Day 33 – Halfway There, Yet the Journey Has Just Begun

Today marks the halfway point of our 66-day motorcycle adventure from New York to Alaska and back. It feels almost surreal to say those words. For years we dreamed, planned, prayed, and saved for this journey, and now here we stand at the midpoint. Looking back, our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude for all God has allowed us to experience.

We’ve crossed towering mountain ranges, ridden through endless valleys, watched wildlife roam free, and stood in awe of some of the most breathtaking scenery we’ve ever witnessed. We’ve also experienced unexpected breakdowns, delays, rain, and uncertainty. Yet through every mountaintop and every valley, God has faithfully carried us.

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

The miles have been incredible, but it isn’t the miles we’ll remember most. It is the people. The conversations. The kindness of strangers. The brothers and sisters in Christ who welcomed us into their homes. Every day seems to hold another divine appointment that reminds us we are never traveling this road alone.

Our day actually began much earlier than we wanted. Around 2:30 a.m. we both woke to the sounds of nearby road construction. Bucket trucks slammed to the ground, backup alarms echoed through the night, and heavy equipment seemed determined to remind us that sleeping in a tent means hearing absolutely everything. After hours of tossing and turning, we somehow drifted back to sleep.

I finally woke around 9:30 to the familiar sound that has become Alaska’s morning soundtrack—the gentle tapping of rain on our tent roof.

“Here we go again,” I whispered to myself. “Another rainy day.”

Since arriving in Alaska, rain has become our faithful traveling companion. Yet something has changed. Instead of complaining, I found myself thankful. The temperature was above fifty degrees, which almost felt warm after some of the bitterly cold nights we’ve spent camping. Amazing how quickly your perspective changes on the road. Things we once considered ordinary suddenly become blessings.

The campground bathroom had lights, running water, and a flushing toilet. Funny how simple comforts become gifts when you’ve been living off a motorcycle for over a month. Gratitude has a way of growing when possessions become fewer.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Back at the tent, I fired up the Jetboil and heated water for coffee. We sat together beneath the small covered vestibule of our tent, tucked away from the drizzle in our camp chairs with steaming mugs warming our hands. There is something wonderfully peaceful about slow mornings together, listening to the rain while sipping hot coffee. Those quiet moments often become some of the sweetest memories.

Eventually we decided to ride into Soldotna for breakfast. We discovered a little place called Mel’s Bakery & Café, and, of course, with a name like that we simply had to stop.

The smell of fresh bread, cookies, and pastries greeted us as soon as we walked through the door. Mel ordered a mocha and a hearty breakfast bowl while I enjoyed a cold brew with a breakfast burrito. It was the perfect place to relax while watching the weather slowly improve outside.

By the time we finished eating, the rain had stopped and patches of blue sky began peeking through the clouds.

From there we headed toward Kenai Beach to witness the famous salmon fishing we had heard so much about.

Nothing could have prepared us for the incredible sight that unfolded before our eyes.

As far as we could see, the shoreline was alive.

Hundreds of fishermen and women stood shoulder to shoulder in the chilly water wearing chest waders, each holding a massive dip net attached to a long pole. Patiently they waited, watching the current for salmon swimming upstream. At just the right moment they would lower their nets into the water, then with one swift motion lift them out, hoping to find a beautiful silver salmon caught inside.

Once a fish was landed, they would carry it ashore where it was quickly cleaned, rinsed in the ocean water, and packed into coolers to feed their families.

Watching them work was fascinating.

It wasn’t simply fishing.

It was tradition.

It was provision.

It was generations teaching generations.

Families lined the beaches beneath colorful pop-up tents. Children played in the sand between helping their parents. Husbands and wives fished side by side. Grandparents watched with smiles as grandchildren learned the same skills that had likely been passed down for decades.

There was something beautiful about seeing an entire community gathered together, working hard, laughing together, and providing for one another.

As I stood there watching the nets rise and fall with the rhythm of the tide, I couldn’t help but think about Jesus calling fishermen to become “fishers of men.”

“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” — Matthew 4:19

Those fishermen patiently waited for the salmon to enter their nets. In much the same way, God calls us to faithfully cast the net of the Gospel, trusting Him with the harvest. We simply remain faithful. He is the One who brings people into His Kingdom.

What a powerful picture that beach became.

