Sept 8

Go 'Hoos

It was 1.9 miles down the trail this morning, to US 2.  There was a large group of hikers with us, trying to hitch in to Gorham.  We got back into town, and checked into the same motel.  This time we had a nicer, but more expensive room, up on the 2nd floor balcony, and were lucky to get it.  The Northern Peaks was packed with hikers.  Tink had made it into town, having just finished the Presidentials today.  Apparently, she had an amazing time.  I was glad to hear that her experience through this section had been such a positive one.  We ate at the Chinese buffet again, and watched a lot of TV in the motel room.  The UVa-Penn State football game was on, so I had to sit and watch that, having formerly worked at "The University".  Virginia pulled out an amazing upset 17-16 at home.  In the evening, a few of us went out to the street, in the rain, and hitched a ride to Walmart to buy groceries for the next few days of hiking.  After our resupply, we went back out to the highway and tried our luck hitching back to the motel.  People didn't seem to want to pick up hitchhikers in the rain.  With out our backpacks, it wasn't obvious that we were AT hikers.  Finally a van pulled over.  In the van was Randy Pierce and his dog, and Randy's friend, who was driving.  Randy is totally blind, but along with his guide dog, is an avid hiker.  He is on a personal mission to hike all of New Hampshire's forty-eight peaks above 4000 feet.  He's close to completing this incredible feat, and will be the first blind person to do so.  Awesome and inspiring to meet him.  Back at the hotel, there must have been two dozen hikers, at least.  Everyone was hanging out on the balcony, and the porch in front of their rooms, late into the night.  The gas station store across the street made it possible for everyone to stay, um, hydrated, throughout the evening.

Leaving the Rattle River section, heading into Gorham, NH.