Fear of Heights

By Anne P. Holloway

When we first meet Payson Wright she is standing frozen with fear on a clear platform jutting out over the Grand Canyon almost a mile in the air. Fear of Heights is the story of Payson, a 43 year old woman whose adventurous trip across the country turns into a remarkable journey of self-discovery. Payson is tasked with driving her sister's 130 pound dog, Yeti, from her home in Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA where her sister has relocated. The trip will take only ten days but what Payson finds along the way will change her life forever. Although pit stops include a visit to the wacky Corn Palace in South Dakota and a memorable night in Mount Rushmore, not all Payson's detours are of the travel variety. A brief stay in the Badlands of South Dakota proves that sometimes the most forbidding and desolate places on the planet can yield the biggest rewards.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Aug 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781483498867

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HOLLOWAY

Copyright © 2019 Anne P. Holloway.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-9912-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-9886-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019911182

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 08/09/2019

To my husband, Rex, and my daughters, Rebecca and Sarah, all for one and one for all…always.

CHAPTER I

Did you know that a fear of heights is actually a fear you might jump?

This was the question being posed to Payson as she stood; feet firmly planted a shoulder width apart, on a solid glass platform extending out over the Grand Canyon. Payson remained motionless staring at the yawning maw of red rock cliffs between her feet and responded to her companion without looking up.

Acrophobia.

Huh? The young man standing next her asked.

Acrophobia. That’s what the fear of heights is called, Payson said flatly still not looking up.

Oh yeah, whatever. It’s still about the fact that you really want to jump, he said.

This time Payson didn’t answer but remained gazing fixedly on the mile deep chasm beneath her and the eight foot thickness of the clear glass platform. Just moments earlier her companion, Nick, had coaxed her out onto the glass structure by instructing her to close her eyes and reach out her hand to him as she stood on the dry, red dirt of terra firma and he stood a few feet away on the glass jutting out into thin air.

Come on, you can do it. It’s so cool. You’ll love it! He said walking out onto the platform and turning to look at her frozen at its edge. Look, close your eyes and give me your hand and you won’t even know you’ve left the ground. He reached his arms out to her and her eyes widened with fear.

Left the ground? She echoed faintly.

No, no! I mean gotten onto this deck, not left the ground! He said stamping his foot heavily on the glass beneath him in a dramatic demonstration of how stable and safe it was. This horrified her faintly and she wanted to tell him to stop in case he was weakening its structure but she could only shake her head.

When they had first arrived minutes earlier the platform was almost empty. A couple stood at the far end, arm in arm with their backs to Payson and Nick, and a tired looking woman was leaning against the glass railing regarding two young boys, presumably her sons, as they raced back and forth across its length. The boy’s antics, almost 5,000 feet above the Colorado River, shocked Payson. How could they be so oblivious to the potential danger?

Come on! You can do it! Nick was still standing just feet away with a wide, clown-like, smile plastered on his face. It was clearly intended as an encouraging smile but Payson thought it was maniacal and disturbing. She shook her head again.

Nick sighed and deflated like a balloon. Ok. You’re really missing out though. It’s amazing. Seriously, he said over his shoulder as he strode across the deck to its perimeters.

Then more people began to arrive, great clumps of tourists all exclaiming over the magnificence of the platform and its engineering marvel.

Payson watched as a large woman in Bermuda shorts and a too-tight t-shirt that read ‘My train of thought derailed’ strode confidently out onto the deck and directly over to a large placard attached to the railing. It says, she began reading out loud, This Skywalk deck was designed for a 100-pound-per-square-foot live load. The foundation can support the equivalent of 20 loaded Boeing 747 aircraft and survive an 8.0 magnitude earthquake within 50 miles. Well I’ll be!

Others crowded around the railing, pointing out into the vastness and exclaiming excitedly to each other. For a moment Payson lost sight of Nick in the mass of tourists. She wondered briefly how many people equaled 20 loaded Boeing 747s and felt a surge of relief when Nick emerged from behind a clump of elderly tourists nearby.

