September 16, 2013

September 16, 2013 Searsport --> Brunswick, ME - 84 miles

I decided to make it a long day to Brunswick, so that I would be positioned for a shorter ride of 55 miles to Kennebunkport on Tuesday. That gives me a half day on Tuesday and a full day Wednesday in Kennebunkport. The plan is to ride 30 miles back to Portland on Thursday and take my bike to a bike shop to be packed for the flight to Atlanta early Saturday morning.

I left my "haven" at the Yardham Motel at approximately 7:30 a.m. under cloudy skies. The temperature was in the high 40's - so a little cool. Really feeling like fall weather now, and I wore a couple of layers and gloves.

After about 10 miles, it started spitting then lightly raining. Not a major downpour, but enough to feel a little wet and blur my glasses. I rode south along Hwy 1, with frequent views of the water along the way. There were a fair number of hills, but nothing approaching the challenges of the past 2 weeks. I hummed and sang as I pedaled. There were a lot of cute and interesting B & B's along the way.

In Camden, I cut across on Hwy 90 for 10 miles or so, then reconnected with Hwy 1 for the remainder of the day. Camden was a very intriguing looking town. The type of place I wouldn't mind spending more time in. Lots of neat shops and restaurants, and the waterfront nearby.

I essentially rode Hwy 1 all the way to Brunswick, stopping only at Wicassett briefly for a Subway veggie delight for lunch. Arrived at my motel around 4 p.m., took a hot bath, grabbed some pasta for dinner and settled in for the night.

I am very excited about spending time in Kennebunkport the next few days. As I mentioned, I love getting to see where Mrs. Tarr hails from and sharing that with her. I am just as excited by the prospect of staying at The Franciscan Guest House, situated next to the grounds of the St. Anthony's monastery. There are trails and gorgeous views from the grounds of the monastery. The guest house is also located within walking distance of town and the beach. It has been described as a wonderful place to go as a spiritual retreat. For the past several years, I have extensively read and studied Richard Rohr's writings. Rohr is a Franciscan monk who runs a center for contemplative studies in New Mexico. I am so amused by God's timing and abundance. I mean, what perfect way to end this ride and phase of my life than to spend a couple days at a Franciscan monastery thinking, praying and resting. Coincidence? I don't think so. 

I forgot to mention that the forecast for the ride to Kennebunkport is clear blue skies and temperatures in the low to mid 60's. A slight tailwind from the north to carry me in. In other words, perfect riding conditions. The real mystery is that I am still surprised when these adventures come together so perfectly. I feel somewhat overwhelmed with gratitude and blessing.

I may not blog for a few days, and simply be...