Day 28 – God Gives Us Rest and New Friends Along the Journey
“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” — Exodus 33:14
After getting back to our host’s home late the night before, we decided to enjoy a slower start to the day. We finally crawled out of bed around 9:00 a.m.—a rare luxury on this adventure. After a hot shower, I headed to the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast. It wasn’t long before the aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling eggs drifted through the house, and Melvin wandered into the kitchen with a smile. I think the smell of coffee may be one of God’s simplest little blessings.
As we were finishing breakfast, Angie stopped by for a quick cup of coffee before heading to her chiropractor appointment. Not long afterward, Linda called to ask if we could come over a little earlier than planned. Jon was flying home later that evening, and if we could help by taking one vehicle while she dropped his truck off at the airport, it would save her another late-night trip into Anchorage.
“Of course,” I told her.
One thing this journey has continually reminded us is that serving others doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it simply means adjusting your plans to make someone else’s day a little easier. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus modeled for us? “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
We packed up the motorcycles once again—under rainy skies, of course. It almost feels like we’ve become professionals at loading bikes in the rain! Thankfully, today’s ride to Chugiak was only about thirty minutes northeast of Anchorage.
By the time we arrived at Jon and Linda’s home, the rain had stopped. Linda immediately pulled her car out of the garage so we could park the motorcycles inside and spread out our wet riding gear to dry.
Meeting Linda didn’t feel like meeting someone for the first time. It felt like reconnecting with family.
That seems to happen everywhere we travel with our Christian Motorcyclists Association family. There is an instant bond that only God can create. No matter where we go, we’re reminded that we belong to something much bigger than ourselves—the family of Christ. It’s fitting that CMA’s national headquarters has a sign that simply says, “Welcome Home.” That’s exactly how it feels.
“So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household.” — Ephesians 2:19
After settling in, Linda handed us the keys to her car so we could explore Anchorage while she drove Jon’s truck to the airport for his arrival later that afternoon.
Our first stop was lunch at the Gumbo House, a recommendation from our friend Phyllis the day before. She certainly didn’t steer us wrong! I enjoyed a warm bowl of gumbo with cornbread while Melvin ordered crab quesadillas. Every bite was delicious.
Since we’d already traveled by bus and train on this trip, we figured it was only fitting to add a trolley tour to the list!
By now the rain had completely disappeared, the clouds had begun to part, and sunshine filled the afternoon. It was another reminder of how quickly God can change the atmosphere—not only around us, but within us as well.
Our driver and guide, Cyrus, shared fascinating stories about Anchorage’s history. One of the most remarkable was the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. At magnitude 9.2, it remains the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America and the second largest in recorded history worldwide. The earthquake lasted nearly four and a half minutes, permanently lifting some coastal areas by as much as 38 feet while causing others to sink several feet below their previous level.
We stopped near Earthquake Park, where an entire neighborhood slid into the ocean during that devastating event. Standing there, it was impossible not to think about how quickly life can change. Yet even when the ground beneath us seems to give way, God remains our unshakable foundation.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way…” — Psalm 46:1-2
From there we traveled along beautiful Cook Inlet and passed the statue of English explorer Captain James Cook, who mapped this region in 1778 while searching for the Northwest Passage. Although my family name includes the Cook line, I don’t believe we’re related!
Cyrus also pointed out the famous mudflats surrounding Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. They may look harmless, but they’re actually made of extremely fine glacial silt that acts much like quicksand. Once someone steps into it, escape becomes incredibly difficult, especially because the tides rush in with surprising speed. It served as another reminder that not everything is as safe as it appears on the surface. How thankful I am that God’s Word gives us discernment and directs our steps.
We also passed one of Anchorage’s most unique homes—the famous underground house built by Jon and Marnie Isaacs. Most of the home sits beneath the earth with large skylights built into the lawn above. I’ll include a link below for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating home.
My favorite stop of the day was undoubtedly Lake Hood Seaplane Base.
Lake Hood is the largest and busiest seaplane base in the world, with nearly 200 flights every day and around 90,000 takeoffs and landings each year. Watching bush planes skim across the water before lifting effortlessly into the sky was incredible. Here in Alaska, these little airplanes aren’t simply recreational—they’re a lifeline. They connect remote villages, deliver supplies, transport families, and reach places where roads simply don’t exist.
As I watched another plane disappear into the distance, I couldn’t help but think about how God often carries us places we could never reach on our own.
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” — Luke 1:37
Melvin’s favorite stop, however, wasn’t on the trolley tour at all.
Afterward we wandered into the Alaska Fur Gallery, where the owner immediately recognized a fellow fur enthusiast. With a grin, he motioned for Melvin to follow him into the back room. A few moments later, Melvin emerged wearing the owner’s personal grizzly bear fur coat—complete with the bear’s head serving as the hood! It was certainly a sight to behold. Thankfully, the only souvenir coming home with us was the picture!
Realizing we were running late, we hurried back to the parking garage and made our way to the airport to meet Linda. Once we arrived back at the house, we each made our own personal pan pizzas for dinner before Linda headed out to a birthday party.
The evening settled into a peaceful rhythm. Melvin relaxed while watching television, and I spent some time writing today’s blog and uploading video footage from the day. Later, after Linda returned home, we ended the evening by watching a movie together. Jon’s flight had been delayed, so he wouldn’t arrive until much later that night.
Tomorrow promises another day of sightseeing together, and for once the forecast actually looks encouraging!
As I reflect on today, I’m reminded that not every memorable day comes from riding hundreds of miles. Sometimes God slows our pace so we can simply enjoy His blessings—the kindness of new friends who quickly become family, the beauty of His creation, opportunities to serve, moments of laughter, and the gift of rest.
Our motorcycles may carry us across thousands of miles, but it’s God’s presence that continues to carry us every step of the way.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” — Psalm 37:5
Wrights On A Mission 
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