You really gotta come out on this thing Pay, you really have to, he gasped encircling her arm with his big hand and pulling her towards the edge of the glass platform.

Stop Nick, seriously, just stop. She said as she simultaneously pried his thick fingers from her arm.

He let go but didn’t back away.

I’m not ready. I’m not comfortable at the moment. Please give me some space. Ok? Some tourists overhearing their conversation turned and regarded Payson with indulgent smiles. She hated that she appeared to be such a wimpy phobic. But I am a wimpy phobic, she thought. I’ll get there, I just need some time.

That’s when Nick decided to step back out onto the platform and told Payson to close her eyes as he reached out his hands to her. And, now, here she was, almost 5,000 feet in midair, hanging precariously like a tiny acorn off the spindly branch of a mighty oak tree waiting to fall. Payson could not take her eyes off the free fall below her feet. When Nick finally instructed her to open her eyes Payson’s first thought was that she was standing on a painting of the Grand Canyon gorge. It was that realistic but somehow unrealistic at the same time. But, as her mind finally caught up with what her eyes were seeing she felt paralyzed with fear not even daring to breathe.

Isn’t it so cool?! Nick asked with childlike wonder mistaking Payson’s unmoving stance as coming from a shared sense of amazement and delight. When he began musing about her fear of heights and the correlation with a fear of jumping Payson’s response was purely reflexive, issued from deep within her inner folds of her brain where her need to instruct, to be right, was rooted.

Acrophobia, she whispered again still transfixed by the mile deep gorge below her feet. And then, as if self-soothing, Payson wrapped her arms tightly around herself.

Cold? Nick asked suddenly concerned.

It was late June, a cloudless blue sky hung over them and it was room temperature perfect at 72 degrees.

No, not cold, just… Payson replied finally looking up. Nick regarded her curiously. just…it’s kind of breezy up here isn’t it? she finished pulling her light cotton cardigan tighter around her.

It’s perfect! A perfect day at the canyon! Nick exclaimed grabbing her up in his arms. And just look at you! You did it! Here you are 5000 feet above the Grand Canyon! You did it Pay! He beamed and some of the tourists turned and smiled at the two of them seemingly so caught up in the moment.

Yeah, thanks for reminding me, she said glancing down then prying herself loose from his embrace. Payson moved quickly off the platform and back onto the rocky cliff outcropping. She sighed and swept a loose lock of blonde hair off her face tucking it back distractedly into her ponytail.

Hard to believe that just one month earlier Payson was safely tucked in her townhouse in Washington, DC, feet firmly planted on the ground, and the riskiest behavior she engaged in was driving in rush hour traffic to her job doing public relations work for a small, non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare.

Payson was tall, with an athletic build, and though not conventionally beautiful, she was - as her mother had told her once - ‘a handsome woman.’

At 43 years old, Payson Wright had begun to think of herself as that old recluse living down the street with all those cats, even though she didn’t even own a cat and she wasn’t really old or a recluse for that matter. It was just that Payson could see herself turning into that person. Stories of elderly spinsters being forcibly evicted from their homes because of hoarding cats made her wince while others laughed. A marriage almost directly after college had ended ten years earlier and yielded no children. And, while she did not own a pet, she did work on behalf of an animal welfare organization where stories of homeless and needy pets came across her desk regularly and often made her pause to consider whether to take on an abandoned cat or stray dog.

Her resolve was weakening and the animal adoption needs were so great that Payson had begun to think that bringing a couple of cats and maybe a dog into her DC row house might not be so difficult. Her sister, five years younger than her with a husband, two children and a dog, was indignant when Payson told her she was thinking of adopting a pet.

