A Quiet Day, Filled with Divine Appointments

Our first night camping beside the sled dog kennel was certainly memorable. I finally drifted off to sleep around 11:30 p.m., only to be awakened at 3:30 a.m. by the chorus of sled dogs howling into the Alaskan night. And for reasons known only to the Lord, a rooster decided that 3:30 in the morning was the perfect time to announce the start of a new day! Eventually, the campground settled back into silence, and I managed to fall asleep again, sleeping until nearly 9:00 a.m.

It was a slow Sunday morning, and we had intentionally left the day unplanned. Sometimes the sweetest moments come when we stop trying to fill every hour and simply allow the Lord to direct our steps. “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9.

After a hot shower, I made blueberry pancakes and fresh coffee for breakfast. There is something comforting about sharing a simple meal together before beginning the day. Once everything was cleaned up, we climbed aboard Freedom, Mel’s Africa Twin, and headed into Seward.

The town was much quieter than it had been the previous day. Most of the weekend visitors had already headed home, making it the perfect morning to wander. We found a free two-hour parking area with designated motorcycle parking, parked Freedom, and began strolling the wooden boardwalk that hugs the marina along Resurrection Bay.

The morning could not have been more beautiful. The sun warmed our faces while a cool breeze drifted in from the bay. We found a little coffee stand where Mel ordered an Americano, and a few shops later I found a barista serving cold brew. With coffees in hand, we leisurely walked the boardwalk, taking in the boats gently rocking in the harbor and the magnificent mountains standing guard over the bay.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24.

As we wandered through the shops, we picked up brochures for several boat tours, hoping to decide which one we would take the next day.

One of our favorite stops was the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center, where we met Rachel, one of the park rangers. I had been curious about several of the birds we had seen on our previous boat tour, and she graciously took the time to show me each one in a field guide. Her enthusiasm for God’s creation was contagious. Every bird, every mountain, every glacier reminds us of the incredible creativity of our Creator.

“Ask the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you… In His hand is the life of every living thing.” — Job 12:7,10.

As we walked out of the visitor center, another unexpected encounter reminded us once again why we are on this journey.

A young woman named Theresa noticed the Christian Motorcyclists Association patch on Melvin’s vest and excitedly came over to introduce herself. She shared that her father, Al Martin, had been one of the officers who helped start the CMA chapter here in Alaska. Although he has since gone home to be with the Lord, his legacy of faithfully serving Christ continues through those whose lives he touched—including his own daughter.

What a beautiful reminder that when we live for Christ, our influence doesn’t end with us. Seeds planted in faith often continue to bear fruit long after we’re gone.

“Their works follow them.” — Revelation 14:13.

Just across the street, we noticed a white cross displayed in the window of the Lighthouse Café and Bakery with the words, “He Is Risen.” That was all the invitation we needed.

Inside we met Erik, who immediately lit up when we commented on the sign. Before long, we found ourselves enjoying another wonderful conversation centered on Jesus. Erik eagerly shared the story behind Resurrection Bay’s name. During the Russian-American fur trade, Alexandr Baranov sought refuge in the bay during a violent storm. When the skies cleared on Easter Sunday, he named it Resurrection Bay in honor of Christ’s resurrection.

What an incredible reminder that even the geography around us points back to the greatest story ever told.

Erik also shared how he had married his wife from India, and together they are using their bakery as a place to spread the Gospel and share God’s love with everyone who walks through their doors.

As we left, I couldn’t help but smile. We had simply come looking for coffee and pastries, yet God had given us another opportunity to encourage fellow believers. Throughout this entire journey, He continues to remind us that His family is everywhere.

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” — Ephesians 2:19.

Before leaving the marina, we treated ourselves to delicious ice cream from Main Street Creamery before stopping by Kenai Fjords Tours to book a four-and-a-half-hour wildlife and glacier cruise for the following day.

From there we rode Freedom into Seward’s historic downtown. It has an entirely different feel than the marina—quiet, charming, and full of history. Many of the beautifully preserved buildings displayed old photographs showing what they looked like over a hundred years ago. I love studying those pictures and imagining life in another era. Every building has a story, just as every person does.

We eventually found ourselves at a peaceful park overlooking Resurrection Bay. We sat quietly, listening to the gentle waves breaking against the rocks while an occasional floatplane or sightseeing helicopter passed overhead. The warm sunshine, cool breeze, and rhythmic sound of the water created one of those moments where you simply stop and thank God.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10.

After our relaxing afternoon, we headed back toward camp, making one stop at the grocery store to pick up supplies for dinner.

Back at the campground, God wasn’t finished orchestrating conversations.

I met Kevin and Grace from Connecticut and was intrigued by a sign outside their campsite listing each day’s meals for their 60-day adventure. Kevin explained that they were traveling with a group of fifteen campers from various states on an organized camping tour. Everything was planned for them—the route, campgrounds, and even the meals, which his wife prepared. Before we parted, he generously handed us two leftover cinnamon rolls from that morning’s breakfast.

Not long afterward, we unexpectedly ran into our neighbors from the previous campground. It felt like reconnecting with old friends after only a few days apart. Isn’t it amazing how quickly God can knit hearts together on the road?

Back at our campsite, Mel fired up our little FireBox grill while I prepared cheeseburgers, roasted baby potatoes, and zucchini over the open flames. Somehow food always tastes better when it’s cooked over a campfire.

As evening settled in, we sat beside the fire while I worked on today’s blog. The sled dogs, thankfully, were much quieter than the night before. The crackling fire, the peaceful campground, and the towering Alaskan mountains surrounding us created the perfect ending to a wonderfully simple day.

Today wasn’t filled with breathtaking motorcycle roads or dramatic adventures. Instead, it was filled with something even greater—God’s quiet presence woven into ordinary moments. Through conversations with park rangers, believers, travelers, and complete strangers, He reminded us once again that ministry isn’t always found behind a pulpit. Sometimes it happens on a boardwalk, inside a bakery, beside a campground, or over a cup of coffee.

Tomorrow we’ll return to Resurrection Bay for our glacier and wildlife cruise. We can’t wait to witness more of God’s magnificent creation, knowing that wherever He leads us next, He has already gone before us.

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