A quick update about our trip. As I write this, we are on the ferry heading back to Maine. This is likely our last post and will not include photos due to the fact that we have purged some of our gear, including my tablet.
Today we will ride out from Portland, Maine to pick up the Northern Tier Route and head west.
We look forward to seeing everyone when we return.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Before we write about our latest adventures and misadventures from the last couple of days, we want to mention how many friendly, incredibly helpful and enthusiastic people we have met so far. Whether it's hosts or strangers passing by, so many people have offered tips and encouragement. We have changed our route several times already based on the advice of others.
After leaving Machias, we did take Obie's advice (the little, funky café) and rode out to Lubec, Maine and from there crossed into Canada on the Roosevelt International Memorial Bridge.
The bridge dropped us onto Campobello Island. The island was a very popular destination for the wealthy and, of course, FDR and his family.
We chose a camp site near the beach and walked the mile long length. Our walked started out rather foggy, but the fog cleared after about 45 minutes. While on the beach we came across quite a few interesting rocks. Typically, we would have carried them home, but not likely on this trip! Instead, we photographed them.
From Campobello, we ferried over to Deer Island. The photo below was taken on the ferry. It's the first of the two of us together. See --- we still like each other!
After docking, we rode the length of beautiful Deer Island. It's a lovely, quiet little island and the ride was perfect.
While waiting for the next ferry to take us to mainland New Brunswick, we
met a group of riders from Fredericton, NB. They turned out to be a fun group. While waiting for the ferry and then crossing, we learned quite a bit about sights to see, including St. Martins and the Fundy Trail.
We left them at the dock and on we pedaled to Blacks Harbour for our night's stay.
Not much happening in that town, but we did get a good rest and again, great advice regarding our bike route out today. The first 20 miles was on the quieter rode which was the old highway. After that we hopped out onto Route 1 - think Highway 280, except with only two lanes in each direction. The very good news is that the shoulder is quite wide for safety. That said, we both found it unnerving to enter the highway using the on ramp, just like the cars! And at each ramp or exit, we had to watch for cars entering or leaving the road.
We are currently in St. John and leave for St Martin tomorrow.
After leaving Machias, we did take Obie's advice (the little, funky café) and rode out to Lubec, Maine and from there crossed into Canada on the Roosevelt International Memorial Bridge.
The bridge dropped us onto Campobello Island. The island was a very popular destination for the wealthy and, of course, FDR and his family.
We chose a camp site near the beach and walked the mile long length. Our walked started out rather foggy, but the fog cleared after about 45 minutes. While on the beach we came across quite a few interesting rocks. Typically, we would have carried them home, but not likely on this trip! Instead, we photographed them.
 |
| Phil's tooth |
 |
| the heart rock |
 |
| round rock |
From Campobello, we ferried over to Deer Island. The photo below was taken on the ferry. It's the first of the two of us together. See --- we still like each other!
After docking, we rode the length of beautiful Deer Island. It's a lovely, quiet little island and the ride was perfect.
While waiting for the next ferry to take us to mainland New Brunswick, we
met a group of riders from Fredericton, NB. They turned out to be a fun group. While waiting for the ferry and then crossing, we learned quite a bit about sights to see, including St. Martins and the Fundy Trail.
We left them at the dock and on we pedaled to Blacks Harbour for our night's stay.
Not much happening in that town, but we did get a good rest and again, great advice regarding our bike route out today. The first 20 miles was on the quieter rode which was the old highway. After that we hopped out onto Route 1 - think Highway 280, except with only two lanes in each direction. The very good news is that the shoulder is quite wide for safety. That said, we both found it unnerving to enter the highway using the on ramp, just like the cars! And at each ramp or exit, we had to watch for cars entering or leaving the road.
We are currently in St. John and leave for St Martin tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
After learning of a flash flood watch for the area and then waking up to pouring rain, we decided that we should stay in Machais another day. Our plan was to ride up route 191 and cross into Canada at Calais. Route 191 is rural and appears to have perhaps two very small towns (maybe) along the way.
By mid afternoon I (Michele) was becoming rather antsy and bored with our mini kingdom. Not to mention that I had not had coffee in two days! So out I went and ended up at Obadiah's Mini Café, Book Shop and Restaurant, of sorts. The flag outside by the road read "Open;" however, the place appeared dark. Being a rather desperate woman, on I went, up the steps to the door. Inside I found an older woman, with long grayish breads and large front teeth. Very welcoming. She invited me into her Mini Café, Book Shop/Home! I gladly ordered my coffee and took a seat - I was the only customer.
