Shorter day, flatter and a bit quicker. The weather was perfect, and everyone was so friendly. People waved, said hello, made eye contact and were generally super nice. We passed through the Apache Indian reservation, and they too have a Casino. Dad and Phyllis had an easy morning that included a trip to the Casino for some coin tossing. The word is that they "broke even," a phrase that says so much! They are very disciplined in their gambling and do not do it as a means of investment.
We chatted with a helmetless (AZ gives you the option) biker on a Harley Sportster. He was originally from Phoenix, but got out due to the population influx. He told us that the Mesa area has the highest growth rate in the US right now. Apparently about 35,000 new homes are built every year, and families with kids are moving in now, not just snowbirds. The main issue is that huge real estate developments are going up at so fast, with one grocery store and one gas station serving everyone. It sounds like a meal with several dishes where everything has to be ready at the same time.
Once in Safford I quickly saw how much this little town had also grown. I came through here in 1999, and it was just a little strip along highway 70. It is much more then that now. One wonders when all the empty space between these little towns finally fills up. It can't possibly happen, can it? Say it aint so.
over and out
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