Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Monday, March 8, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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