Day 44: Just click your heels together three times...

It felt good to travel the last leg of the trip today. The sky was a beautiful Carolina blue all day.

I remarked to Gail way back in Oklahoma that the US 64 there is the same one that finds its eastern terminus at Whalebone Junction, Nags Head. I'm just glad we didn't decide to pick it up until Raleigh!

We pulled into our driveway just after 3PM. I really don't know how many miles we traveled. I think the last guy who changed our oil did something to the odometer that was keeping track. But it says 9,000 something. Somehow I don't believe that.

We'll add a few more posts with things like our indvidual Top Ten places to see and some travel tips we picked up.

Gail says next time (!) we're pulling a travel trailer.

Thanks to all of you who followed our trip and especially those of you who prayed for our safety. (Especially when Gail was driving us up the California coast.)

Day 43: In my mind (and car) we're going to Carolina

US 421 is a beautiful entry into the state near the Blue Ridge Parkway below.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow are all about getting home. I guess we’ve taken in all we can at this point, kind of like filling up at a buffet – there’s a lot more that can be eaten, but you’re about to bust so you stop. That’s where we are. There were a few other places we really wanted to go and people we would have liked to have seen, but we’re ready to be home.

This was another long day in the car – about 11 hours driving I think. We lost an hour when we crossed into Roan Co., TN and moved from Central to Eastern time. On top of that we had to take a detour. I-40 is closed west of Asheville due to rock slides, so that added some time to the trip.

The detour took us places we had never been, leading us to Johnson City and Elizabethton, TN, over the mountains on two lane US 421 through Appalachia through Boone, Wilkesboro and to our last night’s stop in Statesville. The mountains and streams were pretty. Now we know where NC gets our Christmas trees.
(That's a hillside planted with Christmas trees over the guard rail.)

And from the TN line to Boone in what appeared to be sparsely populated hollows and hills there had to have been a Baptist church every mile. No other churches – just Baptists. But why so many?

I enjoyed the fact that the highways were named for Merle and Doc Watson (I'm a bluegrass fan)and Junior Johnson (but not a NASCAR fan). What else in these western NC hills?

Logan’s Roadhouse is one of our favorite restaurant chains, and there is one near our motel. So we cracked open a few peanuts and enjoyed their excellent rolls and steak salad. Now we’re in for the night. My laptop won’t get online for whatever reason (the only such problem I’ve had the entire trip – go figure), but Gail’s is on line. So I’m writing this while watching the NCAA tourney. Glad to see ODU upset Notre Dame earlier. Now if Wake can beat the Longhorns.

We should be home late Friday afternoon. The only planned stop is at the Red and White in Dortches to pick up some of the world’s best sausage.

Day 42: On the way home

We had some good conversation over coffee this morning with our long-time friend Terri. She and Dave ministered with us long ago in a galaxy far far away.

Within about 200 yards from Dave and Terri's is a church pastored by Bill Carter, who was on the church staff with me in Tulsa 30 years ago. I couldn't be so close without stopping in to say "Hi". An added bonus was finding out his wife Norma was at the church office as well. Bill was a great guy to work with. His kids were in my care and he was a great encourager to a young, green youth pastor.

By 12:30 we were on the road again, traveling through NE Oklahoma to Ft. Smith, AR and eastward. I-40 in Arkansas starts with rolling hills, then takes you along the southern edge of the Ozarks, eventually leading to the low lands of the Mississippi. Along the way we stopped for dinner in Conway at The Whole Hog Cafe, a barbecue place recommended by friend Russell Stewart who rode his own hog" from Cabot to meet us there. It was very good...but we still like eastern NC bbq like this one better!

Gail took over the wheel from Conway and while I got some nap time drove us across the Mississippi into Memphis, TN, passing among other places the St. Jude's Children's Hospital and ultimately to Jackson (home of Casey Jones), where we're crashing for the night.

I was trying to think how many times I've driven this highway over the years. A bunch over the last 40 years. Tennessee is a long stretch on I-40, but we'll emerge tomorrow evening in NC and cross over the Smokies.

