Day 43: "Far out" in Woodstock

Today I rode a delightful 81 miles from Madison to Woodstock. Here's some of the things that made it enjoyable:
1. An extra hour and 1/2 of sleep this morning because I didn't feel like getting up.
2. A renewed appetite for oatmeal (It hadn't sounded good since the first week; I thought I might have permanently damaged my taste for it by "ODing" on it the first few days)
3. Good conversation with my riding partner, Mark F.
4. Mostly County Roads with limited traffic.
5. Beautiful weather, with a weak headwind, throughout the day.
6. The chance to watch a hawk up close.
7. A wonderful lunch provided by Delavan CRC, featuring an assortment of pasta, jello, and garden salads, Italian Beef and Sloppy Joes, and playful conversation with members of the church.
8. A phone call from my son Michael, who has just returned to the States from a week in El Salvador. He thought it was a great way to end his internship.
9. An unexpected stop for free ice water, handed out by a group of physically and mentally impaired residents of a group home. As I thanked them, one replied that their goal was to share the love of Jesus and inspire people to love each other. I believe they accomplished both of their goals. I pray that God will use Sea to Sea as he used them.
10. Plenty of leg strength and "seat comfort" for the ride.

What can I say in response to all these blessings? In Woodstock, the only appropriate response is, "Far Out!" God is so groovy!