Thursday, July 3, 2003

Fort Smith, Arkansas

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It is sometimes too easy to think that what we are doing doesn't mean anything or that no one is interested in our adventure.  Our visit to the Rustling Winds Mental Health clinic changed our perception.  So in honor of the wonderful people at Rustling Winds, we dedicated our day's ride to them.

Although Mark was still recovering from his illness, he bravely (or foolishly) joined Bruce and Jim on today's ride. 

Here the boys play a game they made popular in Oklahoma.  It's called dodge the roadkill armadillo.  Theories abound on how these poor animals end up on the shoulders of so many Oklahoma highways.  The boys believe the rodents inadvertanly meet their maker in Texas and are quietly shipped to Oklahoma for disposal.  Whatever the reason, we played dodge the dead armadillo all day long.

More action packed pics of the boys riding.  The day was hot and humid but the shoulders were good.  All in all a great day to ride.

Along the way we stopped at the Rustling Woods Mental Health clinic in Poteau, Oklahoma.  We met these fine folks on our way out to our starting point in Seattle, Washington and agreed to return on our way through Oklahoma.  It was great to see them again and we were gratified to see their interest in our progress.  Pictured behind the staff is a map detailing our journey across the country.  Their genuine concern and belief in our mission was heartfelt and it was a very pleasant visit.  It's so nice to know others are following our journey across the country and it gives us renewed inspiration and determination to touch as many people as we can.  Thank you to all who support us as we travel across the country.  Pictured with the boys are Heidi Upton, Melissa Hurst, and Pooh from Rustling Woods.

Pictured here is Kathleen, daughter of one of the staff members at Rustling Woods.

The boys poses by the Rustling Woods sign after our visit.

Along the way we meet so many wonderful people during our rest stops.  One such fine person was Floyd Allen.  Floyd observed our ride and stopped to offer us lunch at a local Sonic. We had a great time visiting with Floyd and wish him well. 

Tomorrow we visit a HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas followed by an evening 4th of July ceremony by the river.  It should be a great day.

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