When I got up this morning my heart sank to hear the rain on my window. Now, I do ride in the rain and it doesn't really bother me but it is not my favorite thing to do . This day however, the rain would stop and by the time we left Freeport, the roads were mostly dry.
As I was drying the bike off this morning I was thinking how I am often asked how I can go for these weeks long trips on the motorcycle and have everything that I need. Well it took some time but I have a pretty good system. What is important is that you pack in such a way that you don't have to take everything out of the bike if you need say, rain gear, that nothing is packed so it might come loose or fall off and, that you only pack what is essential and only a few days worth of clothes.On the bike I have one saddlebag that gets my tools ( needed them yesterday), Rain gear and the stuff I use to clean and dry the motorcycle. The other saddlebag has my sneakers and flip flops, Patti's boots and our colder weather gear, which for this trip is just leather jackets. The top box has the computer, Patti's luggage and helmet maps and a GPS and extra riding glasses. I have 2 bags above the dashboard for sunscreen, chap stick and a camera. I only take enough clothes for 4 days and do laundry. (I get up early enough to do it before the others are up). So, there you have the skinny on how I travel
So anyway, we left Freeport on Route 1 which is the road that runs directly to Bar Harbor. It's 140 miles if you do a straight shot but that isn't any fun, so by the time we were done, it was closer to 210 miles and took 9 hours. Of course all of that was not riding. We sat on the docks at Orr's island for a while having coffee and watching the lobster boats had lunch at a neat little seaside cafe' at the Pemaquid Point lighthouse followed by a climb dow the rock shoreline to get close to the sea.
The route was as beautiful as you could imagine. As much as I love the mountains, the sea takes a close second in my love for nature. I am mesmerized by the sounds and rythmn of the waves hitting the shore and love the smells of the ocean. Rather than go straight down Rte 1 we chose to wander down some of the "fingers' that comprise the Maine coast. They turned out to be fun rides, on narrow roads that wind and undulate and sort of give the feel of a roller coaster. Along the way we were treated to fantastic views of the many coves full of boats that skirt the roads. Of course, the best part is when at the end of the road you break out into a breathtaking view of the Ocean.
I had expected that we might see more lighthouses but the one at Pemaquid was the only one we came across. It was a great stop though with the bonus of a really nice little cafe' that had the best clam chowder that I think I have ever tasted. The lawn ornaments weren't bad either.
There was also this great stone shoreline that we were able to climb down and feel the spray from the surf.
Tonight and tomorrow we are in Bar Harbor. Our hotel is on the baya nd ahs a nice view of it. We went into town and had dinner at a place called "Carmen's Veranda". Clever Huh?
So, tomorrow we'll explore here and I'll let you know about it tomorrow night. Thanks for riding along with me.
Wish I was there!
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