While sipping my coffee, we started chatting about Mathias, her shop, where we live, where she's lived - the usual stuff. After awhile I mentioned that my husband and I are traveling by bike and that we were headed up into Nova Scotia. I told her the route that we expected to travel the next day and she suggested an alternative. Out came the maps and some helpful information.
Back in our temporary palace, I repeated the suggestions that I had learned of over coffee. After a little internet research, a new plan and route were born! Tomorrow, we ride to Lubec, cross over the Roosevelt International Memorial Bridge into Canada and will stay on Campobello Island for the night. From there we ride and take two ferries, ending up on mainland New Brunswick.
It should be quite beautiful. We are excited about our unexpected route that will allow us to spend a little more time on the Bay of Fundy.
How sweet it is talking with locals and finding out the treasures of an area!
By mid afternoon I (Michele) was becoming rather antsy and bored with our mini kingdom. Not to mention that I had not had coffee in two days! So out I went and ended up at Obadiah's Mini Café, Book Shop and Restaurant, of sorts. The flag outside by the road read "Open;" however, the place appeared dark. Being a rather desperate woman, on I went, up the steps to the door. Inside I found an older woman, with long grayish breads and large front teeth. Very welcoming. She invited me into her Mini Café, Book Shop/Home! I gladly ordered my coffee and took a seat - I was the only customer.
While sipping my coffee, we started chatting about Mathias, her shop, where we live, where she's lived - the usual stuff. After awhile I mentioned that my husband and I are traveling by bike and that we were headed up into Nova Scotia. I told her the route that we expected to travel the next day and she suggested an alternative. Out came the maps and some helpful information.
Back in our temporary palace, I repeated the suggestions that I had learned of over coffee. After a little internet research, a new plan and route were born! Tomorrow, we ride to Lubec, cross over the Roosevelt International Memorial Bridge into Canada and will stay on Campobello Island for the night. From there we ride and take two ferries, ending up on mainland New Brunswick.
It should be quite beautiful. We are excited about our unexpected route that will allow us to spend a little more time on the Bay of Fundy.
How sweet it is talking with locals and finding out the treasures of an area!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
After two beautiful days in Winter Harbor Maine, we rode today to Machias, Maine. First, let me say a few words about Winter Harbor and the Schoodic Peninsula. If you plan to visit Acadia National Park, Schoodic Peninsula is a must!. We stayed in Winter Harbor at the Main Stay Cabins, in the Crow's Nest studio. Roger and Pearl are gracious hosts. Our studio was spotless and, the best feature, an incredible view. Worth the trip, worth the stay!
Our ride to Machias was 49 miles with two different weather patterns -- complete downpour or rain. We arrived in the early afternoon soaked to our bones! At one point, as cars were speeding past us on Route 1, I had the thought that at least every other driver must have been looking at us and thinking "poor bastards!"
The upside to this town in the middle of nowhere, was our purchase of a freshly steamed lobster that we brought back to our hotel room. At $10.00, what a bargain and treat!
We are now dry, fed and in a hotel room listening to a thunderstorm outside! Tomorrow is another day....
Our ride to Machias was 49 miles with two different weather patterns -- complete downpour or rain. We arrived in the early afternoon soaked to our bones! At one point, as cars were speeding past us on Route 1, I had the thought that at least every other driver must have been looking at us and thinking "poor bastards!"
The upside to this town in the middle of nowhere, was our purchase of a freshly steamed lobster that we brought back to our hotel room. At $10.00, what a bargain and treat!
We are now dry, fed and in a hotel room listening to a thunderstorm outside! Tomorrow is another day....
Monday, July 14, 2014
Sunday, July 13, 2014
We have been on the road for six days and are currently staying in Winter Harbor, Maine. We are staying in a wonderful, comfy room called the Crow's Nest. The room has a stunning view out to the bay and the ocean.
Let me give you a recap of our days so far... on Tuesday we landed at the airport in Trenton, just outside of Acadia National Park. We arrived by a small, 33 passenger plane from Boston. The flight turned out to be amazing! There must be hundreds of tiny islands off the coast of Maine and since it was so clear and we were flying low, we had a fantastic view. Upon arrival at the airport, we received our boxed gear.
Phil worked diligently to put it together and off we went! (I will take get a photo of Phil with the trailer).
We have spent the first six days of our trip in Acadia National Park. We spent the first two days around the eastern part of Mt. Desert Island, including riding along many miles of the carriage roads.
This photo is at Jordan Pond, where we had lunch. (I'm not actually squatting to pee, just reaching into my pack and posing at the same time!)
