Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Weather conditions:
High – 81
Low – 65
Early to rise again this morning to beat the heat and storms. As we were tearing down, I felt like I was at the end of a vacation and returning to work. We were in the midst of our packing and preparing for work, when we had the privilege if meeting P. G. Manners’ wife, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law. His mother-in-law, Boots, brought us some donuts and sausage biscuit sandwiches from “Daylight Donuts”. (See Instagram @separateboats.) The donuts were freshly made this morning and melted in your mouth. The biscuit was tender and flaky! Yumminess!
Everything where it belongs, we rolled the boats to the boat ramp and were soon on our way. We may have been returning to work, but I must say we have a very large and beautiful office! John checked the radar quite frequently for storms, hoping to be aware of any encroaching weather in time to seek shelter off the river. Around 10:00 the radar indicated some storms in our vicinity. We found a safe place to pull off, put up the tent (our break room – see Instagram @ separateboats), and stay dry. As has happened time and time again, we zipped the tent just as the first raindrops could be heard hitting the tent. (Feeling the prayers.) Rain, thunder, and lightning lasted for approximately three hours. We passed the time by taking a nap. This is how I remember that three-hour stretch….. Tent zipped, rain begins, lightning flashed, thunder rumbled, I dreamed, and I awoke to silence. We took down the tent and were back on the water by 1:30.
We traveled a total of 23 miles and found our home for the night around 3:30. We were barely out of the boats (I hadn’t even peed.) when fishermen Dale and Joe pulled over and tossed us some bottled water. Twenty minutes after they left to run their nets they stopped back to show us their massive catch of Asian Carp. Yep, these guys are actually fishing for them and are working towards 2 million lbs. (That is NOT a misprint- see Instagram) They are preparing to open a processing plant in order to utilize this invasive fish to feed people. (We even have a social life in the bush.)
Not a very eventful day, but each mile paddled is one stroke closer to our final goal!
Thanks for following our adventure. For photos and videos of the events mentioned in this daily journal, check us out on Instagram @ separateboats.
Also, please continue to pray for and support our charity, The Fortress. Check out our “Charity Page” – you can donate using the Pay Pal button. Thank you.
I just found out you two were doing this.. ( thanks goes to
Tiffany for Facebook befriending me ).. I been reading your daily blog also reading the why you are doing this for the charity … And I must says you two have so much courage and strength I have found my self in awe… So My prayers daily for you will be that not only you make it safe to the Gulf but that your trip has impacted many not only through the Charity but through your faith… God Bless, God Speed, Stay safe.
Hi becky! Your prayers couldn’t be more spot on. Thank you so much. We certainly notice everyone’s prayers and appreciate and need them. It is so good to hear from you . How have you been? We love you and are so glad you reached out to us.