Lava Hot Springs and Support Team!

What a treat to have our route take us through Lava Hot Springs Idaho!  We were blessed by a wonderful stay at the Serenity House which included beds, breakfast and road side assistance.  The owner Jack lived just down the road and came by to meet us and bring us special bread.  When our van wouldn't start the next morning he drove over to give a jump start to get us on our way.  He also sent along delicious dried fruit and cookies he had made.

When we first arrived in Lava Hot Springs we met Mike and Darla walking their dog.  Darla invited us to stop by Blue Moon Bar & Grill the next day for the best cheeseburgers around.  She has worked there for 27 years and wasn't joking about making a mean bacon cheeseburger!  Wow!  As an avid cycler, runner and swimmer, she appreciated the challenge of unicycling across America.  When we arrived at The Blue Moon she even gave us a bag full of energy gel, chews and bars!  When Dustin brought his unis in to get a picture, another customer asked to see him get on.  Dustin hopped on and rode around the bar for a little demo.  Darla announced to everyone in there about the Refuge Ride and the need of Syrian refugees.  Thanks Darla for blessing us along our journey!

Can't forget to mention that we were able to enjoy the actual hot springs in Lava Hot Springs!  They had many pools varying in degrees from 112f to 102f.  I don't think we made it past 105f degrees.  Super relaxing and about zapped us of all energy for the night!

We are so thankful to have Dustin's mom and step-dad with us these days!  It's been over 2 weeks now and we are still enjoying each others company.  Many of their friends think they are out on vacation but we have really put them to work.  Each day they drive us to where we left off the previous evening.  They patiently wait for us to stretch, apply sunscreen and muster enough umph to get on our unis and head out for the day.  They pray with us then off we go.

They drive our route for the day scouting out the roads and services along the way and report back to us their findings.  On a few really cold and rainy days they have stopped with us every few miles to let us jump in the warm van for breaks.  Heading up and down some long mountains with low visibility they have driven slowly behind us, with flashers flashing to ensure cars pass us with care.  They drive ahead to our lodging for the night, check in, put our bags in our room, stock our fridge and set out snacks.  We are getting spoiled!  It is so encouraging to see their friendly faces throughout the day keeping us encouraged and laughing.

We get an email each day from Katie's dad telling us where we will eat dinner that night.  He spends time calling restaurants each day finding places that will donate meals for us, helping cut costs and allow more money raised go to the refugees.  Such a blessing to have dinner decisions taken care of!  He has also been contacting media along the way, which has resulted in numerous radio, newspaper and TV spots.

And we know there are countless more praying with us and sharing about this project and giving generously!  For all this we are thankful!  Keep it up team!

Darla at the Blue Moon