Second update from Don

You may recall that when I concluded my last epistle I told you we were looking forward to going to Bethel Church Prayer meeting in Redding? Well we duly arrived ready for prayer! Arrived and told it was not for visitors even though it was on their services website! No offer of coffee or walk round was offered so we left there feeling rejected and certainly not the welcome we had expected nor I believe people receive when they come to All saints.

Anyway we set off towards the coast down the Trinity highway which was built by Chinese immigrant workers through staggeringly beautiful countryside. Not as dramatic as previous days, but the beauty just goes on and on. By midday I was ready for my Espresso and asked a flagman at some roadworks who told us to go to Willow Creek (no not that Willow Creek) just a village with a petrol station and a coffee shop. Perfect.

You know how they say you should never judge a book by its cover well I fancied staying at a town called Eureka (I’ve found it) but when we got there it was a very dark place the sort of I’d like to loose it again kind of place. We went for a walk along what was called the board-walk where there seemed an inordinate number of people with mental handicap, and homeless. It was the kind of place where the motel supplied a free Limo to take you into town and pick you up so you didn’t have to walk. The receptionist said that the people gathered there because of the excellent care offered by the community for the most disadvantaged of the state. Caused me to ponder about our outreach into the needy of our community. To add to this it was cloudy and cold. We even had our fleeces on in the car!

Next morning we were glad to get up and leave Eureka in search of the Mighty Redwoods in the Avenue of the Giants. Some of these trees were more than 2000 years old. Older than the Christian church let alone our church building. It was just awesome to see these mighty trees reaching so high up to the light as if in worship of the creator.

Now heading south on the Pacific highway 1 I get my first sight of the mighty Pacific Ocean and what a sight it was with sun glistening off the top of the rollers as they make their way break upon the shore. We stay in a B&B in Mendicino a beautiful village perched in the top of the cliffs. When we arrive there is a shroud of mist over the water. We ate at an “English pub” full of life and vitality. Why do Americans speak so loudly when they have drunk decent beer? I had Shepherd pie and it was great washed down with a drinkable IPA beer. Next morning the mist had cleared and it was a clear morning and we didn’t want to leave our little cliff top retreat, but we had to move.

WE passed through many seaside villages one called Manchester, though we did not seem to be travelling close to the Ocean we got the occasional glimpse. At one of these I had to stop just to put my feet in the water. Passing thought perhaps if I were to have a “bucket list” (things to do before I go to glory) it would be to dip my toes in every ocean in the planet.

Next stop San Francisco. We had lodging a Christian retreat house for three nights and though we explored the city cannot say I was greatly struck particularly in comparison to God’s amazing glory of creation.

We did one of our church visits to Menlo Park Presbyterian church where we met the Worship leader Leanne Benton. She was so helpful and encouraging talking abut the struggles that they have to address when effecting change. She did let slip that when they decided to plant a church they had an appeal and raised $12million! but can’t get anyone to do anything! Condalisa Rice is one of their 8.00am congregation and have 80 people on paid staff. Just like Normanton; not.

Further down the coast to Santa Cruz where we popped in for a coffee at Vintage Faith church where they had redecorated there room which was not dissimilar from our parish rooms but made it into a lovely welcoming shop who prided themselves in serving the best coffee in town. I left believing that here was a church which had a very laid back attitude to achieving excellence in all ways. We unfortunately were unable to spend time with any church leaders because they were all away.

Onward to Monterey for two nights. What an absolutely stunning place. We went on a boat Whale watching and were treated to the sight of a number of Blue Whales on migration. We had seen the biggest trees, the lowest valley, some of the highest mountains and now the biggest animal on earth. We stayed in a B&B called Jabberwock where everything followed the theme Alice in Wonderland.

Dawn drove down the coast through the Big Sur where the mountains meet the ocean. We stopped for a coffee high above the ocean and along a road clinging precariously against the mountains and over bridges.

After a night in a motel we continued down the pacific coast soaking in the sight of the sea sparkling in bright sunlight. Then taking a 14mile detour to a beach that words are unable to describe so perfect in every way. I could no longer resist it so on went the swimming gear and body boarding in the waves was fantastic. Though the surf wasn’t high it looked pretty big when I was in the water without a board. The power of the breaking surf rattled around me and drove me on to the shore. Just a mere tickle in the ever recycling waves beating upon the coast line.

Tonight we are at our friends near LA catching up on stuff; like washing(!) emails etc. before going to church tomorrow and then visits on Monday.

So we have completed the full circle now further south and then East. You might think that with so much to see we might become blasé about seeing so many incredible sights, but God constantly amazes us with His creative ability.