Searsport, ME to Bar Harbor, ME 60 Miles

Carol and I were excited to know this was our day to ride into Bar Harbor, our goal since we started pedaling in Anacortes, WA on May 16th. The people we have met in Maine have treated us beautifully and given us fond memories. But, the Maine Coast has not been a supportive fan of bicyclists.

We started off today in fog, but the temperature was warm enough not to need any jackets. We experienced some slight drizzles early but nothing alarming, though the skies looked threatening. We did continue climbing up and down hills like we have for the past two days. About 30 miles into our ride we stopped to eat in Ellsworth. We found a park in front of the public library, but since the benches were wet, we sat under the porch steps in front of the library, where we met Cliff Skinner. He was spending the day with his children and noticed all our bicycling gear. We talked a while and told him about our journey. He was so impressed he pulled out his wallet and handed us a donation on the spot. This is so touching to me when people do this.

After our stop in Ellsworth we had only 28 miles left to arrive in Bar Harbor. The first 14 miles took us around a bay where it began to pour heavily. I began to feel discouraged at the narrow roads and the difficulty of seeing through fogged up glasses. But, after five miles the rain stopped and I saw glimpses of the beautiful ocean as trees opened onto meadows. I also passed an old cemetery where I was reminded, again, how fortunate I am to Be Here Now and be able to live my dream. I will be resting soon enough. I was able to continue in high spirits all the way into Trenton, where we stopped in the Bar Harbor information center. There we were met by an enthusiastic woman who couldn't wait to share her own cross country cycling adventures with us and encourage us on our way. We were only 14 miles from our goal and we were excited to continue.

As I said, the Maine Coast threw all it had at us. We never had a moment when we could say, "It's all downhill from here." The rain began again, and the hills kept on coming one after the other. The rain poured harder and as I was pushing uphill, I was watching the water flow down the hills in sheets. There was never any thought of stopping, there was nowhere to stop anyway, but I was questioning my sanity when we finally arrived at the entrance to Acadia State Park. where we did not stop for photos.

We finally arrived in the town of Bar Harbor where we found a dry spot under the gazebo on the town green with all the other tourists looking for refuge from the downpour. We found the First Baptist Church where we were met by Pastor Scott Records and his wife Joanne. They were so gracious when we stood in the doorway dripping all over everything. I literally poured water out of my gortex rain socks.

Pastor Scott and Joanne quickly helped us with our bicycles into the church basement, brought us dry towels and showed us where we could settle in. They were doing this in the midst of completing church duties, preparing for their own vacation getaway as well as preparing for house guests. They just kept asking, "what can we do for you?"

Carol and I still can barely believe we have arrived at our destination. We cleaned up, got warm and dry and went out to see Bah Habah and eat Lobstah. It has finally stopped raining.