More Misty Moto Magic (Scandinavian Edition)

It would have been even more magical if Renee had come along... She was tripping to Michigan, Kentucky and Colorado for the wedding of Ali Graff and visits with our Tabitha and Joshua. The Norway June weather would not have appealed to her. My 12-day adventure included two pretty wet days, several mixed, and some near-freezing high country stretches with snow and ice lakes next to the road. My rain-resistant layers kept me warm and content most of the time, with the only annoyance being soggy gloves that had to be wrung out and a visor whose anti-fog feature had worn off, requiring me to keep it open, allowing more raindrops to collect inside and outside in my field of vision. Thank God for heated grips on the bike (hands kept comfy, once the puddles in my gloves warmed up). And the human brain does an amazing adjustment to compensate for persistent eyesight hindrances... I was soon able to focus and enjoy the scenery immensely, even through the water droplets. Traffic was so light that I was rarely even in view of another vehicle, so none of that icky road spray from ahead.

My overall impression of Norway: What I'd imagine the earth was like just after the great floodwaters of Noah's day had receded... waterfalls coming off almost every mountainside... rivers, lakes and fjords everywhere. Here's a link to a photo album with more descriptive captions:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2021563&l=a6aff&id=65801489

Currently Reading Secrets of the Vine: Breaking Through to Abundance (Breakthrough Series) By Bruce Wilkinson see related

Abiding

Some refreshing words from the mini-book I just finished:

"Abiding is all about the most important friendship of your life. Abiding doesn't measure how much you know about your faith or your Bible. In abiding, you seek, long for, thirst for, wait for, see, know, love, hear, and respond to... a person."

"When you read your Bible, receive and savor it like food, like a treasure, like a love letter from God to you. Remember, you're reading in order to meet Someone. Ponder what you've read, and apply it to your present circumstances. Let it go down into the core of your being. And as you read, expect Him to commune with you. Paul advised, 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly' (Colossians 3:16)."

Looking Forward or Looking Back?

Cross-country runners (+ a few local hikers & mountain bikers) might recognize the forest fork in the road pictured above. It's on our school course for cross-country competitions, where runners head out to the right and return from the left. The view represents looking forward and looking back. I'm a future-thinker, contemplating the next adventure in life. On the other hand, I don't like major transitions, so tend to ponder escape routes to past successes and familiar scenarios when doubting where I'm at. Discontentment can be the real culprit robbing me of peace. I must remind myself to refocus rearward glances on God's faithfulness in my journey down yesterday's roads. Then I can grow into new challenges with added assurance that He will continue to be faithful ahead.

Misty Moto Magic

The first weekend tour on the Yamaha... A bit risky this time of year, with weather uncertainties. The predictions were looking decent... highs of 16c (60f) and precipitive probability fairly low. So we went for it.

A humble hotel in Hergiswil (just past Luzern) made for a reasonable target (125 km) for a Friday afternoon ride. Warmer afternoon fog burn-off forcasts were overly optimistic... It barely broke 10c(50f) all weekend. It was all worth it... much-needed rejuvination came as we enjoyed mystical views from our hotel room, unhurried strolls through the historic glass-factory town, and the ongoing magic of soul-mates abiding together.

A longer scenic route home (210 km) took us around the shoreline of Luzern's lake and through fall-painted countryside near Zurich. 

   "Room with a view" of Hergiswil on Luzern's lake... See Mama-G's Xanga for more photos.

Farewell to a Faithful Friend 

Lots of fond memories... 50,000 K's over 6 years, through Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Italy and as far as England and Scotland. Why would I want to replace the Deauville when it was still going strong? Time sneaks up on us in many facets of life, and I foresaw the increasing investment that the aging Honda would require in the coming year. Longer trips would stir added uneasiness as the chances of breakdown would grow. A nearby Yamaha dealer honored my old friend with a worthy trade-in value. And the autumn 10% price reductions and 1% financing rates were further enticements. So adieu old Deauville and Yo-hello Yamaha. Our air therapy has risen to new heights, with  larger luggage allowance, doubled passing power, safer stopping system and winter warmth-enhancing features. Special thanks to Mama-G for being so supportive through this transition... Looking forward to riding off into the sunset on our silver "horse" together for years to come.