Day 14-3 Concord to Manchester
Shortly after lunch, when we reached the center of Manchester, where even Griffin was familiar with the area, we started getting excited. We knew the route from here. We knew the roads.
We also knew that after today, we wouldn’t have to carry extra weight in the form of water or food.
Griffin and I ditched our liter water bottles when we reached Manchester and replaced them with a 12 ounce water bottle. If we got thirsty, there would be plenty of opportunity to get more.
We were so excited we stopped and got a rare treat of ice cream from a Ben and Jerry’s shop. We had just had lunch, but we were celebrating.
“I really have to stop eating like this,” I thought as I licked the sides of my cone.
As we got closer to the town where we lived, we started hearing from friends who wanted to stop by and see us.
A good friend, Sonia, texted that she wanted to meet up with us at the local park. Sure thing, we walked over and waited for her near the front entrance. When she arrived we hugged and she listened to our stories.
“You guys are heroes,” she said. “So inspiring.”
Although I thanked her, I had to correct her. No, Griffin and I were not heroes. We were just two people who had set out for a walk. Anyone could have done it.
Literally anyone.
You just had to want to do it.
After our visit, Griffin and I walked through the mill district. We saw the rows of large brick buildings standing along the river that had back in the day been filled with the mill workers who drove a large part of New Hampshire’s industry and economy.
We passed art, statues commissioned to provide people with pleasure, inspiration, and a sense of history.
We passed over the river. The mighty Merrimack river that we had followed along our trip. Hello friend.
There is a certain giddiness about coming home. There is an unbridled anticipation of being around those whom you love.
Even with its sometimes perceived warts (who ever thought that having access to too much might be considered a downfall in any sense of the word?) home is where you heart lays. It’s where you’ve raised your family, it’s where you’ve created your memories. It’s where you feel understood and safe.
At the end of the day, we texted Marc to pick us up and bring us home.
When we returned, there was a letter waiting for us from U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen:
“Lyme disease is a serious issue facing New Hampshire and as a United States Senator I have worked to build legislation that will strengthen federal efforts on research and education for tick-borne diseases. I understand that this disease needs attention, and it is people like you who are moving us toward better diagnostic tests and hopefully a cure. The story you have shared is incredible, and I have no doubt your efforts will leave a positive impact on our state.”
Hot damn, look at that Griffin. Just look at what we’ve done.
(Here’s some information on why we took this trip.)
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at [email protected]
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