Mountains

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

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