Oh for gods sake Pay, you’re insane, Grace said hoisting her youngest, Lily, who was 11 months old onto her hip. The last thing you need is a pet, take it from me, she said shifting a smiling Lily to her other hip, God Lil you’re turning into a beast! Mama isn’t going to be able to carry you around much longer. Lily burbled happily and reached out her chubby arms to Payson. Here you go, Grace said passing the baby onto her sister, you can adopt this one instead of a cat.

Payson took Lily out of her sister’s arms and the little girl wrapped her arms tightly around her neck nestling her milky soft face in her shoulder. Don’t tempt me, Payson said kissing the silky top of the baby’s head.

Actually, you could adopt Yeti for a few weeks while Steve and the kids and I are in California house hunting. Grace said nonchalantly despite the fact that Payson had not even known they were moving. Yeti was the family’s Hungarian Kuvasz, a giant shaggy white dog who, despite his fearsome look, had never met a stranger he didn’t love.

What? Payson looked up sharply, What does that mean? California? House hunting?

Oh, yeah, I meant to call you last night. I got that job in California I told you about a while back. You’re looking at the newest junior partner with Echols & Crowe in LA. They called me yesterday but things got kind of crazy and I forgot to call you. Sorry, Grace said taking Lily back in her arms after noting Payson’s shocked look and fearing she might drop the baby.

But you interviewed for that job months ago and I didn’t think you heard anything back?

I didn’t until yesterday. They called last night and offered me the job. Apparently, they had been preparing to offer me the job earlier but then one of the senior partners dropped dead – at his desk, ugh – from a heart attack and they were kind of dealing with that. I think I actually may have interviewed with the guy, I can’t really remember though, there are a lot of partners. Anyway, his assistant found him the next morning still at his desk. Awful huh?

So, when would you leave? Payson asked ignoring her sister’s question and trying to remain calm.

Grace and Payson had been deeply entwined in each other’s lives since they graduated college and both decided to settle in the DC area and the news of her sister’s move hit Payson like a 300 pound linebacker taking down an unsuspecting quarterback.

Well, Steve needs to wrap some things up here but we’re hoping to be packed up and gone by the end of this month. I start my new job on May first.

But that’s just a little over three weeks? You can’t possibly sell the house and everything by then! Payson’s attempts to stay calm were failing and her voice cracked with emotion.

Oh, Pay, you knew we were looking in California to be closer to Steve’s folks and his family’s business.

Yeah, but I didn’t think you’d be moving so fast! Payson practically shrieked as her composure crumbled. Grace moved to embrace Payson, awkwardly shifting baby Lily so she could put a comforting arm around her. Her sister’s soothing efforts only caused Payson to burst into tears.

I can’t be- be- lieve you’re leaving me, Payson stammered between sobs. We’ve been to- to- gether forever and now…

The baby, alarmed by her Aunt’s crying, began to cry too. Grace patted both Lily and Payson as she spoke in her most authoritative, calming ‘mommy voice’ telling them it’s okay, we’ll all be okay.

And now…we’ll NEVER see each other! Payson finally finished with a wail that sent baby Lily into similar histrionics.

That’s just ridiculous, Grace said firmly trying to regain control of her blubbering charges. We’re only in LA for Chris sakes, it’s not like we’re going to China! And, you’ll love LA, you’ll come to visit us all the time.

"I have a job Grace, remember?" Payson said more sharply then she meant to.

It was true that Payson had known about her sister’s job search and their desire to be closer to Steve’s family and their business in Los Angeles. To be honest, Payson hadn’t really allowed herself to think about the possibility of her sister moving. It was too painful. Grace and Payson had always been close, but after Payson’s divorce they had become even closer. Grace, newly married to Steve then, reached out to her sister and included her in almost everything – including vacations taken with the three of them - snorkeling in St. Johns and a two-week hiking trip in Italy and numerous local beach trips. And, after the children, Sam and Lily, were born Payson was even more in demand spending holidays with them and babysitting, playing the role of ‘Auntie Pay’ with relish.