It's time to go home!

Gail here - I woke up this morning a little giddy, knowing that we were heading home. I have loved this trip, but am ready to get home, especially to see my kids and 2 babies.

[She was only slightly more giddy than when she saw the Elvis act at Disneyland. Anyone know what that pyramid is at the foot of the Mississippi River Bridge?]

Day 41: Tulsa Time

Tuesday morning Dad and I drove over to his church and I spent some time getting to know Jeff and Byron. Both guys are on the church staff and are doing great work there in ministry. I think FBC Hugo has a great team!

After lunch we said our goodbyes to Mom and Dad and headed north to Tulsa. In about 2 hours and 15 minutes we were back in familiar territory. Gail and I lived here for 27 months back in '78 through '80. I worked as the youth pastor of Tulsa Baptist Temple; Gail taught 6th grade at Moody Christian School We drove through some of the places we knew well at one time, including the church, the site of the school (now no longer in existence), and the townhouse we called home during most of our time there.

Standing in the front of our old church in Tulsa.

Gail's at the door of what was her 6th grade classroom as a teacher. The property is now up for sale.

The old home place at 32nd and Hudson.

We chanced upon the Casa Bonita restaurant, where we had eaten back in the day. Inside they have done a great job creating the look of a Mexican pueblo. If only they put that much effort into the food! It was just as we remembered...not very good, especially if you know good Mexican cuisine. But for the memories' sake we ate and wondered aloud why.

Our friends Terri Hollingsworth and Betty Middaugh, upon learning when we would be in town began to invite friends from our days here. It was pretty much last minute, but the group that came were all special to us, and we had a wonderful time sharing memories and photos from the past, and hearing about their lives since then.

Some of the people who we served and served with in youth ministry in Tulsa.

One thing that I've enjoyed so much about this trip has been the opportunities to re-connect with old friends, many we haven't seen since the 1970's. Friendships made within the family of God are eternal, and these reunions have been a reminder to us of God's grace and the joys we've had in ministry over the years.

Looks like tomorrow we'll be pointing the Toyota east for good and making the trek back to the starting point of our journey. The odometer went over 7,000 miles today! I haven't counted how many photos, but we must have taken hundreds.

Day 40: Monday in Hugo and Schooler Lake

I'm a day behind in updates, so this morning I'll catch up. If I'm able, I'll post again tonight with pics from a reunion we're having in Tulsa.

Monday was day 40, but I'm not changing the title of the blog. It was a guesstimate, and we won't be too far off. If all goes as "planned" we'll be back home by the weekend sometime. Weather coming over the mountains looks warm and sunny the next few days.

Dad and I met his pastor, Doug McLure and his dad for breakfast at the local diner at 8AM. He had lots of good questions about what we're doing at NHC. Good conversation and pretty good food, too. Hugo is not the cuisine capitol of anywhere, that's for sure. It's a fairly depressed town. But the one-up they have on the OBX: a Super Wal-Mart!

The afternoon was spent at brother Mark's home on Schooler Lake. He grilled burgers and dogs and we sat out on his deck overlooking the lake. A picture perfect day for that. Ben showed me his knives and guns (he's the hunter in the family). Luke showed us his fort - a three story compilation in the trees. Then he went fishing while Ben stacked firewood he had split. Real country boys.

After dinner back at the folks we went to Braum's for ice cream. Now there's a good thing about Oklahoma! I even donned my new hat just to say I did.

After lunch today we'll say goodbye and head north up the Indian Nations Tpke to Tulsa where we have a reunion tonight with a lot of our old youth group from Tulsa Baptist Temple, where I was the youth pastor back in 78-80. I'll bet all those teenagers are now old people.

Day 39: 6th Sunday Gone

One of the reasons I'm able to enjoy the trip and relax is that I know things back home at NHC are in such great hands. In fact, the reports I glean from Facebook and comments here indicate there's no need for me to return any time soon!

