Unforgettable Acquaintances

Colorful Granite Dells create the unique lakesake that is Watson Lake of Prescott, Arizona.

Some of the kindest folks I've ever met live in charming Prescott, Arizona. Between the wonderfully warm and welcoming people that took such great care of me during my lovely stay @sheldonstreetlodge to the neighborly ladies who helped direct me when my phone was dead, and my map flew away – I met a lot of special people in that mile-high mountain town. I'll never, ever forget the one-of-a-kind couple who looked out for me from afar as I tried my feet at rock climbing for the first time in my life. At dusk. By myself. Again, with a dead phone. I spotted them on their way down some steep granite dells and noticed the woman was wearing ballet flats and a trendy chainlink bag. She wasn't dressed for hiking, but she moved from rock to rock like a pro until she hit the spot I was debating how to cross. "Coming up for sunset? Think you're in for a colorful one", her husband greeted me with a smile. I told them how much I was loving my first Watson Lake visit and asked how tough the rest of the climb up would be. They assured me, "This spot here is the toughest, but after this you're golden! Just take your time – you'll be alright." I paused and watched them help each other find the right footing to traverse the trickiest spot. Without words, they knew just how to help each other. They moved carefully, with complete concentration. And then they passed me, encouraging my continued exploration. So I shimmied and bounced from boulder to boulder, gripping my Mother's cannon camera for dear life with one hand, and the nooks of the dells with my other. I quickly made it to a nice, cozy landing where I planted myself for a spectacular sunset. I meditated. I listened to geese squawk. I cheered on far more experienced rock climbers. And suddenly, it was nighttime. Time to bounce and shimmy back to my rental car. Once I got to it, I found that same couple lounging with their legs dangling off the back of their pickup truck. They were talking, laughing, just enjoying life in the empty parking lot. "There she is!", "Welcome Back! How was it?" they asked with big, happy smiles. "It was so awesome – and you guys were right...the climb was nothing after that skinny stretch," we spoke like old friends. They seemed so genuinely happy for me. As the woman began to slip her ballet flats back on, still smiling, her husband said, "well we just wanted to make sure you made it back ok. Enjoy the rest of your time in Preskitt!" My jaw dropped, "wait... you guys waited...for me? to make sure I – I can't believe you guys did that!" They laughed and told me it was nothing, but I couldn't get over it. I was so taken back. I still am! I couldn't stop thanking them. And I still can't believe they stuck around an extra hour or so, just to make sure I got back ok. It has to be the kindest, most selfless thing perfect strangers have ever done for me. My sincerest thanks to whoever you are. There is so much good in this world. Try not to let the bad eclipse all that good.