Day 36 - Thankful for the rain

Today was another rainy day.  We started off in the dry.  We rode for about an hour with no rain, but looking at the skies, we knew that it wouldn’t last.  It started raining and rained pretty steady after that.  However, I quite enjoyed the ride today.  There wasn’t anything of significance that took place, but I was just thinking on the bike how much I enjoy showering first thing in the morning and I thought, “This riding in the rain is much like a shower that just keeps going and going”.  I also have this waterproof container for my cell phone and found that I could attach it to my brake cables on the handlebars and that I could turn on music and listen to it.  I actually started some conference talks and listened to those.  It did a lot for me to have a little religion in my day.

We are just outside of Surf City, NC.  We rode about 65 miles today and are again holed up in a motel.  I think I have mentioned that due to our budget, these motels are the kind that you would normally not stay at.  This one is a little on the trashy side.  I do think that I would give up the bed and sleep in my tent in return for some dryer weather.

You all might be wondering if I am glad I made the decision to come, considering all the weather related things that have been going on.  I am happy that I came on this trip.  It has given me the experience of long-term touring that I wanted and I have met some great people and made some good friendships.  I have learned a lot about bicycle touring and I have had fun learning.  I am seeing a part of this country that I have not visited before and to tell you the truth, I am learning much about myself.  Being away from friends and family helps one realize how important things and people are in your life.  I miss foremost, my sweetheart Carey.  I really wish that she could be here with me.  I miss my family and I miss the people that I work with.  I miss going to church and all the friends that I have there.  I miss my clients and being involved with them in their businesses.  I miss my own home.  I even miss Yoda, our cat.  I am very blessed though, because I will be back with these things soon.  This  world is a beautiful place and I thank my Heavenly Father for it and all the blessings He has given me in life.