We started the day like celebrities. Adam Loeser did a live interview for the local Channel 3 News, Jorge had a great Skype interview with LA's ABC7, and we got followed out of the city by a news helicopter. It was awesome. I started off the day with a flat tire that just wouldn't quit, and then Marv ended up w/ a wrecked derailer (his bike basically ate it).
Jorge finally got his picture with a saguaro, something he's been talking about since Parker. We also had tons of honks/waves/shouts of encouragement, so to anyone reading this in the states of Arizona and New Mexico, keep em comin.
The weather on the way into Payson deserves it's own paragraph. After we stopped to meet the Tonto Basin Fire Dept (they graciously brought us Gatorade and water), they told us to watch out for the monsoon rolling in. I'm sorry, what? Monsoon? I thought this was Arizona. You know, like, the desert? Oh no. Monsoon is a good word. As we climbed the long hill into Payson we were greeted by cracks of thunder and bolts of lightning. And then came the downpour. It's was literally dumping buckets on us during the last mile into Payson, but it actually felt pretty good. Rob said it started raining in the motorhome, not cool.
We were greeted in Payson by Battalion Chief Fife and the rest of Payson FD, as well as LaRon Garrett, Public Works Director, and escorted through Payson by both fire and police. We stayed the night in Payson's brand spanking new $2 million fire station. The hospitality we've encountered along the way has been truly amazing, this being no exception. Mayor Evans came to greet us at Station 13, and afterwards we had a great dinner (fried pickles and all) and then crashed out for the night, hoping our soaked shoes and wet jerseys would dry by morning. Luckily we had the help of a brand new washer and dryer :)
Driving "THE RIDE" for 911 - Written solely by the drivers and passengers of the motorhome. 3300 miles at 12 mph over six weeks in a 34 foot motorhome.
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