Mainely (Well, Entirely) Wonderful

Day 35

We woke up in Maine and headed out for some beautiful riding. Something about Maine makes it bluer and greener than most places. Mountains dot the horizon and we frequently passed by the coast, harbors, and rivers like the one pictured below.

We also found some public gardens.

And then we found ourselves in Freeport, a town now famous for being the birthplace of L.L. Bean.

"Hi Mom!" says Katelyn.

Jonathan in Freeport near an Amtrak sign .

After a hot sandwich and ice cream dinner in Freepot we headed a bit down the road to the Recompense Campground on Wolfe's Neck Farm. Night fell as we neared camp and when we arrived the stars were incredible. We laid on top of our picnic table and stared in wonder at the massiveness and beauty of the stars and milky way. If you feel like you're too wrapped up in life take some time look at the stars.

Day 36

Recompense Camp is a working farm and on a tidal bay so we took dome time enjoying the camp in the morning.

Sunrise from our site.

The tidal bay.

Tidal bay.

The farm-- the cows are Belted Galloways! They look like Oreos.

Enjoying the campground was the start of a great day. We passed by a farmers market and got lunch supplies for picknicing in Brunswick.

Huge Briunswick farmers market.

We got a pretzel, cookie, veggies, smoked turkey salad, and nice sandwich bread.

Picnic in the park in Brunswick.

In Brunswick the Main Street is Maine Street :)

Later that day we went over a great bridge. While crossing the bridge though Jonathan's shifter cable blew out. There was a bike shop not more than 1000 feet up the road and the friendly folks there fixed it right away.

Bridge crossing.

Draw bridge mechanism.

Fun bike and ski store. What a perfect place for a blow out.

Further on down the road we ran into a lobster shack on Route 1 that katelyn had been to before! So we had to stop and share a lobster roll. It was excellent.

So we eventually made to our campground later than planned, but were greeted by a Labor Day concert and bonfire! We had heard the country music as we approached but figured it was a wedding or party. Turned out to be a party for our campground!

Jamming to the concert while making dinner.

Day 37

The next day we rode to the town of Belfast where we planned to stay for two nights before heading to Acadia. It was a short ride, about 50 miles, and we made it to Belfast for a picnic lunch and beer tasting at the local brewery, Marshall Wharf Brewing.

Yum! Some were brewed with oysters.

We spent the night camping in a Belfast resident's yard. Alex is listed on the Adventure Cycling Map as a cyclist campground. He believes that more folks along the route should offer up their yards and showers with the coordination of Adventure Cycling. We agree! It was a joy to stay with him for two nights and spend time talking about life and cycling.

Day 38

No biking this day! It was funny not to bike at all but we spent a lovely,touristy day in Belfast.

Fun be benches made by local artists dot the town.