Day 14. 40 mi. 4 hrs. Safford to Duncan AZ

One of the hardest days. We were ambitious and thought we’d make it to Lordsburg (77mi) but that idea quickly diminished as we crawled very slowly up, up, up out of the Gila River Valley. Very light traffic, left all the mining trucks about 7 miles out of Safford and as soon as we dropped the traffic the road and shoulder got really rough and light headwind.

As short as the mileage was the scenery and wildflowers were amazing. The Arizona and Mexican poppies were exploding all over the hillsides. Another yellow flower, Bladderpod, a mustard flower was everywhere.

Arrived in Duncan AZ and map guide said there was camping in the city park. We ran into Jeremy the City Attorney and he told Jim to call if we had any issues. We travelled down the main drag and hit up a bake sale, then next door there was pulled pork sandwiches outdoor sale (food truck wannabe). Friendly folks interested in our travels. Next to all that was the City Park. We spread out on the picnic table and laying in the grass. Busy in the park..kids on playground equipment, teenagers with music player playing country western and beanbag game. Every once in a while someone would stroll through and couples would dance to a song. For a really small town people were out and about.

The City Park bathroom had no running water so we weren’t very excited about staying there. Jim called Jeremy and there was action! Not only did someone come turn on the water but a co-worker of Jeremy named Rob invited us to camp in his yard and use the bathroom. He’s renovating an old church as his home. It was a few blocks down a dirt street where nearly every house had a fenced yard (thank god) with multiple dogs. We took up Robs offer. Working out pretty well here in Duncan.

Lordsburg for sure tomorrow which is 35 miles but hoping for 60. Getting closer to the climb into Silver City, NM. But we will for sure enter New Mexico tomorrow. Can’t wait to see how their highways stack up!