We arrived in Columbus, Ohio, to visit with three sets of friends. The drive here was nice, and we noted several things about traveling in this area. 1) There is a lot more land available for use by everyone compared to California: parking lots are larger, parking spaces are wider, and lots are bigger for homes and businesses. 2) Lawns are greener. 3) There is much less diversity across rural counties, but a lot more in the cities.
On Sunday we enjoyed visiting with the Miesle family, and joined Don, Heather, Isaiah, and Elia in worship at their church. We visited their lovely home then walked to lunch only a block away. They are friends from the Good Samaritan United Methodist Church in Cupertino, where Heather and Ted did a lot of music together. We are very happy for how well Don and Heather are doing in Ohio.
After brunch with Phil and Judy Niemie on Monday morning, we enjoyed almost 20 miles of bicycle riding up the Alum River Parkway trail. It was great to get some exercise along with a lot of sharing of stories as we rode. Judy and Sue were roommates in college at Cal Poly, and they have continued to nurture their friendship through the years.
Monday evening led us to the home of Tim and Linda Hanes for a wonderful dinner together with them and their high school daughter, Kyra. They moved to the Columbus area sixteen years ago from Cupertino and they are friends from our church there. Of course, when we visit with dear friends, Sue enjoys talking some photos to share back with each family.
This concludes our friendship loop to visit with six families in Minnesotta, Illinois, and Ohio. It’s been a very fulfilling part of our journey. Tomorrow we leave travel north to the Cuyahoga National Park near Cleveland, and look forward to riding our bicycles on those trails.
Diane and I have very fond thoughts of you on our National Park vacation. We enjoy reading your blog, it brings back great memories. Happy trails and continued safe travels