tilton, new hampshire

My special tag I received from the Gendron family in Rochester, Vermont.

Two days to go! After 80.83 miles today we arrived in Boscawen, New Hampshire. Tomorrow, we plan to pedal 44 miles to Rochester, New Hampshire. Thursday we pedal 39 miles to the Atlantic Ocean!

Out of the Green Mountains of Vermont and into the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Nothing like back to back challenges in adjoining states. Thankfully, both states are very narrow where we cross. Both are very beautiful as well. 

This morning I told Phil if we did 50 miles, that would be super! If we did 60 miles, that would be incredible. If we did 70 miles, that would be impossible! Well, somehow we ended up with 80.83 miles. I'm not sure what to say about that except I am a happy rider. Those are 80 miles we don't have to do again! Sounds good to me.

As we pedaled today, we passed close to the birthplace of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. It's kind of spooky as was the Hill Cumorah near Palmyra, New York, where Joseph Smith said he found a set of golden plates which he translated into English and published as the Book of Mormon. As I looked at the plaque, all I could think of was Ephesians 6:10-13, 

 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." 

A few more miles down the road, we stopped for a break at Potter Place where I saw another plaque that was quite interesting. Richard Potter sounds like he too, was quite an interesting fellow. He was a magician, ventriloquist, hypnotist, showman, and master of the Black Arts. I'm not sure what a master of the Black Arts is, or was, but it sounds like something from Harry Potter. Maybe the two were related. I've read the books and watched the movies but I've not seen any Richard. Oh well, I would have liked to see his mansion in town. 

Wikipedia has this to say about Richard Potter: In 1814 Potter purchased about 175 acres in the village of Andover, New Hampshire. He built a large house on his estate. Known for his showmanship in all aspects of life, the estate included two life size wooden carvings of human figures on pillars. To this day, this area of New Hampshire is called "Potter Place" for Richard.

We ate supper, after arriving in Tilton, at the Tilt'n Diner. It must be the place to eat in Tilton. It was packed and people were waiting. The food was good and we will go to bed with our bellies full. And . . . that's where I'm headed.

44 miles tomorrow. 39 Thursday! I'm ready.

Put on the whole armor. 

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