Day 205, Tuesday, September 4. Royalty Inn, Gotham, NH—Zero Day

Marcia and Peter had told us they would arrive mid to late morning. Even though this is a zero day, Bear still finds it impossible to sleep late (with the possible exception of bodily harm from Sassy, but he knows hers are empty threats). We all went to breakfast at 8 followed by a trip to the local outfitter. 

I’m crazy happy to see Peter and Marcia again

Bunny and I headed back to the room for a nap while we waited for Marcia and Peter to arrive. I woke to look out the window to see Peter walking across th parking lot looking for us.  I didn’t realize it has been 3 years since we have spent time together. Because of their current living situation (currently lacking a home for a couple of weeks) they decide to spend the night with us if we can secure them the thru-hiker discount. This is not a problem at all being post holiday weekend and nearly empty. 

Peter and Marcia dropped us off at Pinkham Notch the morning after our visit

The six of us went for lunch at BBQ then took a “quick” trip to Walmart for us to resupply. In light of the recent stress of packing up their lives and moving, Marcia took a nap in lieu of Walmart. Peter and Marcia are strong supporters of buying local and eating healthy. Peter was visibly shaken by visiting the great Satan’s lair. Bunny showed him her trick of coping with Walmart by defacating in the parking lot. (Disclaimer—my wife does not actually poop in Walmart parking lots, but she does get severe stomach cramps which are a usual precursor.)

Contra dancing

We did manage to spend some time alone with Peter and Marcia playing cribbage until supper. We’re not the most exciting people in town and were in bed by 8:30. I don’t think they minded the quiet evening after their last month of stress.  This was a great day of relaxed visiting with old and new friends. I wish things had worked out differently and Peter and Marcia could have joined us on the trail. They seemed to really hit it off with Bear and Sassy. 

EFG