Today we attended FBC Hugo, OK, where my parents and brother fellowship. It was our first time at this downtown church. The youth pastor, Byron Smith has become a friend because of his participation at NHC's "The Call" in past years. I went to Sunday School (it's been a long time since I've done that!) with Mom and Dad. Their teacher did a super job handling a tough passage (1 Cor. 5 and 6) on immorality in the church and church discipline. Lots of lively discussion!

Pastor Doug McLure then followed up perfectly with a message on forgiveness that was one of the best on that subject I've heard. Who doesn't need to be reminded of forgivness and how as Christians we either forgive or we become disobedient and entrapped by whatever/whoever has hurt us? Ephesians 4:31-32 is one passage a Christian can't escape or ignore and be a Christ-follower, worshipper or witness.

Mark and his family joined us for lunch then a fun afternoon. It's been a good Sunday and a relaxing visit so far.

Day 38: Gaining ground but losing time!

Let's see...Thursday we woke up in Nevada - Pacific Time. But within a few miles we crossed into Arizona - Mountain Time. Lost an hour there. Today when we drove into Texas we lost another hour in Central Time. And now at 2AM Sunday we lose another hour!

This was the second longest drive we've had since leaving home. It took us 11 hours from Albuquerque, NM to my parents' home in Hugo, OK. We left NM with a full tank and filled up twice more before getting here. At least the price of gas is coming down.

I'll post some pics tomorrow (I hope) of some of what we saw on the drive. It started out with a view of the pre-dawn lights of Albuquerque with the Sandia Mountains in the background. Alb is really a pretty city.

About an hour or so east we came to a stop on I-40. We could see ahead that there had been a wreck. As we passed it we saw that it was pretty serious. Looked like they were working on 3 people on the ground, and at least one was getting CPR. I silently said a prayer for everyone involved, knowing that those kinds of things are never easy for victims, their families and the first responders.

We stopped for lunch in Amarillo, TX at a Golden Corral. I couldn't help but laugh when an elderly couple came in and the woman was in hair rollers. She had a dress on, but her hair was up in curlers. I think there should be a law or something...

Gail and I lived in Tulsa from '78 to 80, so we passed through some familiar country. Not much is on the radio here but country music it seems, and I always get a kick out of some of the songs. Once in a while it's good to visit another culture, even on the radio.

Mom had dinner ready for us, which included sugar free cherry pie. When I get home I don't care if I don't eat out in a restaurant again for a long time....unless someone else is buying.

Looking forward to going to church with Mom and Dad tomorrow. Their church prayed much for Tricia and Gwyneth two years ago. And their youth pastor Byron has been a speaker at The Call a couple of times.

Our goal, in case you're wondering is to be home by sometime next weekend. But who knows?

Day 37: 'Cause we may never be here again

Gail said she got to check on more thing off her bucket list when we drove through the incredible Oak Creek Canyon and viewed the Red Rocks of Sedona, AZ. While not as "grand" as the canyon to the north, it is nonetheless awe inspiring. I liked it as much as the Grand Canyon probably because you got to get closer to everything. But seriously, if you ever get to go to the Grand Canyon don't miss the drive south to Sedona.

It was a 5 hour drive through Arizona and into New Mexico to our destination of Albuquerque. At Flagstaff (7,000 ft. elevation) there was an abundance of snow. Descending down into the desert, still staying at high elevations we were treated the whole way with an ever-changing landscape of mountains, foliage and rock formations. Most of this country is Navajo Indian Reservation, and although sparsely populated, I was again reminded that these people lost much when the "white man" took control. The poverty was apparent in the housing we saw from I-40.

And there were also remnants of past cultures, with empty mud brick dwellings minus roofs and windows. Perched on a prominent hill in one town west of Albuquerque was an old Spanish mission surrounded by adobe structures.

Indian tribes control and own the many casinos in New Mexico. I wonder where the profits go?

There's a corner in Winslow, Arizona where I wanted to stand and take it easy. The girl in the flatbed Ford is still there after all these years.


