Payson Roundup (April 27, 2018) by Michele Nelson

My daughter Brooke walks the Arizona Trail (AzT). The long, winding ribbon of a path leads her up — then down — only to climb up again. I watch her progress daily from the SAT phone GPS coordinates she sends me each morning and evening.

Who knew a series of numbers and letters could be so comforting?

Here in Rim Country, a good chunk of the AzT winds its way through our beloved vistas. Seems the architects of the trail sought the take the hiker over as many mountains as possible — and Rim Country has those in abundance.

I find my daughter has an interesting reaction to the ups and downs of the trail.

Determination.

Chastisement.

Judgment.

Acceptance.

Peace.

And I?

I’m elated and terrified.

Proud and anxious.

Confident and falling apart.

Mostly, I’m in awe and in love of her.

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