Wrights On A Mission

A Birthday Wrapped in God’s Goodness

After several restless nights, the Lord blessed me with something that felt like a wonderful gift before my birthday had even begun—a full night’s sleep. I heard the sled dogs bark only briefly around midnight before silence settled over the campground once again. Soon I was fast asleep until around 8:30 that morning. I smiled as I woke to the familiar sound of the dogs announcing the start of another day.

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8

There was nowhere we needed to be and no schedule to keep. It was simply a day to receive whatever blessings God had prepared.

The morning air was a crisp 55 degrees as I wandered over to the washhouse before returning to our campsite to begin my familiar routine. The comforting hiss of the JetBoil, the aroma of fresh coffee, and toasted bagels with cream cheese made for the perfect birthday breakfast. Sometimes the sweetest moments in life are found in the simplest routines.

As I was cleaning up, a gentleman from the camper across from us stopped by to admire our motorcycles. His name was Al. Originally from Nevada, he also has a place along the California coast. As he shared stories from his younger days, his eyes lit up with memories of traveling the country in one of those classic Volkswagen vans. He laughed as he described himself as a “free bird,” chasing adventure wherever the road led.

Now in his seventies, he still travels, this time with his friends Jeff and Chip. Before long they had joined our conversation, and once again God reminded us how often He places fellow believers in our path. Melvin shared a Gospel tract, and they joyfully shared that they too loved Jesus. Encounters like these have become such a beautiful rhythm throughout this journey.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Around 9:30 we headed into Seward for a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center. We parked beside Resurrection Bay near the old train depot, which has now been transformed into charming restaurants and shops. Before exploring, however, there was one important stop to make.

Coffee.

We found ourselves sitting on the porch at Lucy’s Café overlooking the sparkling waters of Resurrection Bay, enjoying rich espresso and a warm cinnamon roll while soaking up the sunshine. It was one of those peaceful moments where time seems to slow down, and all you can do is thank God for His goodness.

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

The SeaLife Center was fascinating. I saw fish I had never even heard of before, including the unusual Aleutian skate, along with salmon, octopus, and many other incredible sea creatures. I especially loved watching the playful sea lions splashing and chasing one another in their outdoor habitat, while the seals floated effortlessly upside down as if they hadn’t a care in the world.

God’s creativity truly knows no limits.

“O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.” — Psalm 104:24

One of the unexpected highlights came when a group noticed Melvin’s CMA vest and stopped to introduce themselves. They were fellow members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Although I can’t remember what state they were from, it didn’t really matter. We were family in Christ. We gathered together for a group photo before continuing on our separate adventures.

After returning to camp, we enjoyed leftovers for lunch. The campground was wonderfully quiet in the middle of the day, giving me the perfect opportunity to catch up on laundry while working on one of our YouTube videos. It felt good to slow down after weeks of constant travel.

While I was editing, Melvin came over after checking my motorcycle. He discovered that all of the balancing weights on my rear tire had fallen off. Thankfully, after a quick phone call, Stronghold Customs in Wasilla said they could take care of it tomorrow. Once again, God had already gone ahead of us.

Just as we were getting ready to ride back into town, someone excitedly called out, “There’s a moose and her two calves behind the cottage!”

We quietly walked over and there they were—a mama moose peacefully browsing on the leaves while her two calves stayed close beside her. We stood in awe as they slowly wandered behind our tent, allowing me to capture photos and video that I’ll treasure forever.

What a birthday gift from the Creator Himself.

“Look at the birds of the air… your heavenly Father feeds them.” — Matthew 6:26

Watching that little family move so peacefully through the campground reminded me that God faithfully watches over all His creation. If He cares so deeply for them, how much more does He care for us?

As evening approached, we climbed onto Freedom and rode down to Lowell Point for my birthday dinner at Miller’s Landing Café.

Miller’s Landing isn’t the polished, tourist-filled destination many visitors seek. Instead, it’s tucked away at the end of a gravel road just outside Seward—a place that feels authentically Alaskan. Fishermen come and go with the day’s catch. Small cabins and scattered campers line the shoreline. Water taxis shuttle passengers across the bay while seagulls patiently wait around the fish-cleaning station for an easy meal. Even a majestic bald eagle had joined the gathering, hoping for a few leftovers.

It felt less like a tourist attraction and more like stepping into the everyday life of the people who call this incredible place home.

The café overlooks the water, and we ordered fresh fish sandwiches with fries before finding a picnic table on the covered deck. As we listened to the waves gently roll onto shore, seagulls calling overhead, and boats coming and going from the marina, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect birthday dinner than simply sharing fresh Alaskan fish with my best friend.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” — James 1:17

Of course, no birthday is complete without dessert.

So we made one final stop at Harbor Street Creamery for ice cream.

As we walked up, I noticed a young girl with braided hair waiting outside with her mom. They appeared to be locals waiting for the bus. The Lord gently nudged my heart, so I asked her mom if I could buy her daughter an ice cream.

Watching that little girl’s face light up with excitement as she received her cone brought me far more joy than eating my own.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35

That smile became one of the greatest birthday gifts I received all day.

Before leaving, another man was standing near our motorcycles. It appeared he may have been living out of his car. Melvin struck up a conversation, reminding him that God loved him. The man shared that he had learned Scripture while serving time in prison. Melvin gave him a Gospel tract, and a kind woman waiting for her shuttle bus generously handed him the leftovers from her dinner.

It was another beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest ministry happens in ordinary parking lots, unexpected conversations, and simple acts of kindness.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the ride back to camp became surprisingly chilly. Once we arrived, I settled into my nightly routine of uploading photos, editing video, and writing today’s blog while Melvin took the drone to Exit Glacier. After days of relentless wind, the skies had finally become calm enough to capture the aerial footage we had been hoping for.

When he returned, we built one final campfire with the last of our firewood. Sitting beside those glowing flames, I couldn’t help but reflect on how quickly these precious days in Seward had passed.

Tomorrow begins another chapter as we point our motorcycles north toward Wasilla, then Tok, before eventually crossing back into the Yukon and making our way to Haines to board the ferry on August 3.

The leisurely pace of Seward will soon give way to long miles once again.

As I looked into the fire, my heart overflowed with gratitude.

Another year of life.

Another birthday spent exploring God’s magnificent creation.

Another day filled with divine appointments, unexpected blessings, and reminders that the Lord is faithful wherever the road may lead.

Thank you to everyone who reached out with birthday wishes. You helped make this birthday one I’ll never forget.

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

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