Dinner tonight was with Dennis and Sandra Carlson. Gail and I haven't seen Dennis since he spoke for me at a youth retreat in December, 77. And I haven't seen Sandra since '71. Wow. Dennis was my youth pastor when as a sophomore in high school God made His calling in my life clear. It was great to re-connect with them. Facebook is something!

Tomorrow we're getting up early. Our drive to my parents' home is 10 hours plus through New Mexico, the panhandle of Texas and Oklahoma. Mom and Dad don't have internet, so we're not sure when our next posting will be, but we'll find a signal somewhere in town.

Day 36: Hoover Dam and The Grand Canyon

Our car was filthy from the over 5K miles it’s traveled these last 5 weeks; especially the last couple of days driving through the snowy mountains. Yesterday’s oil change came with a “free” car wash, but their car was closed “because they saw some clouds”. Life in the desert…

But the company has gas stations, lube places and car washes all over LV, so we found one on the way out and got the girl a bath. By the end of the day we’d be driving through snow covered territory again.


Just outside of Vegas to the south is the Hoover Dam. You actually drive over it on Hwy 93 going south. It’s a slow drive and made even more so by the necessary “security check” before going over. How can anyone tell anything by simply looking under one wheel well? They’re building a new highway that will go over the dam on a bridge. The bridge (to me – a former bridge builder) is impressive.


From the Hoover Dam it was about 4 hours to the Grand Canyon, including a brief gas stop and a run into a retail shop in Kingman. There we picked up I-40, which is the usual east-west route across the US from coast to coast. I’ve driven this road several times. Gail and I took it in 1977 to California, and then in 1978 out of California. That was the time our truck ran out of gas in the middle of Nowhere, AZ. Ask Gail about howling coyotes.

By the time we arrived at the Canyon we only had about 2 hours of sunlight left so we tried to make the best of it by taking the shuttle to various stopping points. We should have just taken our car. But we got a lot of good looks and I hope awesome pictures of what must be one of God greatest masterpieces in geology.

(I've posted lots more photos on Facebook.)

Dark finds us driving the 81 miles to Flagstaff, AZ, where we’re spending Thursday night. Today begins week 6 of the trip. Tomorrow the goal is Albuquerque (try typing that one fast), NM.

Day 35: Viva Las Vegas

It's late. We got here late afternoon. Ate at the Hard Rock Cafe then walked a couple hours on the Strip. I could write lots of stuff, but am too tired. Pics later when I get a chance.

The drive from Carson City was loooong but through a desolate but uniquely beautiful part of the country. We woke up to snow and saw snow covered hills, mountains and even desert much of the journey. And Gail got to see her first tumbleweed of the journey.

It was time to get the oil changed (again) and we did so before arriving at our hotel. We're past 5,000 miles on the trip so far.

Up in the AM and headed for the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

Gail's getting "weary" and wanting to get home!

Day 34: Yuba City to Carson City

Yesterday we left the Luffs' motel for the Radobenkos' B&B in Yuba City. Joyce and Paul were at Liberty at the same time as us. She and I worked together with youth in 1973 as freshmen. Here's a pic of those good ole days she dug up. (I'm on the right.)

Before and after a great dinner Joyce prepared (including ollallaberry pie - I have no idea how to spell that, but it's very good) we spent hours talking about college days and about our kids and grandkids and parents. Since Paul is also a pastor, we talked some shop as well.


Lake Tahoe is a drive through the Sierras from Yuba City and we chose the scenic route. Must have been a light snow last night. The trees had a perfect dusting, but the roads (for the most part) were clear.


Tahoe is another beautiful part of CA (and Nevada). If you remember the map (that burns up) at the beginning of "Bonanza", Tahoe is the western border of the Ponderosa Ranch. We stopped for lunch in Tahoe City at Rosie's, took a couple of pics there of the lake, then drove north to south along the shoreline on Hwy 20. It was pretty cold up there!

Our stop for the night is in Carson City, NV, the capitol of the state, located in the valley below Tahoe. Like most hotels, this one has a casino. Lots of "mature" people in there, sitting around smoking looking at machines. No one looks like their having a whole lot of fun.