Their parents had died – their mother first, at age 60 of cancer when Grace was just out of college and their father just a few years after of a suspected broken heart, although the coroner’s report said it was an aortic aneurism. The death of their parents when they were relatively young explained much about the sisters’ closeness and their deep bond.

Why couldn’t Steve’s family live in Baltimore?! Payson howled. Grace’s husband, Steve, came from LA originally where his family owned a very successful chain of convenience stores. Steve’s background as a finance major was needed back home in the family business and he was anxious to move back to his California roots. Steve had always kept that California surfer sensibility about him and never really felt as though Washington, DC was home. ‘It’s so pretentious, like the first question out of everyone’s mouth is always ‘so what do you do?’, he’d say and Payson had to admit that, despite the fact she and Grace were both born in DC, it was a hard town to love.

So, can you take Yeti for us? Grace asked ignoring Payson’s outburst. You’d be doing us such a huge favor and we’d pay for everything. My company will move us. They’re going to take over selling our house and everything – they’re even shipping our cars out. And, they offered to fly Yeti out too but I really don’t want to have to do that. I was thinking you could drive out with Yeti after we’ve gotten kind of settled out there.

Payson had regained a shaky composure and was now searching for a tissue.

So, would you consider it Pay? Please?

Payson blew noisily into a wad of Kleenex and didn’t hear what her sister said.

Huh?

Would you think about taking Yeti for a bit while we’re getting things settled in LA.? We’d pay you to drive him out, like in about six weeks, the middle of May? Great time of year for a cross country trip. We’d even rent a big SUV or something for you to drive him out in.

Payson suddenly had a vision of herself driving her tiny Toyota Prius with Yeti, weighing in around 130 pounds, sitting happily squashed in the passenger seat, his shaggy head brushing the ceiling of the car.

I, uh, I’m not sure….I don’t know Grace…I’ve got a lot going on at work and…

You don’t have to give me an answer today. Just think about it ok? I’m sure we could get some college kid to drive Yeti out but I just thought it might be kind of fun for you. You know, you’d see the country and get to hang out with us in LA too! The ultimate road trip!

After Grace and Lily left to pick up Sam at preschool, Payson sat at her desk trying to finish writing an article for her organization’s monthly magazine on animal rescue but her mind kept shifting back to the conversation with her sister. The ultimate road trip, Payson murmured as she tapped out a Google search using the same words. She had always wanted to drive across country and before the search results even popped up on her screen Payson knew what her answer would be.

That’s so cool Pay, thank you so much! Grace exclaimed when Payson told her sister about her decision to drive Yeti across the country later that evening over the phone.

I’ve got a few weeks vacation time and I’ve always wanted to see Mount Rushmore and I kinda want to see that dinosaur park in South Dakota.

What dinosaur park?

Never mind. Just tell me Yeti doesn’t get car sick cause that would be a total deal breaker if he does. I’m not driving 3000 miles with a dog that size barfing in the car.

No way. Never got sick once. Yeti is the best travel companion ever. You’ll love him. Grace assured her.

Payson was amazed how quickly her plans came together once her decision to make the cross country trip was made. Taking three to four weeks off from work was easier than she had expected after she told her boss she would be incorporating her trip into a feature magazine article for the association upon her return. It’s going to be all about traveling with pets and exploring pet-friendly locales along the way, she told her boss who gave her his blessing saying, I predict you’ll be coming back with a carload of rescue animals. Payson laughed and told him it would make for a better article if she did.

True to her word, her sister rented a huge SUV which arrived a few days prior to Payson’s departure date with a big red bow on the roof and a postcard delivered by the driver which had a black and white photo of five nuns in full regalia stuffed into a Volkswagen waving madly out the windows of the car. On the back of the card were simply the words, ‘Best road trip ever for the BEST sister ever!’ The word ‘sister’ was underlined just in case Payson didn’t catch the pun.

