Date: 2012-08-09
From: Osgood Tentsites, MP 1857.3, NH

To: AMC Pinkham Notch Vistor Center (NH 16), MP 1862.3
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: fog

Last night was very warm. Not sure if it's a weather change or because we are lower in elevation and below tree line. I could not get comfortable. I tried sleeping on top of my 15° sleeping bag in my silk bag liner, but was too cold. I tried sleeping in my bag, but not zipped up...too warm. All night long I was covering and uncovering trying to get comfortable. After a breakfast of oatmeal and two cups of coffee, we headed for Pinkham Notch 5 miles away. The trail climbed 500 feet and crossed numerous streams, but the treadway was definitely easier with actual dirt between the rocks and roots! Never thought I'd appreciate dirt so much!We made a wrong turn and climbed to the top of Lowes Bald Spot were we meet a nice family from Wisconsin. They asked us questions about the trail which we answered as factually as possible. We arrived at the AMC Pinkham Notch Vistor Center, (NH 16), MP 1862.3 around 12:30 pm. We picked up our mail drop boxes and ran into a NoBo thru-hiker "Still Debating," who we met at the Osgood Camp Site.   He made arrangements for a shuttle to take him into Gorham and invited us to share the cost. Score a hot shower and comfy bed tonight!We also ran into the family from Wisconsin who said we had inspired their daughter to one day hike the AT. We had the honor of having our pictures taken with their daughter. One thing for sure, it will be there when she's ready.The shuttle driver, Bruce was a former thru-hiker and an Army ASA veteran. He provided a wealth of information about Gorham. He stopped at several motels for us so we could check on rates. We finally settled at the Northern Peaks Motel.Frist order of business for me is a hot shower. I wash the first layer of dirt, sweat, and trail stench off. The wash cloth turns brown. I start again and work my way slowly down my body getting the soapy cloth into all the nooks and crannies. One more time and I start to feel human again. Toweling off is also a pleasurable experience which is not rushed but savored!Besides "Still Debating," there are several other thru-hikers staying in the motel. There is "Hawkeye", who Minutia and I met on top of Mt Lafayette, "Easy Miles" and her hiking partner "Diamond" and "Rhino".   We all sit out in front of our rooms talking and knocking back a few brews. Slowly people drift away to go get something to eat or do chores.   Minutia is enjoying the comradeship too much to go eat so I order a large "trash can lid" pizza (everything but anchovies). I devour my half of the pizza in nothing flat.As the night wears on, the cloudy weather has turned to thunderstorms and we are hit with torrential rain which lasts for hours.   We're all so glad to be in some place safe and dry out of this horrific wet weather. I check my email and am very sad to learn that our BSA Troop 431 Scoutmaster, William Garber passed away peacefully yesterday after a short battle with cancer. Bill was the heart and soul of our Troop and I personally learned a lot about hiking and camping from him. He helped shape the lives of hundreds of boys and their families through Scouting. He will be missed and fondly remembered.