6/2/2015
Like anyone else, I needed a short holiday from a taxing schedule. Each day on the road has had an individual identity. Often times the days were adventurous. I had seen sights change before my eyes as well as experience the local cuisine of each area. For me a holiday meant sleep and remaining stationary. It was much opposite from what most people think of. But, it was what I needed to recharge. We were blessed to be invited to the Beaver Dam Campground to enjoy a few moments of tranquility.
We made our way to the Beaver Dam campground in more pouring rain to launch stage three of our run. The dark clouds didn’t look as if they would dissipate any time soon, so we were grateful for the lodging. The falling rain sounded like a bucket of pebbles were chucked against the trailer. Like any rainy day, we stayed warm and dry inside while watching films and reading books. It was a perfect last day of relaxation.
The next morning the precipitation had become more of a sprinkle. I ran through the backwoods and attempted to stay under the branches of large trees. They did a good job of keeping me dry where as my body failed the task. I grew increasingly soaked under my hooded sweatshirt. When I ran along the roads, it was the semi-trucks that drenched me. They passed with a velocity that shook all the water from the trees. With few places to park I only received one break at a parking lot of a Dunkin Donuts. The light rain continued while I changed into some dry clothes and took a power nap. When I woke up I ran a dozen miles to Lake Ayer Campground. The place had a huge lake of course and beautiful sites. They even had ducks walking around. It was a great place for us to stop and park the trailer. Our running day ended there but we headed to The Governor’s Inn in Rochester.
Robyn greeted us at the Inn. She was a friendly lady that made us feel very welcome. We walked past a banquet hall and outside patio and arrived at their front desk and restaurant entrance. The dark wood interior kept the mood warm and inviting. Old letterman jackets hung on the back of chairs and pennants from another time adorned the walls. The nostalgic feel was fun and it made me think about a time passed. The room we had was quaint and warm. I loved the old style tub in the bathroom. The last thing I remember was submerging myself into millions of tiny bubbles. I was so relaxed I went right to sleep.
The following day’s forecast was more rain. That prediction didn’t come to pass. I had the feeling that I would be fine and I took off with the idea that I would stay ahead of schedule. There were a few destinations that I wanted to make. I enjoyed the wilderness much more without the pelting drops of water. I did have to admit the air felt crisp and tasted clean after the precipitation. Lots of little chipmunks ran along the side of the road. A few beavers scurried away when they heard my steps.
I was excited to get to the state capital. A statue of our fourteenth president Franklin Pierce, presided over the Main Street of Concord. I passed him on the way to the Centennial Hotel. This place was a boutique hotel that paid attention to little details. At the check in desk a dispenser of strawberry-kiwi lemonade was available for guests. The soap in our room was pleasant oatmeal bar. Two white terrycloth bathrobes had been laid out on our beds and there was a plate with two pieces of crumb cake awaiting our arrival. Their restaurant and bar was very upscale. It looked as if all the successful people in town had gathered there. There was even someone heading out for a run while I checked in. I knew I was in the right place. I felt very happy to be in New Hampshire. Anywhere that had live free or die as their slogan was the right place to be. 
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