Why the bow? Is it mine to keep? Payson asked the delivery man half-jokingly.

The man shrugged, that’s what the order said, delivery with bow and card. But, no, it’s just a rental although it’s technically yours to keep for a month.

So, you’re going on a road trip? The delivery man asked gesturing to the over-sized car taking up all the remaining space in her driveway and looming like a predator over her small Prius. Clearly he had checked out the card.

Yup, from here to LA with that guy, Payson said indicating the large shaggy white dog that had just appeared filling the glass door directly behind her as she stood on the front stoop of her house.

Whoa! No wonder you need this big ol SUV. That’s a monster dog!

His name is Yeti, which coincidently is the name of the abominable snowman.

The man looked puzzled.

You know, that huge white big foot thing that’s supposed to live in the Himalayas? The man looked over at Yeti whose tongue was now lolling out of his massive shaggy head, his tail wagging his entire body.

"The abominable snowman from that Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer special," Payson added and the man turned to her with a sudden look of understanding.

Ooohhh yeah, sure, I remember that show. He glanced back at the giant white shape framed in the doorway. Uh huh, I definitely see the resemblance.

Later that evening her sister called to confirm delivery of the SUV. Don’t you love it? It’s a Tahoe just like ours! Grace exclaimed.

Well, it’s big I’ll say that.

What? You don’t like it?

"Grace, I drive a Prius, this thing that’s in my driveway right now looks like a Chevy megalodon about to swallow a Prius minnow. It’s ridiculous!"

You’ll thank me later, you’d never fit everything in your clown car.

Despite Grace’s overall environmentalist sensibility she could never give up her one guilty pleasure – the family’s Chevy Tahoe. It was a constant source of good natured teasing between the sisters although Payson conceded that given the dog, two children and active lifestyle – Steve and Grace both windsurfers – that it could be considered practical. Nonetheless, when Payson bought her Prius a couple of years ago the teasing escalated. Grace called the new vehicle a clown car and Payson responded that the Chevy Excess was a circus act all unto itself.

However, as she considered the four week road trip ahead she had to admit she was grateful for the behemoth currently parked in her driveway and felt a pang of guilt for her forlorn looking Prius crouched defensively in front of it.

Don’t you just love the color– cherry red! Her sister gushed.

Yeah, with the big matching red bow and giant white dog I’ll be hard to miss.

Oh, good, they remembered the bow. I thought you’d like that.

Now I really am driving a circus clown car, Payson sighed.

So, what’s your plan? Grace asked excitedly ignoring the jab. I figured I’d just rent the car for a month and that way you’d have the flexibility to decide if you want to do round trip or one-way. We can always fly you back if that’s what you decide.

Thanks. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I guess I’ll see how I feel once I get out there.

Well, it’s up to you either way. But, hey, you might just end up staying out here with us in LA, it’s so fantastic – the weather is amazing. You’re gonna love it Pay.

Payson had spent a lot of time mapping her route out to LA but hadn’t really considered the return trip. She had her heart set on seeing Mount Rushmore but quickly realized that the northern route would mean missing out on the Grand Canyon which Payson was determined to see for the first time on this trip. And, Payson wasn’t only interested in seeing the country’s well-known landmarks and natural wonders; there was ‘dino land,’ an attraction located just outside Rapid City, South Dakota featuring life-sized model dinosaurs scattered over acres of parkland. Payson remembered seeing pictures of the tourist attraction when she was just a young girl and the images stayed with her making it a must-see destination spot in her cross country itinerary.

Once she got started mapping her trip Payson realized how little she had actually seen of the country. Over the years she had taken many business trips to various cities, San Francisco, New York, Chicago among them, but she may as well have been in her home city of DC for all she saw of these places. Payson had never really explored the United States and she was looking forward to finally getting a chance to see some of the countryside and cities she’d heard so much about. She went back and forth on which route to take – northern or southern – asking friends and surfing the Internet, exploring various options on the best cross country road trip.

