Coast to Coast

It poured rain two nights ago in Balsam Cove. After three months of use the Big Agnes tent has kept us dry. It’s been a good home this summer. And just as we left the west coast with the threat of rain, we inched oh so much closer to the east coast in a heavy mist and fog. 

Andrew messaged us and thought we were in Ellsworth, which after 85 miles he ended his day. We said we would ride the 15 miles and meet him for second breakfast there. Being a holiday Monday, nothing appeared willing to be open for business. We met Amy downtown who suggested the “Precipice”, a new business willing to stay open and take the crowds on a Monday needing their caffeinated fix. 

While waiting for Andrew we met Jeff and Steph from NYC. They sure were fun to talk with. Like so many we have met along the way, we think we would like to hang out with them back home. I hope we encouraged them in their adventures. 

Andrew joined us later and soon agreed to ride with us to the final destination, MDI, mount desert island. We rode in a line of three along with all the Labor Day traffic. We invited him to share our campsite which was upgraded to a rustic cabin for only $13 more each night. Indeed we had another rain shower. 

 

Andrew is continuing his sojourn north and east to the eastern most point in Maine, Lubec for a couple three nights of solo reflection. What a gentle soul. 

Today we rode into Bar Harbor, found second breakfast and then found the bike shop that will box and ship our bikes home. Then we found Acadia National Park. The skies are clear and the weather was perfect. 

The 12 miles into town from camp nearly wiped me out. I really need a break. But since I got that Senior Park Pass, I better use it. Acadia has these historic carriage roads that the rich and famous once traveled. We had energy to do one small loop. It was enough of a taste to want more. We must return with more time and fresher legs. For now it’s a 10 mile ride back to camp. 

Where we relax, do some laundry and some ocean viewing. 

While we were gone, Mark whom we met in Bowlus, MN a lifetime ago, was in Bar Harbor headed out and stopped in our camp. We were so close and I’m so bummed we missed him. He left a bag of fresh bagels if which the Chief Chipmunk required a tax of one bagel to secure our gift. Thanks Mark. The left overs are delicious and just what we needed. 

Tomorrow we have 10-12 miles back into town to the bike shop. Then a shuttle from there to the Bangor airport. We have a motel on site and fly to Seattle on Thursday where Al and Donna will pick us up in our Soob. Friday morning we drive the final 10 hours home. 

It will take me some time to process this journey. Don’t ask me when or where my next adventure lies. We do have some scheduled events coming up, but I can’t plan another three month bike tour just yet. 

First I need to return to the left coast

I am so far from home.