DAY 11
October 13, 2006

I didn’t realize it was Friday the 13th until this evening. Maybe it’s better that way. If I’d known better, I might have had a bad day. I’m happy to report that today was one of the most wonderful yet.

We got to Mt. Pleasant at about 10:00 a.m. I knew a few people were going to walk with me, but I had no idea it would be almost 25. After we finished walking through the town, Joe Bennion, a Spring City resident, convinced me to walk through his town as well. It was a few miles out of our way, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Spring City is on the National Historical Register as a historic district. The Main Street boasts some beautifully preserved pioneer buildings. It also has a spring of potable water in the city center.

As soon as we entered, the local owner of the only gas station in town came out with free drinks and snacks for everyone walking. Then we went and ate at the Spring City Kitchen, a wonderful locally owned café. Someone picked up our check. Then Joe walked us by a beautiful LDS church built in 1903 that’s currently still in use. He showed us his pottery workshop and his wife brought us fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.

I could go on, but I think you’re getting the picture. I found a bit of paradise a few miles off highway 89. Who knew?

We took the scenic route into Ephraim, but I had to take a break from the walk for a doctor’s appointment. My brother-in-law, Adam, picked me up at a cattle guard and drove me into Ephraim. My dad set up the appointment and said I had to go to make my mom feel better.

My feet have been feeling much better and I didn’t want to bother with a doctor, but if it’s for my mom, I’ll do anything. The doctor looked my feet over and said that everything is healing nicely and that I’m good to go. She was also kind enough to call my mother directly and let her know the good news. She said I might have some permanent nerve damage on my smaller toes, but why would I need feeling in my toes? Personally, I never think about my toes unless they hurt.

Adam dropped me off where I had stopped before and I had about an hour to walk alone and reflect on the reason for the walk.

Friday the 13th turned out to be one of the best days ever.