Northern route there’s a man with a beard of bees, southern route has a chicken that plays tic-tac-toe, her friend Matt deadpanned. Matt was an old college friend now living in DC and he was the only person Payson knew that had actually done the cross country road trip.

Seriously, Matt, help me out here. I can’t figure out if I want to go North or South?

"I am serious, Matt had responded, there’s a guy with a bee farm in South Dakota and he sells honey and gives tours wearing a beard of bees, no lie. And, the chicken thing is somewhere in Georgia. I’m not really sure what that’s about but I remember hearing something on NPR."

You’re a huge help, thanks, Payson told him exasperatedly.

She finally decided on taking the northern route out to LA for no other reason then it would be cooler weather for Yeti with his thick coat of white fur.

Ok, but don’t let him wander around in all that wilderness by himself, I don’t want him getting shot by some hunter, Grace said when Payson told her of her plans. I mean keep an eye on him when you’re out walking around in South Dakota and Wyoming, he might be mistaken for a bear.

He’s all white for Chris sakes, there are no white bears in this country.

Polar bears are white.

Her sister couldn’t see Payson slapping her forehead with her hand.

Grace, polar bears are in Alaska.

Exactly my point Miss Smarty-pants, Alaska is in the United States. Just be careful with my baby, ok? He could be mistaken for an albino bear.

Loading up the SUV the day of departure Payson continuously referenced her check list. Laptop, yup. Hiking gear, check. Dog food, uh huh, she mumbled to herself as she surveyed the back seats piled high with bags and suitcases. Her travelling companion watched her amiably from behind the glass front door, wagging his tail furiously whenever she glanced in his direction. Don’t worry buddy, I won’t forget you! Payson called to him which made him wag his great tail even harder.

Finally the car was fully loaded and it was time to get on the road. Payson had carved a spot out in the way back of the SUV for Yeti. She had placed his dog bed and a few chew toys along with his dog blanket in the cozy spot.

Okay boy, up you go, she said motioning to the dog to jump up into the back of the car. Yeti sat at her feet, his head almost up to her armpits, smiling affably but unmoving.

Let’s go Yeti, come on, jump! Payson commanded enthusiastically but the big animal remained motionless at her feet.

Uh uh, no way am I going to pick your fuzzy ass up and put you in this car, she said and the dog’s head bowed slightly at the stern tone of her voice. Payson considered the dog’s size and the distance up to the empty space in the car just above his head. Then, after a moment, Payson bent down and wrapped her arms around his midsection and tried to heave him up inside the vehicle. Ugh, jeez you are a beast! She exhaled, her face buried in the animals thick white fur. Yeti wagged his tail but didn’t budge.

Come on Yeti, pleeease, get in the car, Payson entreated but the animal remained seated beside her like a snowy mountain, unmoving.

Okay, that’s it, I’m calling your mother, Payson said exasperatedly heading to the front of the car to retrieve her cellphone which lay on the passenger seat. As she opened the car door and bent over to pick up her phone the dog bounded past her almost knocking her over as he leapt agilely into the passenger seat. His head almost reached the top of the ceiling of the SUV and his bulk took up most of the seat but he looked over at her with an expression of sheer delight.

"So I guess you can jump up into the car can’t you? Well, you’re not riding shotgun all the way across country mister, that’s for sure!" Payson told him. The dog shifted slightly, adjusting his tail so it curled just next to him, but made no move to relinquish his seat. Payson sighed and dialed her sister’s number.

So, you didn’t tell me your dog is a bully and a front seat hog, she told Grace.

Huh? What are you talking about?

Yeti, he wouldn’t jump up in the back of the car where I put his dog bed and stuff. He practically tackled me getting into the passenger seat though as soon as I opened the door. And now he’s just sitting there and won’t move.

