To say that this journey is starting out with lots of cool experiences is an understatement. Either the nature around me, or the people that seem to just happen to appear at the moment to provide me yet another example of the goodness of God and the Goodness of the people in it. Even today I was surprised with abilities that God has provided in my own body. Man if this old fat guy with a limp can get up this hill in the rain and head wind, any one can do lots more than what our limited minds can image.

My first normal camp spot, 1st time with tent, perfect to handle the rain during the night.

The Shores Gila River park- as Jerry says the water attracts the bugs and I stayed way up here.

Sitting in the warming sun looking over the river below, is one of those small moments in time that can be drawn on forever.

Nice little park and camp area next to the Gila River, AZ

Morning sun warming my back and drying the tent

This saguaro Cactus reminded me of playing Leggo challenge with my Grand children Belle, Gracelyn, and Gabe.

On the road some down, some up and some level. The thing about being at the river is you get to go up and up and over to get to the next river, funny about rivers that way.

If you use electricity this is part of your carbon foot print - Slag pile from copper mine. Oh yea you have to burn something to melt this.

The two fellows at the top looked like were trying figure out where to put the next load.  They waved and I waved back thankful for all the copper I am carrying in the phone, the computer, the wires where I will plug in to charger the batteries, and on and on.

The first little town since Globe - talked with 3 folks out riding their Bike, a Harley and Ymahahaha, and the Harley ride called it.

Often wonder where they get the names for these little towns, this one come  from “Mammoth” gold strike made in 1874. After the gold played out they kept mining the copper and still do.

Blessed Sacrament Church and Fr. Balduck O.F.M.

Here is another one of those little times that can’t be planned by men.

The sign for this little church is in Mammoth

I pulled my bike up a steep drive way to rest and say a little prayer. To my surprise the front door was unlocked and there was no one around.

While sitting inside the church, I realized that physically I had done as much as should push me to do. (I have in the past sometimes pushed past the limits) As I came out of the church an older gentleman had just driven up and got out. Turned out he was he pastor Fr. Balduck, of the Order of Friers Minor, The Fransicans founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. I asked if he would mind if I camped out, of course he said yes. Fr. Balduck then unlocked the bathroom door, and then said he was leaving the church open and I should sleep in side. Later in the evening Father brought down some heated up Turkey dinner leftovers and a bottle of water with 1/4 of a pineapple upside down cake. What a deal again.

Sleeping in a church near the presence of Christ is really peaceful.

Blessed Sacrament Church a great place to pray and sleep.