I don’t have much time before I get going again today, but I wanted to touch on a few highlights:
Mic from Tonto Basin walked 15 miles with me, uphill. That is no small feat. It took 7 hours.
When we crested the big hill, he calls “The Taco” because of it’s shape, he said, “Wow, I didn’t think I would make it. I feel so proud.” Then he grinned wide and said, “We’re the meat in the Taco.” He’d been waiting all day to be able to say that. 🙂
I stayed at Jake’s Corner RV Park. When I walked in, I had no where to stay that night. The owner came up to me with a pool cue in his hands. I thought that if the owner plays pool with the guests, it’s a good sign. I asked about accommodations, and they put me up in a cute little RV, fed me dinner and shared stories. Great place, fun people, a real community.
I didn’t make it to Payson. I walked 17 miles, 8 of it straight up hill and my feet were killing. Honestly, I was ready to sit down on the side of the road and cry. Then, as with every time I’ve needed something on this trip, I saw two Highway Patrol cars just up ahead. I asked how far it was into Payson and the policewoman said, “About 3 more miles.” She looked at my weary face and offered to give me a ride.
I stayed with a nice Mormon family in Payson. The wife included me in her girl’s night out, which included a yummy dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and shopping at Walmart, where I got gel inserts to cushion my sore feet. Before this project, I have met very few members of the Church of Latter Day Saints, but on this journey they have been incredibly nice and helpful. They have a strong community and faith, and live up to their christian values of helping out strangers. What I like most is how sweet their are with their children. If you can judge a community by a few members, then I have to say that Mormons are good people.
So, that’s all I have time for today. I need to put on my walking shoes and start my day. I hope the internet works for at least part of it. Mountains are not good for reception, but the certainly are spectacular!
Love,
-Laura