Tomorrow is a long travel day to get to Vegas. Gail insists I need to see it. I can't figure out why she asked me for all my quarters. She just did the laundry last night.

Day 33: Yuba City

(Here we are with Gordon and Dottie Luff just before we left them in Redding.)

Easy day today, traveling from Redding to Yuba City, CA. The road took us through the central valley of California a couple of hours. Lots of walnut and peach groves as well as dairy farms.

We're staying with Paul and Joyce Radabenko tonight. We've had lots of fun talking about college memories and our kids and grandkids. Paul is the pastor of Grace Baptist Church here.

Tomorrow we leave California! The plan is to head for Lake Tahoe, then to Reno and then south toward Las Vegas.

Day 32: Church and the Lake Shasta Dam

The ride to church took about 45 minutes today. It's a "country" church up on the road to Mt. Lassen. Gordon Luff was asked to preach there today in the pastor's absence. It was great hearing him preach again after almost 33 years. He's still got the same passion for encouraging and igniting God's people.

After church we rode up the mountain another ten minutes so that Gail could take a look at the camp Gordon and his son Scott run. They're at a point where they're seeking God about the camp's future and their part in it. I know any prayers you can send up for them are appreciated.

Lunch was at Peter Chu's, located in the airport. There were about ten of us around the table. Everyone ordered something different and we just shared. It was like a buffet, except you didn't have to get out of your seat. Folks from the church ate with us.

The Luffs wanted us to see Lake Shasta and the dam, so we drove there and got to get out and walk on top of the dam. Security is pretty high here. This dam holds back waters that would otherwise wipe out central California if anything were to happen here, and the nearby bridge carrying I-5 across the lake is the major thoroughfare between southern California and the northwest. Great views here!

It has been great talking with Gordon and Dottie about the early days of what is now Liberty University and what's been happening in their lives since the late 70's. Their family's story is one of God's provision and grace, and Gail and I have been blessed to get to know them better.

Their son Scott and daughter-in-law Inger (who are close friends with my brother Scott and sister-in-law Julie) came over early in the evening with their kids. One of their children is special needs and is a sweetheart. All of their girls seem to be great kids.

The rules here stipulate that we're not allowed to take the Luffs out for dinner. I protested that I had to live under Gordon's rules for 4 years (he was also the Dean of Students), but my protest was ignored. So out we went to Casa Ramos for Mexican food. Of all the Mexican places where we've eaten on our trip, this place had the best salsa. In fact it was all good.

Tomorrow we leave here for Yuba City to visit more friends from college days. One day I guess we'll start heading east!

Day 31: Lassen Pines

Gordon and Dottie Luff are such accomodating hosts! I was told by another friend that we would be spoiled here, and it's true.

When Gail and I were college students in the infant years of what is now Liberty University Gordon was in many ways the man who kept the ship afloat. He started the first ever youth ministries major in a college; was the first dean of students at the fledgling school; built dorms; led students to sacrificially give time and energy to turn a dream into reality. And behind the scenes Dottie was raising their children and quietly supporting his calling. It wasn't an easy life, but one that has made a lasting legacy.

We're indebted to them. And this weekend we're getting up close and personal with them and their family here in Redding, hearing lots of stories about those pioneering days. It's been a fun day.

While Gail and Dottie went out shopping Gordon, his son Scott (who works with him) and I drove up the mountain to their camp, Lassen Pines. They've seen some 50,000 kids make decisions for Christ here over the years. As many as 1000 campers in a week come here for a great camping experience built around a drive to present Christ to youth. Gordon's 73 and still working with kids. And I don't see any sign of him slowing down.

Tomorrow we're going to church with them in a "country church" up on the mountain where Gordon will be filling in for the pastor who is away at a conference. I'm sure that stubby index finger will be pointed at me at least once during the sermon. Can't wait.

I also hear the band includes banjo and mandolin. I'm threatening to wear my new cowboy hat to church.

Day 30 Pics