The Majesty of His Creation

The dogs were a little quieter than the night before, and I managed to drift off around 10:30 p.m. Just as I settled into a deep sleep, I was awakened around midnight by the joyful chorus of “Happy Birthday to You!” coming from our new neighbors who had pulled into the campsite beside us earlier that day. It took a while to fall back asleep, and then, right on schedule, the sled dogs began their early morning serenade around 4:00 a.m.

Sleeping at this campground hasn’t exactly been restful, but every day has reminded me that joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances. As Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Sometimes contentment is simply choosing gratitude over comfort.

By 7:30 the alarm officially rang. After a warm shower, I brewed a fresh cup of coffee and toasted a bagel while the crisp Seward morning greeted us with a brisk 50 degrees. We lingered over breakfast, soaking in the quiet before another adventure awaited us.

Before leaving for town, Melvin walked over to our neighbors—a family of six from New Jersey—and shared the Good News along with a Gospel tract. It was another reminder that our mission doesn’t pause when we’re sightseeing. Every campground, parking lot, restaurant, or trail is another opportunity to plant seeds for God’s Kingdom.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)

We parked at the Kenai Fjords Tours lot and boarded the shuttle to the harbor. After checking in for our 11:00 a.m. tour, we had about an hour before boarding, so we walked across the street to the Lighthouse Café and Bakery, where we had met Erik the day before.

The moment we walked through the door, Erik’s face lit up with a huge smile.

“You’re back!”

We laughed and nodded as we ordered coffee and one of their delicious cinnamon buns.

Then Erik pointed toward a gentleman sitting quietly in the corner.

“You should meet him,” he said. “He’s the pastor of a local church.”

Within minutes David, an Assembly of God pastor, joined us. We enjoyed a wonderful conversation about our shared faith, God’s faithfulness, and the incredible ways He works through ordinary people. Before we left, he prayed over our journey. What a beautiful way to begin the day.

God continues to place believers in our path everywhere we go. We may have traveled thousands of miles from home, but we are continually reminded that we are part of one family in Christ.

After thanking David, we made our way back to the dock and boarded the Tanaina, a vessel capable of carrying 150 passengers.

While waiting in line, we met Robert and Sue from Australia, who were celebrating their forty-second wedding anniversary. What a blessing to witness such enduring love.

Inside seating filled quickly, so we found ourselves on the outside deck. It wasn’t long before we realized just how cold and windy that decision would become! Melvin, who had left his riding jacket behind, eventually stood near the doorway for shelter while I stayed outside, determined to capture every unforgettable moment with my camera.

Our first stop brought us alongside towering sea cliffs alive with nesting puffins.

Watching these remarkable little birds dart through the air and then plunge beneath the water was fascinating. God designed them with incredible precision. Their wings allow them to “fly” underwater as they chase fish, diving hundreds of feet below the surface before returning to the very same nesting grounds year after year.

“O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.” (Psalm 104:24)

Then someone spotted mountain goats balanced effortlessly on impossibly narrow ledges high above the cliffs. Cameras clicked from every direction as everyone rushed to catch a glimpse of these sure-footed climbers standing where no human could possibly go.

As we continued through Resurrection Bay toward the Gulf of Alaska, we met a couple from Buffalo, New York, who also ride motorcycles. It felt good talking with someone from back home, sharing stories of roads, rallies, and adventures.

But nothing could have prepared us for what happened next.

The captain slowed the vessel and quietly announced that two humpback whales had been spotted ahead.

The ocean suddenly became still as every eye searched the water.

Then…there they were.

Two magnificent humpback whales surfaced together in perfect harmony. They rose gracefully from the deep before lifting their enormous flukes high above the water and disappearing beneath the surface once again. Moments later, towering columns of mist erupted from their blowholes, reaching high into the Alaskan sky.

It was breathtaking.

There are moments when words simply fail.

Standing there on the deck, watching these gentle giants move with such beauty and power, I couldn’t help but worship the Creator who spoke them into existence.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

Every blow, every dive, every ripple across the water proclaimed the majesty of our Creator.

As if that weren’t enough, sea otters floated peacefully nearby, wrapped in beds of kelp, completely unbothered by the world around them. They looked so content, resting effortlessly in the care God provides.

Jesus’ words came to mind:

“Consider the birds… your heavenly Father feeds them.” (Matthew 6:26)

If He cares so deeply for every creature, how much more does He care for us?

Eventually the captain turned toward Aialik Bay, weaving through the fjords toward the legendary Aialik Glacier.

At first it appeared like a distant painting resting between the mountains.

But as we drew closer, pieces of floating ice began appearing around us.

Then suddenly…

The glacier filled our entire view.

Its immense wall of ancient ice towered before us, stretching far beyond what my camera could capture. Massive icebergs floated nearby—some appearing even larger than our vessel. The Tanaina looked like a tiny toy boat against this colossal masterpiece of God’s creation.