Next we headed to the southern part of the park and camped in Seawall.... so beautiful! We did, however, end up with many unwanted guests - MOSQUITOS! The little terrorists literally swarmed us as soon as we entered our campsite! We retreated in defeat to our tent both nights as soon as possible.
Luckily, we still enjoyed the area. The photo below is the spot where we had breakfast.
We left the campground and decided to head to Bar Harbor for dinner instead, via the terrific, free bus service offered throughout the park. At the Side Street Café we enjoyed a pitcher of margaritas with our lobster wraps.
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On Saturday we left Seawall to head towards the Schoodic Peninsula. Phil had read that the peninsula is one of the best kept secrets of Acadia. Indeed it is!
On the way to Schoodic, we stopped in Sullivan for the night at a very nice campground on Route 1.
Sunday we arrived in Winter Harbor and have booked a very comfortable room at the Main Stay Cabins. Our room is at the top of the house and has a killer view - pictured below. (okay, so you can't see the entire bay and out to the ocean in this photo, but trust me, we can!)
Let me give you a recap of our days so far... on Tuesday we landed at the airport in Trenton, just outside of Acadia National Park. We arrived by a small, 33 passenger plane from Boston. The flight turned out to be amazing! There must be hundreds of tiny islands off the coast of Maine and since it was so clear and we were flying low, we had a fantastic view. Upon arrival at the airport, we received our boxed gear.
Phil worked diligently to put it together and off we went! (I will take get a photo of Phil with the trailer).
We have spent the first six days of our trip in Acadia National Park. We spent the first two days around the eastern part of Mt. Desert Island, including riding along many miles of the carriage roads.
Next we headed to the southern part of the park and camped in Seawall.... so beautiful! We did, however, end up with many unwanted guests - MOSQUITOS! The little terrorists literally swarmed us as soon as we entered our campsite! We retreated in defeat to our tent both nights as soon as possible.
Luckily, we still enjoyed the area. The photo below is the spot where we had breakfast.
We left the campground and decided to head to Bar Harbor for dinner instead, via the terrific, free bus service offered throughout the park. At the Side Street Café we enjoyed a pitcher of margaritas with our lobster wraps.
.JPG)
On Saturday we left Seawall to head towards the Schoodic Peninsula. Phil had read that the peninsula is one of the best kept secrets of Acadia. Indeed it is!
On the way to Schoodic, we stopped in Sullivan for the night at a very nice campground on Route 1.
Sunday we arrived in Winter Harbor and have booked a very comfortable room at the Main Stay Cabins. Our room is at the top of the house and has a killer view - pictured below. (okay, so you can't see the entire bay and out to the ocean in this photo, but trust me, we can!)
We'll post again as soon as we can....
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The idea for this trip started some months back. We have both been interested in traveling by bike, but didn't have a particular destination. We wanted an adventure and, more important, we wanted to spend at least several months traveling at a biker's pace, which would give us the opportunity that we don't often get - to slow down and take in all of our surroundings.
Our first idea was to ride the Northern Tier Route, which spans the northern United States. But then the idea of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Québec regions of Canada came to mind. After some research --- the trip was born! We will travel through northern Maine, then into Canada and from there, drop down into Vermont to Lake Champlain. After that .... well, we'll wait and see.
Our bike trip will begin in Acadia National Park, where we will camp for four nights. Neither of us has visited the park and we are eager to arrive and begin our journey on two wheels.
However, before we leave for the east coast, take a quick trip down the California coast in our very cool Honda Element with ECamper! We will be visiting family before we head east. We will hike Fish Ranch in Monterey, surf at Asilomar beach, head further south to SLO, then north again and camp at beautiful Kirk Creek camp ground.
Follow our trip as we ride, hike, surf and camp.... it's sure to be a true adventure! Filled with ridiculous moments, breathtaking beauty, and, likely, sore butts!
Our first idea was to ride the Northern Tier Route, which spans the northern United States. But then the idea of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Québec regions of Canada came to mind. After some research --- the trip was born! We will travel through northern Maine, then into Canada and from there, drop down into Vermont to Lake Champlain. After that .... well, we'll wait and see.
Our bike trip will begin in Acadia National Park, where we will camp for four nights. Neither of us has visited the park and we are eager to arrive and begin our journey on two wheels.
However, before we leave for the east coast, take a quick trip down the California coast in our very cool Honda Element with ECamper! We will be visiting family before we head east. We will hike Fish Ranch in Monterey, surf at Asilomar beach, head further south to SLO, then north again and camp at beautiful Kirk Creek camp ground.
Follow our trip as we ride, hike, surf and camp.... it's sure to be a true adventure! Filled with ridiculous moments, breathtaking beauty, and, likely, sore butts!
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