Wild horses and wild cats welcomed us to Tonto National Forest. We welcomed them back hoping for more contact than we ever received. Tonto was in flux, with a passionate volunteer coordinator beginning to release her duties to a newbie we felt a little alone the first few days. Alone in this lifestyle is never a bad thing!
We set up camp at the fire district property. The sheriff's horses stabled there, I knew I'd have someone to talk to as Kathy worked her contract job as an investigator. Frances and I walked when it was less than 100 degrees which was early morning only. I contacted the school district and got signed up as a substitute and we began our duties as Wilderness Stewards at two of the most popular trail-heads in the area.
After meeting fellow volunteers, we finally found our place and our pace. It was our job to help make visitors make better choices before heading out on the trial. How much water do you have? Please realize the rocks can not only burn but cut your dogs paws let only Gila monsters are known to attack small dogs as prey. The rattlesnakes will leave you alone if you leave them alone but don't be the third in the hiking single track because the first wakes them, the second, ticks them, and the third gets them. Please take water there is no shade!
