The big day has finally arrived after months of prayer, planning, and preparation. After a prayer in the parking lot, we got both vehicles loaded up, and those riding and driving headed for the ferry dock. We were all excited to cross over to the Boliver Peninsula and start towards Port Arthur, our destination for today. The Boliver Peninsula is like a barrier island across the mouth of Galveston Bay. We could see the Boliver lighthouse as we crossed the Bay. It was reported that Devon saw some dolphins , but I didn't see any. Once we got to the other side, we got organized and started riding.

Along Hwy 124, people were trying to catch crabs (I think). Passed through some small resorty towns with vacation rentals of homes on stilts. Crystal Beach, Caplan, Gilchrist, and High Island (where Hwy 124 turned directions from NE to straight North.) Stopped at a convience-store and gave a mother and two kids a ride brochure, and they gave us two $5 bills. First donation during the ride! Continued North for another 18 miles to Stowell, which is right near where the I-10 crosses. Sherri, Mary Ann, Charlotte and I met up, and then ate lunch from the cooler in the shade of some trees near the drive up lanes at a bank.

Got on Hwy 73 towards Port Arthur. Four lane divided highway but surface was rough. Lots of road kill; wild boars, snakes, armadillos ... oh my! It got to be quite hot. Arrived in Port Arthur but it took awhile to get the directions to the church. Some how, the few turns we had to make became complicated, but we managed to get there. Sacred Heart/St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church is hosting us. We managed to get there in time for Gary, Devon, Heather, and Hope to go to Mass. Amazingly, the service lasted close to 1 1/2 hours. Gary spoke about our ride, from what I understand. We showered late in the afternoon at a neighborhood public swimming pool. Our hostess Sheryl had arranged for that for us.

I was not feeling well (having an atrial fib event) so Charlotte and I stayed in the church while the rest went out to dinner at Applebee's. They didn't get there until after 8:00 p.m. Originally I had asked them to bring me a salad, but when Heather called to tell me how late they were running, I told her not to bother. I just fixed a quesadilla with lettuce and called it good.

They all returned to the church about 9:30 pm but I was pretty much asleep by then.

With love from the road,
Marie