In a recent column, I made references to a book about the Grand Canyon entitled “A Walk in the Park” by Kevin Fedarko. As a result of that, a reader and friend of “Inside Sanpete” from Georgia suggested that I read “A Walk in the Woods” (subtitled: “Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail”). The book, by Bill Bryson, has been around for a while — 1997.

I have a big reading backlog, and don’t always jump on book recommendations very quickly, but I remembered enjoying reading Bryson before. His style can be really humorous, though a bit vulgar at times.

I’m well over a 100 pages into the book now. Okay, I’m on page 110. That’s 40% of the not huge 274 page book.

Here’s an excerpt from page 51 that will give you a sense of Bryson’s writing.

“I have long known that it is part of God’s plan for me to spend a little time with each of the most stupid people on earth, and Mary Ellen was proof that even in the Appalachian woods I would not be spared.”

On the same page, referring to this Mary Ellen, who was encountered on the trail for a few days, I give you another excerpt.

“She talked nonstop, except when she was clearing out her eustachian tubes (which she did frequently) by pinching her nose and blowing out with a series of violent and alarming snorts of a sort that would make a dog leave the sofa and get under a table in the next room.”

Reading about Bill’s challenges with challenging people, not the least of which, was his hiking companion, caused me to think. I’ve thought about what kind of people have been included in God’s plan for me. What sort of people have I been thrown into the mix with?

I know that many people seem to have the opinion these days that the world is full of awful people who would kill you for a nickel and give you two cents change. And if people aren’t awful, then they’re stupid, or awfully stupid.

I’ve concluded that I’m lucky and blessed. The circle of the people in my life rippling out from my good wife and our kids and in-laws and grand-kids and extended family is filled with good people. Not perfect. Not awful. Not stupid. My friends and fellow Sanpeters — not perfect, not awful, not stupid.

Relative to Sanpeters, I was in Walmart last Saturday, and from a distance mistook an older (my age’ish) gentleman for someone else. Long story short, I feel like I have a new friend from Moroni now, in addition to the guy I thought I was seeing, who is a friend from Fountain Green — good Sanpete people. As Will Rogers said, “A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet.”

Reflecting about people, my thoughts have also gone to a little program I hear on NPR radio (KUER) occasionally. Through the day, I’ll often flip around through several stations depending on my mood. It’s entertaining to me to listen to a sampling of various types of music, as well as doses of conservative talk radio, sports radio and National Public Radio.

Anyway there is a show called “My Unsung Hero.” People record short (3 minute) “stories of people whose kindness left a lasting impression.” Anyone can submit a story.

Some music is put with the stories and they make for very engaging, poignant listening. (If you want to check it out, just google “npr my unsung hero” and you’ll find it.)

The story I thought of was of a woman who was on a plane flying home sometime after the tragic 9-11 attack in New York. She was nervous and was looking around the plane wondering if there was anyone on the plane who would be harmful.

The fellow sitting next to her knew she was nervous. She asked him if he ever worried about people and possible problems. He looked at her very sincerely and said these words, “most people are good.”

She said that it was like a “light switch” being flipped with her hearing those words — in that way, at that moment. It calmed her and has stuck with her all the years since. She and her husband have used that four word phrase many times with their children and others. It has been like a motto or mantra with them.

Since I’ve heard that story, I’ve tried to keep that in mind. Most people are just doing their best to live life and find happiness for themselves and their families. There are “bad apples” — those who would scam, cheat and steal. We need to be smart as we deal with people, but percentage-wise, at least in my world, those bad people are few in number. And, I guess there are a few stupid people around as well.

What kind of people are in your life? I suspect they’re mostly good people. If you feel like some aren’t, I hope you don’t take any long hikes with them. — Merrill