The glacier shimmered with brilliant shades of sapphire blue, as though the Lord Himself had brushed watercolor across its face.

Then we heard it.

A deep rumble echoed through the fjord like thunder.

The glacier was moving.

Everyone fell silent.

Without warning, an enormous section broke free.

The ice exploded into the ocean with a roar that shook the air around us, sending waves rolling across the bay. It was one of the most powerful natural displays I have ever witnessed.

No video could ever do it justice.

No photograph could truly capture its magnificence.

Only standing there could you fully appreciate the awesome power of God’s handiwork.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” (Romans 1:20)

Scattered across floating pieces of glacial ice were dozens of harbor seals, peacefully resting as if lounging in the world’s most spectacular living room. I must have taken a dozen pictures because they were simply adorable.

As our two-hour journey back to Seward began, God wasn’t finished orchestrating divine appointments.

While I remained outside taking photos, Melvin met a husband and wife who pastor a church in Texas and were traveling with their family. Inside I met their grandson, Ethan, a high school student who serves in his church’s youth ministry.

His eyes lit up when he heard we travel on motorcycles sharing the Gospel.

“That sounds like something I’d love to do someday!” he exclaimed.

We smiled and encouraged him, sharing how CMA not only ministers through motorcycles but also supports missions like the Jesus Film Project and Global Christian Relief. Who knows? Maybe God planted a seed that will one day grow into a ministry of his own.

Still unable to find seats inside, we sat on one of the cabin steps until Robert from Australia spotted us.

“What are you doing sitting there?” he asked.

“We couldn’t find any seats,” I laughed.

Without hesitation he smiled and said, “Come sit with us.”

His kindness warmed us almost as much as getting out of the cold wind.

At the table sat Robert, Sue, and John, a cook from Redoubt Bay Lodge who lives in Girdwood. Before long, the conversation turned to faith. Melvin shared our motorcycle mission, the countless people God has placed in our path, and how every delay, breakdown, and unexpected encounter has become another chapter in God’s story.

The boat made one final stop at the Kenai Fjords Day Lodge before returning to Seward around 5:00 p.m.

Goodbyes were exchanged with our new friends from Australia, Texas, Buffalo, and Alaska.

It amazed me how complete strangers could become friends in just a few hours when hearts are united by kindness—and even more so when they are united by Christ.

That evening we walked over to Ray’s Waterfront Grill. While waiting for a table, we met Tim and his granddaughter from Florida, who had also been on our tour. Tim rides motorcycles, so he and Melvin immediately had plenty to talk about.

Before we were called to our table, Melvin handed him a “What Would Jesus Ride?” Gospel tract.

Inside, our waiter Charles welcomed us with warm sourdough bread, balsamic vinegar, and dipping oil. We shared fried calamari before our meals arrived.

Melvin ordered fish and chips.

I couldn’t resist the Alaska king crab.

It was absolutely delicious…although I discovered eating king crab is definitely a workout! I laughed as I wrestled every last piece of meat from those enormous legs.

After dinner we learned the shuttle wouldn’t return until 9:00 p.m., but God even used that delay.

We ran into Tim and his family again and spent more time talking about motorcycles, family, and faith. Tim shared that he had already passed the Gospel tract along to members of his family.

God’s Word was already continuing its journey.

“My word… shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please.” (Isaiah 55:11)

We walked the ten minutes back to the motorcycle and returned to camp. It was too cold for a campfire, so we settled into the KOA commons where I worked on the blog and uploaded footage while Melvin enjoyed watching a little television—something we hadn’t done since leaving New York.

Even there, another divine appointment awaited us.

We met James from North Carolina, who serves in educational ministry, youth ministry, and disaster relief. Originally born in Cooperstown, New York, his life had taken him through Texas, Louisiana, and eventually North Carolina. James shared about losing his wife two years ago and how, by God’s incredible grace, the crushing weight of grief began lifting from his heart on Christmas Eve.

Listening to his testimony reminded me that God is still the Great Comforter.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

It was a privilege to encourage one another before wishing him safe travels.

As we climbed back into our cold tent that evening, I couldn’t help but smile.

Today wasn’t just about whales, glaciers, puffins, or breathtaking scenery.

It was about the God who created every mountain, every wave, every glacier, every whale—and who lovingly orchestrated every conversation we had along the way.

From New Jersey to Alaska, from Australia to Texas, from Florida to North Carolina, the Lord continued weaving together a tapestry of divine appointments that only He could arrange.

Tomorrow is our final full day in Seward. We plan to visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, catch up on laundry, and give the motorcycles a little much-needed attention before continuing our journey.

Until then, thank you for following along, praying for us, and being part of this incredible adventure. We are constantly reminded that wherever God leads, His presence goes before us, His creation declares His glory, and His love reaches every heart willing to receive it.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)