Every Mile Reveals His Glory

Last night, after setting up our tent, Melvin and I took a short 0.8 km walk down to Kathleen Lake. It was around 8:30 p.m., yet the evening still felt alive with light. A few people lingered from a book reading event that had been held at the day-use area, but otherwise the shoreline was quiet and peaceful.

The lake rested against a rugged rocky shoreline while towering mountains stood like silent guardians in the distance. The evening sun hung just low enough to cast a shimmering reflection across the calm water. A fishing boat was pulling out of the launch as we slowly wandered along the rocks, soaking in the beauty of God’s creation.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” — Psalm 19:1

Moments like these remind me that creation itself continually points us back to the Creator. No cathedral built by man can compare to the sanctuary God has fashioned with mountains, lakes, forests, and open skies.

As we made our way back across the parking lot, we met the fishermen who had just returned. Melvin asked if they had caught anything.

“Yes,” one of them replied with a smile. “Our kids did.”

Then the older gentleman added, “Today is August 1st. Hunting season opened this morning. You can’t hunt here, but look what we saw.”

He held up his phone to show us a magnificent bull moose with an incredible 60-inch antler spread. I had never seen anything like it. What an amazing sight that must have been!

Just then one of the younger men walked over after cleaning the fish they had caught—beautiful Kokanee salmon.

They asked where we had traveled from.

“Central New York…the Adirondacks,” we answered.

“And we rode our motorcycles all the way here.”

Their eyes grew wide.

“All the way here on motorcycles?”

We laughed and told them we had already traveled more than 7,500 miles and were making our way to Haines to catch the ferry.

It was such a pleasant conversation. They were camping nearby and even invited us to join them for some fresh salmon. Although we politely declined, we were touched by their kindness. Encounters like these continue to remind us how often God places generous people along our path.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” — Hebrews 13:2

As we continued our walk back to camp, I noticed a gentleman from Canada preparing dinner beside his camper van. His pull-out kitchen immediately caught my eye.

“That is such a neat setup!” I told him.

The entire kitchen slid out from the van’s side door. Beautiful handcrafted wooden cabinets provided storage, while a single-burner propane stove held a frying pan filled with peppers and onions he was slicing on a cutting board. Nearby, another burner simmered away in a saucepot.

He smiled and said, “I love to cook.”

“I can see why,” I replied. “What a beautiful place to cook dinner. You couldn’t ask for a better view.”

He looked out toward the lake and simply smiled in agreement.

Sometimes joy isn’t found in extravagant moments but in simple conversations with strangers while dinner cooks beside a mountain lake.

With grateful hearts, Melvin and I finished the hike back to our tent and settled in for another peaceful night’s sleep.

The cool mountain air greeted us this morning as I brewed coffee and made pancakes with Kathleen Lake and the majestic mountains serving as our breakfast view. Before leaving, we rode back down to the shoreline one last time to capture a few more pictures.

Some places are simply hard to leave.

Around 11:00 a.m. we were back on the road.

Today’s mileage wasn’t long, but every mile was breathtaking.

The weather was perfect, the pavement smooth, and God’s handiwork surrounded us in every direction. Lush green mountains rolled endlessly across the landscape, draped with wisps of clouds. Deep valleys gave way to winding rivers as we traveled through the Yukon before crossing into British Columbia.

Around nearly every bend another snow-covered peak appeared. Occasionally, a glacier filled a mountain crevice like a frozen river suspended in time.

We only spotted one small bear cub today, but honestly, the scenery itself was enough to keep our eyes constantly wandering.

“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

One of today’s most memorable stops wasn’t a scenic overlook—it was an emergency wilderness shelter.

Out here, rest stops are few and far between. Most consist of nothing more than an outhouse. But this particular stop included a small cabin built as a refuge for anyone stranded in the wilderness.

Inside were bunk beds with sleeping bags, shelves stocked with oatmeal, macaroni, canned beans, tea, emergency food, first aid supplies, a wood stove with firewood, a table, chairs, and even a guest book where travelers could leave their names and where they were from.

The mountain wind had turned chilly, with temperatures dropping into the low 50s, so Melvin and I stepped inside to enjoy a snack from our saddlebags. Sitting there in that tiny cabin, we couldn’t help but admire the kindness of complete strangers who had stocked it for someone they would likely never meet.

It reminded me how God often prepares provision before we even know we’ll need it.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

After signing the guest book, we climbed back on the bikes and continued another thirty miles until we crossed the border back into Alaska. From there it was just forty-four more miles to Haines.

Originally, we planned to camp, but instead we found a charming historic hotel—the Halsingland Hotel.

Established in 1947, the hotel occupies the former commanding officers’ and bachelor officers’ quarters of historic Fort William H. Seward. Five World War II veterans and Swedish immigrant Hilma Mattson transformed the 1904 military buildings into a lodge, naming it after her home province of Hälsingland, Sweden.

The moment I walked inside, I fell in love.

The tall windows, elegant drapes, antique furniture, fireplaces, original wooden staircase, steam radiators, and timeless craftsmanship made it feel like stepping back into another era. Every detail told a story.

Perched high on the hillside, the hotel overlooked beautiful Portage Cove where large ships docked below. Parking the motorcycles on the steep road proved to be quite the challenge, so we found a level spot on the front lawn before walking into town for dinner.

Just fourteen minutes later we arrived at the Bamboo Room Restaurant and Pioneer Bar, another beautiful historic building filled with old photographs, vintage décor, and plenty of local character.

Our waiter, Ryan, greeted us warmly. We shared a basket of fish and chips, a bowl of homemade mushroom soup, blueberry pie with whipped topping, and cheesecake. Every bite was delicious.

During our conversation, we asked Ryan, “What do you think Jesus would ride?”

With a grin he answered, “A chariot.”

We all laughed together before sharing a little about our journey and our faith. Even simple conversations over dinner can become opportunities to plant seeds for God’s Kingdom.

“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

As we left the restaurant, we met two fellow adventure riders heading inside for dinner. After chatting briefly, we discovered they would also be riding the ferry in the morning.

“See you on the ferry tomorrow!”

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed hot showers, caught up on uploading footage, charged batteries, and I finished writing today’s blog.

As I reflect on today, I realize that while the scenery was unforgettable, what blessed me most were the people. Everywhere we go, God continues to remind us that this journey is about so much more than miles. It’s about seeing His fingerprints in creation, His provision in unexpected places, and His love reflected in the kindness of strangers.

Every day we travel, He gives us another reminder that we’re never simply riding roads—we’re walking in His purposes.

If you’ve been following along on this incredible 66-day adventure, thank you for riding with us. We would love for you to continue the journey by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following us on Facebook @wrightsonamission.

Until tomorrow… keep your eyes on the road, your heart fixed on Jesus, and never stop looking for the divine appointments He places along the way.