Springer's Journey

October 9, 2026 — Hurricane Mills, Tennessee

Sometimes inspiration arrives when you least expect it.

And sometimes it arrives on three wheels.

Yesterday evening, a couple pulled into the campground at Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, on a beautiful touring motorcycle. They were staying in the cabin directly across from mine.

Their names are Zee and Roger.

Zee is 81 years old. Roger is 80.

And they’ve been together for forty years.

ARE YOU SERIOUS??!!

Last evening, Zee came over and sat with me for a while. We visited, got acquainted, and shared a little of our stories.

And this morning, before they continued their travels, I had the pleasure of making them some coffee with my French press and electric kettle.

Just a couple of cups of coffee for two fellow travelers.

But what Zee told me has stayed with me.

She explained that one of the reasons they travel is because they want to inspire other people.

Well, Zee and Roger, I have news for you.

Mission accomplished.

There’s something wonderful about meeting two people in their eighties who are still curious about what lies around the next bend in the road.

They haven’t decided that adventure belongs exclusively to younger people.

They’re out there living it.

And they’re sharing that enthusiasm with the people they meet along the way.

I asked if I could take their photograph and include them in Springer’s Journey. They kindly agreed.

I’m so glad they did.

Because I think their story deserves to travel a little farther than their motorcycle can take them.

I don’t know all the roads they’ve traveled together during those forty years. I don’t know every challenge they’ve faced or every beautiful place they’ve seen.

But I do know what I witnessed this morning.

Two people with smiles on their faces, another destination ahead of them, and a genuine desire to encourage others.

And they certainly encouraged me.

That’s one of the things I’m discovering on this journey of my own.

Sometimes the most memorable part of a place isn’t the scenery, the history, or even the destination.

Sometimes it’s the people you meet along the way.

So here’s to Zee and Roger.

Thank you for the visit, the conversation, and the reminder that curiosity and adventure don’t come with an expiration date.

I hope the road ahead brings you many more wonderful discoveries.

And if our paths ever cross again, the coffee is on me.

Keep exploring, Zee and Roger.

You’ve already inspired at least one fellow traveler.

P.S.  Zee shared with me this morning that at their Church they sing “Amazing Grace” to the tune of “House of the Rising Sun!  That’s going to be in my mind all day and I’m going to try to work it out on my bass! 😂

❤️