to take a shower."

We rested and I knew it was an offer that I couldn't refuse.  Meeting people has been the biggest blessing of our trip and we couldn't pass it up because of me.  We all fought for every mile to get there.

It was just lovely and secluded.  As we pulled up, they gave us the best surprise.  Corwin's brother had a place next door and they would move over there and we could sleep in beds!  We woke to fantastic espresso and the sound of birds singing.  What wonderful strangers to invite us into their home and bless us with a great nights sleep.  We left to fight the headwinds with uplifted spirits and the conviction to keep our home open to strangers as well.

(Due to the popular nature of the route we were on, exact location and last name have been withheld.:)

A heartfelt thank you to Rita and Corwin.