Isn’t he adorable? Yeah, he doesn’t ride in the way back, he pretty much always rides shotgun with me, Grace said laughing. Just let him sit up front with you and he’ll go in the back when he’s tired and wants to lie down. He’s just excited.

It’s not like I’ve got a choice I guess, Payson said looking at the giant dog who was now almost eye level as he sat in his perch regarding her steadily from under a mop of white fur.

Okay Yeti, you won this round but I’m not the pushover you may think I am, Payson told her driving companion as they backed out of the driveway. The dog responded by licking her arm. And no drooling, I’m serious.

Payson had plugged into her phone the basic route and towns she planned to visit on her journey across country. Her first stop was in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to stay overnight with an old high school friend who, conveniently, owned a Bed and Breakfast farm with her husband in the picturesque Amish country. Payson and Meredith had stayed in touch over the years and when Payson told her friend of her plans to drive cross country Meredith insisted Payson begin her journey by staying at their Bed and Breakfast.

It’s perfect! Meredith exclaimed over the phone. Only a few hours from DC and we’ve got plenty of room especially during the middle of the week, it’s totally dead! Oh, please say yes Pay, we’d love to see you!

I’ve got an enormous shaggy dog with me, Payson warned her.

We’re pet friendly! Kids, not so much, Meredith responded laughing.

Like Payson, Meredith had never had children but she made up for it by keeping a menagerie of animals at her small farm which doubled as a Bed and Breakfast in the country.

The drive through the Pennsylvania countryside was like a tonic for Payson. Any jitters or reservations she had about her cross country adventure melted away as the bucolic countryside swept past her. Horses and cows grazed placidly along rolling green hills dotted with perfect red barns and the occasional horse-drawn buggy reminded Payson she had arrived in Amish country. She pulled into the long gravel driveway that led to her friend’s bed and breakfast and drew a sharp intake of breath upon seeing the house at the end of a long line of trees edging the road. It was a stunning home, all brick and graced by an elegant wrap-around front porch lined with rockers and festooned with hanging baskets of flowers. The fields beyond the gracious home were enclosed by a low stone wall and broken by a meandering stream. A large animal Payson didn’t recognize at first was grazing just beyond the stone wall and it lifted its head as the car approached.

Welcome! Meredith called from the front porch as Payson pulled the car into a spot alongside the house marked ‘Guests.’ A large wolfhound flanked by a much smaller dog followed her down the front steps barking a greeting.

Don’t worry, they’re friendly, Meredith said trying unsuccessfully to grab the wolfhound’s collar as he slipped past her on his way to meet Payson. That’s probably the only dog who could make Yeti look like a miniature, Payson said as Yeti bounded out of the car to greet the Irish Wolfhound and his little sidekick. The three dogs circled each other, tails wagging and sniffing while Meredith enveloped Payson in a surprisingly strong embrace.

Wow! Someone’s been working out! Payson said.

It’s all the bloody farm work, Meredith replied laughing.

It’s such a beautiful place Mere, I can’t wait to get the tour.

Cold drinks first, her friend replied picking up Payson’s bags and heading for the house with the dogs leaping at her feet. Yeti stopped suddenly and began barking. Payson followed the dogs gaze to a large shaggy animal standing by the stone fence next to the house.

Is that a llama? She asked her friend.

Nope, an Alpaca, Meredith responded. they’re similar but llama’s are bigger and their coats aren’t as soft.

What an adorable animal, Payson said watching as Yeti cautiously approached the alpaca who was now hanging its head over the stone wall in order to check out the large dog.

Adorable when they’re not spitting at you. We’ve got four of them, three females and a male, lucky guy. That’s him over there with Yeti.

Yeti was now joined by the Irish wolfhound and the small dog, and the three of them were tenatively touching noses with the inquisitive alpaca.

They’re part of the reason I’ve gotten so buff, Meredith said, "hauling all those hay bales and tossing them around. Between the horses and these guys that’s