We woke up knowing that it was going to rain on this day; the expectation was for rain in the afternoon, evening, night, and next morning. So we expected it and knew that we would find a motel early and hole up for the afternoon and next morning.

But we decided that we could probably get into downtown Holland, MI to see Hope College and the lighthouse called ‘the big red lighthouse.’ Here is Hope College; a nice looking downtown Dutch Reformed, liberal arts college:

And here is Big Red–best looking one yet:

Then it rained. We pulled into a gas station to discuss how to proceed. I opened the I-Pad and discovered that we could get into dry pavement just a few miles North on Hwy 31, and that there was a Grand Traverse Pie Company store just 22 miles North. Off we went.

Sure enough, it got dry and we found the pie store (our favorite pie in the world–just like the one’s my mom, Viola, made at home.

We waited about an hour for the rain that had caught up with us to pass. Then we went North on 31 to below Muskegon and a Comfort Inn where I have Gold status and points. We had reserved a room, got there very early before check-in time, but we not only got a room; we got an upgrade to a suite on the top floor. Whee! Take a look, we both have a TV:

AND the U.S. Open tennis has started. Hog heaven. Had a great afternoon lounging in luxury watching the greatest tennis in the world.

Why do we do this? Because of days like today, we do this. We remember a day in upstate New York when this happened and we ordered a rental car Enterprise and went out to see the sights. This small setback can’t stop a true biker. Never has stopped us.

There is nothing like getting to spend this kind of quality time with a best friend from junior high school. We are blessed and know it. Proud to share that with you all. Good night; love you Lil.