June 7, 2007

A crisp clear day

It was bright and sunny just after we got out of the tents at Norman’s. This is the first clear morning in a long time. After a cup of coffee with Norman, we headed back down to US 1 to resume the journey. After a brief stop to get a muffin and something to drink we rode out to a light tail wind. The roads today were mostly smooth with wide shoulders. There were a couple of construction spots where we had to wait as they were flagging one way sections. There were also a couple of somewhat rough sections and some areas with two inch paved shoulders. If there was traffic coming from behind in these areas with oncoming traffic, we would often just go into the soft shoulder to stop and wait until it was clear. No sense taking any chances. We had tail winds in the morning, heads most of the day, and tails again at the end of the day.

Stream from US 1.

I usually get a coke when we stop for lunch at a Subway. The redemption system in Maine uses redemption centers. The stores that sell the drinks do not take container returns. The first day I kept the bottle until the next stop when I found this out. From then on it became a matter of principal. I wouldn’t throw the empties in the trash, as that defeats the purpose of recycling. I accumulated five containers before I found an open redemption center. It became a bit of a joke with Denny and I. I was carrying these empties with no place to carry them. As of this writing I am already carrying another.

I finally found an open redemption center,

The route was mostly inland but came along the coast from time to time. There were many tidal inlets and streams leading to the ocean. In one section we had a clear view of Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain off in the distance. One interesting sight was the bridge over the Penobscot River. The river in this area splits and creates Verona Island and then comes together again. On the way out are two bridges. Denny rode over the older bridge last year in a out-and-back from his home to Bar Harbor. The new bridge was well under construction at that time but the old was limited to one way traffic and weight restrictions. Now the new bridge, and its towers which have observation decks, is the tallest man made structure in Maine.

Cadillac Mountain off in the distance.

The new and the old.

People were chatty at second breakfast. Again, everyone knew everyone except us and it didn’t take very long for them to know our story. One older woman came over to chat and ask about the trip. Her big adventure was a couple of trips to Scotland by herself with no accommodations planned in advance. I was impressed with her sense of adventurism.

As we were reaching the end of the day we stopped by the side of the road to check our options for camping tonight. As we were looking at the maps a vehicle stopped in front of us and over came Rex Kelley. Rex and his wife rode coast to coast a number of years ago. They went east to west which is typically the harder direction as you usually get 60% tailwinds going west to east. Next week they are going on the Green Mountain Loop which is an Adventure Cycling route with cycling maps in Vermont. Rex gave us some info on what to expect ahead.

The campground we are staying at is pretty nice with excellent shower facilities. It has a view of the Penobscot River which is also part of West Penobscot Bay, no mosquitoes or black flies, but does have a few no see-ums. The only draw back it is a bit pricy and the tent sites are not very level and as well kept as the rest of the campground. All in all it was a good day.

Penobscot Bay from the campground.

Jim

Cycledog (Ride the extra mile!!)

© 2007 - JNS