We spent quite a while walking the shoreline, capturing photos and videos, and eventually launched our drone to record the incredible scene from above. Seeing hundreds of nets stretching into the water from the air was absolutely breathtaking.

As we were putting the drone away, an Alaska police officer named Ty drove up on his side-by-side. Melvin handed him one of our “What Would Jesus Ride?” Gospel tracts, and Ty laughed, saying, “A side-by-side!”

After hearing about our journey all the way from New York on motorcycles, he wanted to know more. We shared a little of our story, took a group photo together, and told him the drone footage would be featured on our Wrights On A Mission YouTube channel.

Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone, looked up our channel, subscribed, and said he couldn’t wait to watch the footage of the beach from above.

Just then my parking alarm sounded on my phone.

“Oh no,” I laughed. “That means our hour is up.”

Ty smiled and said, “No worries…I’d be the one writing the ticket anyway.”

We all laughed together before saying our goodbyes.

It was yet another reminder that every stop along this journey holds an opportunity for a conversation, a smile, an encouraging word, or planting a seed for Christ.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” — 1 Peter 3:15

After returning to camp, I looked over at Melvin and said, “Let’s go get ice cream.”

You never have to ask him twice!

I hopped on the back of his bike, and we rode to the nearby gas station where we picked up a pint of chocolate ice cream along with some cheese for dinner.

While checking out, Melvin shared another “What Would Jesus Ride?” tract with two elderly ladies. One of them smiled and quickly replied, “He’d ride on a cloud!”

We all burst into laughter.

Sometimes evangelism begins with a smile.

We sat outside on a concrete barrier, enjoying our chocolate ice cream together until, almost on cue, the Alaska rain returned once again.

Back at camp we settled beneath the shelter of our tent, made a simple dinner of nachos with melted cheese and salsa, and listened as the raindrops danced across the rainfly overhead.

There is something deeply peaceful about the sound of rain when you know you are safe beneath God’s covering.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” — Psalm 91:1

As the evening settled over the campground and dinner was behind us, we began our walk toward the shower house. What we thought would simply be a stroll became another divine appointment—one of those moments that reminds us that God is always writing a greater story than the one we can see.

Along the way, we met Jay, a local fisherman who has called Alaska home since the 1970s after moving here from Wisconsin. He and his wife fell in love with this beautiful land decades ago and never looked back. As we stood talking, it didn’t take long before we discovered something even more meaningful than a shared love for adventure—we were brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jay was genuinely encouraged to hear about our motorcycle mission and our desire to share the hope of the Gospel everywhere God leads us. We talked about life in Alaska, the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier, and, of course, salmon fishing. He shared that this year’s salmon season had been slower than usual, making every catch that much more precious.

Curious, I asked where we might be able to buy some fresh salmon before leaving the area. With a warm smile and the generous spirit that seems woven into so many of the people we’ve met on this journey, Jay simply said, “You don’t need to buy any,” and handed us a beautiful piece of fresh salmon from his own catch.

We were humbled. Once again, God reminded us that His provision often arrives through the open hands of His people.

Back at camp, Mel and I carefully wrapped the salmon in foil with a little oil and seasoning before placing it over the campfire. As the fire crackled beneath the glowing Alaskan sky, we enjoyed one of the freshest, most delicious meals we’ve ever eaten. Every bite was seasoned with gratitude—not just for the salmon, but for the kindness, fellowship, and generosity we have experienced all across this incredible journey.

Scripture came to mind as we sat around the fire: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2). Time and again, we’ve witnessed the body of Christ living out that verse. Whether through a place to stay, a word of encouragement, a prayer, or even a simple piece of salmon shared from someone’s own catch, God continues to reveal His love through His people.

The beauty of Alaska has taken our breath away, but the kindness of its people has touched our hearts even more. We are continually reminded that wherever Christ is King, family can be found—even thousands of miles from home.

As I finished writing today’s blog and uploaded our photos and videos, I found myself reflecting on what an incredible gift this day had been.

Walking the beaches together.

Watching families harvest God’s provision from the sea.

Meeting new people.

Sharing Christ wherever we go.

Laughing together over ice cream.

These are the moments that remind us this journey has never been just about riding motorcycles to Alaska.

It has always been about following wherever God leads.

Tomorrow we’ll pack up our tent once again and point our motorcycles toward Homer.

We don’t know what awaits us there, but we know the One who goes before us.

And that is more than enough.

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

Until tomorrow,
The Wrights On A Mission