Between Gratitude and the Next Adventure

There was no alarm clock this morning. No schedule to keep. No rush to pack the motorcycles. Just the gentle sway of the ferry and the gift of uninterrupted rest. After weeks of early mornings and countless miles on the road, a quiet day at sea felt like one more expression of God’s kindness.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:2-3

Around 9:00 a.m., we wandered up to the dining hall for breakfast and found a table overlooking the water. I enjoyed French toast while Melvin had eggs and toast. We lingered longer than usual, simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery as the ferry glided through the Inside Passage. Snow-capped mountains faded into rolling green hills, islands drifted by, and the calm waters reflected the beauty of the Creator.

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

It’s amazing how slowing down allows you to notice what God has been displaying all along.

After breakfast, Melvin relaxed in our stateroom while I headed to the front lounge to continue editing our YouTube videos. I worked through the morning until lunchtime. We each grabbed a cup of coffee and split a grilled cheese sandwich with a warm pretzel.

As always, we ran into Adam in the snack lounge. It seemed every time we walked in, our conversations simply picked up where they had left off. Three days aboard a ferry has a way of turning strangers into familiar faces. By now, it felt like we had met nearly everyone on board.

One of the sweetest moments of the day came when we noticed a gentleman looking for a place to sit. Every table was full, so we invited him to join us. His name was Dan, although everyone simply calls him “Coach Dan” because he’s a tennis coach. He also loves playing guitar and had been sharing his music in the ferry lounge during the voyage.

Dan was returning to California after spending time with his brother in Wrangell. His brother, a retired Alaska State Trooper, loved Wrangell so much that he made it his home. Every year Dan rides the ferry north to spend a few weeks with him.

As the conversation unfolded, Melvin shared about our motorcycle journey and our mission to encourage others to follow Christ. Before long, Dan shared his own testimony. He had studied to become a pastor through the Presbyterian church before experiencing a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit that completely transformed his walk with God. Listening to him describe how the Lord had changed his life was a beautiful reminder that God continues to write redemption stories in every generation.

The conversation naturally turned toward revival. Melvin and Dan talked about the Azusa Street Revival and Charles Finney’s ministry during the great revivals that swept through New York’s Burned-over District. It was refreshing to hear two believers, who had just met, talking about what God has done throughout history and praying that He would do it again.

“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” — Psalm 85:6

While they continued talking, I slipped back to the front lounge to work on another video. Throughout the afternoon, the captain would occasionally announce sightings of orcas or humpback whales. Every announcement sent everyone hurrying toward the windows. I’d gladly pause my editing to watch another glimpse of God’s incredible creation.

By mid-afternoon, I decided it was time to put the laptop away. The sunshine was warm, the breeze was gentle, and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Melvin and I spent the afternoon standing on the back deck, listening to the steady hum of the ferry as it carved its way through the narrow straits of British Columbia. The water sparkled like glass while forested islands and towering mountains slowly drifted past.

There was nowhere we needed to be except exactly where God had us.

Soon our friends Rob and David joined us. We had first met them back in Haines while boarding the ferry with our motorcycles. They live in Washington and had spent several weeks riding their Harley-Davidsons throughout Alaska before making their way home.

For the next couple of hours we leaned against the railings talking about motorcycles, faith, future adventures, and everything we had experienced in Alaska. We laughed about the roads we loved, the challenges we’d faced, and the things we’d do differently if we ever made the trip again.

One thing we all agreed on—Alaska changes you.

Around 6:30 we headed to the dining hall for our final dinner aboard the ferry. Melvin ordered the enchiladas with rice while I enjoyed a Cobb salad. We finished the meal with hot coffee and a slice of carrot cake.

The food throughout the voyage had been excellent, and every crew member had treated us with such kindness. We would absolutely recommend traveling aboard the Alaska Marine Highway. It had become much more than transportation—it had become part of the adventure.

After dinner, we carried a few bags down to the motorcycles so we’d be ready for our early departure in Bellingham the next morning.

As I stood beside Gracie, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude.

Tomorrow we would roll off the ferry and officially leave Alaska behind.

It felt bittersweet.

For nearly seven weeks Alaska had been our home. It had challenged us with rain, gravel roads, mechanical breakdowns, wildlife, long days, and unforgettable mountain vistas. It had introduced us to lifelong friends, generous strangers, and countless divine appointments. God had met us around campfires, in cabins, on lonely highways, in church services, and beside breathtaking glaciers.

Leaving felt a little like saying goodbye to a dear friend.

Yet as emotional as it was to leave, there was also excitement stirring in our hearts. The final leg of our 66-day journey stretched before us across the Upper 48. New roads, new conversations, and new opportunities to share Jesus were already waiting.

God wasn’t staying behind in Alaska.

He was already waiting for us down the next highway.

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

As we watched the sun sink lower over the Pacific, I was reminded that every chapter of this adventure has been written by the Lord. Alaska may have been the destination we dreamed about, but His presence has always been the greatest part of the journey.

And tomorrow…

A brand-new chapter begins.

If you’ve been following along on this incredible 66-day adventure, thank you for riding with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and support have meant more than you’ll ever know. We’d love for you to continue following the journey by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following us on Facebook at Wrights On A Mission.

Until tomorrow…

Keep your eyes on the road, your heart fixed on Christ, and never stop following wherever He leads.