To Tamworth Family Campground, Tamworth, New Hampshire

The trip started out in a strange manner. I cried for the first half an hour or so, due to many factors. In retrospect, I think much of it was simply the feelings of parting, of leaving a good place and good people behind. Complications with my ex-girlfriend also factored in, but things between Madeline and are well and fine now.

One good thing about the start, however, was that I started at a nice and slow pace, giving me ample time to warm up my legs before I pushed them up some New Hamphire hills. The ride started in some very pretty terrain, as well, so that was nice. After I crossed the Merrimac River into Amesbury, the terrain became much more 'blah' and I started riding on highways with much traffic. I did find a set of keys, though I forget the precise town now. I turned them in to a shopkeeper, suggesting they turn them in to the police. I hope I helped someone get their keys back, but I'll never know.

My only complaint with the weather was that it got a bit hot. At one point I asked someone how hot it was, though, and they said it was only about eighty degrees Farenheit, so perhaps I wasn't consuming enough fluids and therefore overheating a bit. I think it's likely, and I did correct the problem a bit.

By the time I finally got within range of the place I had intended to stay, I was a bit hot, and pretty tired. It would have been cheaper to camp at the State Park (White Lake) just up the road, but I didn't know that and was very happy with where I camped next to the Swift River in Tamworth, New Hampshire. Tamworth Family Campground was pretty empty on a Monday, and it was quiet and serene. I took a quick dip in the river to cool down after I checked in, and the proprietor was extremely pleasant, both friendly and kind.

Note to Dan Buttrick: You are very welcome for the books! I will think about the wheel. It would be one less speed than I carry currently, so unless I get a new ring on my bike up front...which I ought to... But thanks both for the story and the offer. We'll see.

Total trip distance:  95 miles
Total trip time:  9  hours 
Net elevation change:  +500 feet

On to Stage 7: To Fryeburg, Maine

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