Our Stay in Payson, AZ

Arizona

May 2021

Borders, Bridges, and Beautiful Views

As always, we left just before check-out, with only five minutes to spare. We grabbed Hemmes from underneath the bed after loading the car. He, of course, knew this was going to happen!

While driving, both sons called to wish me a “Happy Mother’s Day,” and my DIL texted me a “Happy Mother-in-Law Day.” It is wonderful to see how they are independent and confident grown-ups. I am proud and glad to be part of their individual journeys, and I feel blessed with them all!

Just after crossing the border into Arizona, we parked at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center parking lot. I realized we had been here a few years before. Both the dam and the bridge are huge and amazing. The Colorado River looked small when watching it from above.

We also made a detour to visit the Historic Navajo Bridge near Marble Canyon at the edge of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Here, the Colorado River looked majestic, its green waters contrasting with the surrounding red stone of Marble Canyon. After a quick lunch and potty break, we continued our journey to Payson!

Kicking Off Our Payson Stay with a Happy Hemmes

After yesterday’s drive, we stayed local and walked early, exploring downtown Payson. The town in the Tonto National Forest felt welcoming. We stopped by the visitor center to pick up hiking and sightseeing brochures.

After our two-hour walk, we were back at the Airbnb. I needed to finish work to prepare client documentation for transfer at the end of June, since I would retire from web design on July 1st. This gave me time to sit outside in the private area with Hemmes, who loved being outside again, soaking up the sun, and chasing insects and local birds.

A Fresh Start to Running in Payson

I knew I needed to start running again. Green Valley Park, right across the street, was the ideal spot to get back on track with my 5K training. The morning breeze was cool, the open space felt safe, and the trails were beautifully maintained and flat. Plus, one lap around the lake was exactly one mile. If I didn’t try again here, I was sure I would never get back into it.

So, during our stay here, I got up early and went out for a run seven times. I had forgotten how much I missed that routine, the run, the sweat, the shower, and starting the day with lots of energy.

Hiking Payson's Peach Orchard Trail

After our morning run, we headed back out in the afternoon to hike the recommended Peach Orchard Trail, a key element of the Payson Area Trails System (PATS). We conveniently started from our Airbnb, since the trailhead wasn’t far away.

.

Though the trail through the Tonto National Forest was rated as a moderate four-mile loop, it didn’t feel that way. The terrain was quite steep and rocky, with plenty of ball-bearing gravel, so I had to constantly watch my step to avoid tripping or slipping. The effort was well worth it, though, as the trail offered stunning views of the Mazatzal “Land of the Deer” Mountains and displayed an amazing high-desert landscape.

A little later this morning, but at 8am, I was outside doing a short run again. I had no plans today other than organizing my photos and working on my diary. In the evening, hubby and I went for a stroll around the lake in Green Valley park

The Art of The Rest Day

On our rest days, we filled our time with short walks between our larger adventures, as well as refreshing morning runs and evening walks around the lake at Green Valley Park. It was a great way to recharge while still staying active. Sometimes I skipped the car ride back after our grocery runs, and instead walked through the local thrift stores on Main Street. There was something so enjoyable about hunting for unique, local steals, even when I came home empty-handed.

On the days I was not active, I would catch up on my photo organizing or simply watch the latest episode of the intriguing series, The Handmaid’s Tale. After a few years of traveling through the states, I realized I need these moments as fuel to truly keep on enjoying packed US road trips.

Early Birds in the Tonto

On this cool Saturday morning, we were early birds and headed out to the Tonto National Forest. Starting from home, we walked a trail my hubby was already familiar with. As we hiked our 7 miles, the trail led us through beautiful scenery, always with the amazing mountains in the distance.

The high desert was really putting on a show for us. We noticed the landscape was waking up for spring with several Prickly Pear cacti just starting to bloom. One bright yellow bloom was surrounded by many buds, ready to pop any day now. We also spotted groups of Prickly Poppies. I always love how these delicate flowers, with their papery white petals and thorny stems, survive in the desert despite such extreme conditions.

A Farewell to Payson, AZ

With extra time thanks to our kind hosts’ late checkout, we took a final stroll around the lake. We loved our time in Payson at our Airbnb home base. Hemmes was certainly the biggest fan, enjoying his freedom and safely exploring the outdoors.

From Green To Desert

When it was time to leave, Hemmes sensed the change and hid under the bed. Thankfully, some irresistible cat candy lured him out. Once he was in the car, we began our trip to our next destination.

About 50 miles south, the green forests disappeared and were replaced by a memorable yellow desert. The landscape became dotted with Saguaro cacti, offering a different, yet equally beautiful, sight.

We arrived late in the afternoon at our Tucson Airbnb, six miles from downtown, just around check-in time. After settling in and grocery shopping, we walked downtown for dinner. We ended up at Opa’s Best Greek American Cuisine, enjoying a simple meal to kick off another new traveling episode.