August 17, 2009: Damariscotta, ME to Belfast, ME
During our off day we obtained some much-needed rest and recreation. Sunday night we visited Marshall’s Aunt Marge in Round Pond, Maine. Marge took us down to the waterfront area and we enjoyed a traditional Maine supper of clams, mussels, corn on the cob and, of course, lobster. The whole evening was perfect – thank you very much Marge!
Marshall and Marge.
Lobster feast at Round Pond, Maine.
We began today’s ride with the thought in mind that Maine had not been too kind to this group of bicyclists, visiting from the west. The combination of heat, humidity and steep rollers has taken its toll on everyone. Regardless, we began to travel north towards Belfast, ME, 52 miles closer to our goal of Bar Harbor. The weather today was not as warm as previous days, but the humidity was still evident. The map followed State Route 1 for most of the day, and although not as difficult as previous stages, today’s still presented some challenging hills.
The worst part about today’s cycling was the continual presence of automobiles in one’s hip pocket amidst the negotiation of Route 1’s narrow shoulders. On the flip side, today did give us the opportunity to travel through some of the quaint towns of northern Maine such as Camden and Belfast. Each of these communities really does have an individual charm of its own.
The Camden waterfront.
We are currently camped at Moorings Campground just outside of Belfast. Tomorrow’s ride will take us an additional 55 miles up the coast of Maine to Bar Harbor where, at long last, we’ll cast our collective gaze on the Atlantic Ocean.
Today’s bicycling distance: 52 miles.
…A belated birthday shout out to Howard Headley, who turned 69 (According to Howard) yesterday (Aug. 16). HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HOWARD !!
Bicycling the Northern Tier USA, 2009 