September 12, 2013 Searsport --> Bar Harbor, ME - 50 miles
Got off to an early start at 7:30 a.m. so that I would arrive in Bar Harbor around lunchtime to meet up with Randy. It rained quite heavily during the night, and the forecast was for 30-40 % chance of rain at times during the day. It was quite overcast, but not raining, so I donned the rain/fog gear and lights as I started out. It was also very humid and warm, and I immediately started sweating profusely.
Up and down, up and down, up and down....if I have learned one thing about Maine and the end game, it is that the hills and mountains do not stop as you near the coast. In fact, that is one of the defining characteristics of this part of the Maine coast and region. Bar Harbor is located on the northeast shore of what is called Mount Desert Island. The highest point of Mount Desert Island is Cadillac Mountain, which at an elevation of 1,530 feet is the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard. There are several other mountains as well with decent elevations. But I am getting ahead of myself.
The ride over to Bar Harbor was tough, as my body and legs are just generally tired from some hard riding over the past week or so. So, I just took it one mile at a time and consoled myself with the knowledge that I have a couple of rest days coming up. I felt myself feeling quite emotional - much like I did at the end of the cross-country ride last summer. Feelings of sadness, joy, much much gratitude, anticipation... Absorbed the sights and sounds around me, said many prayers, quietly listened, shed a few tears, and just let myself be in the moment. Thought some about the most significant events of the trip to date, and what has impressed me the most. In some ways, the ride felt poignant.
To reach Bucksport, there is a massive new bridge with impressive spans. Just before entering the bridge, there was a beautiful rock formation and sign for Fort Knox. I stopped halfway across the bridge and took a picture of Bucksport from a distance. It was quite lovely.
Pedaled on to Ellsworth. The center of town was a very steep uphill, and I stopped on the outskirts at a McDonald's to re-group and refuel with a Blueberry Pomegranate smoothie for the final 20 miles to Bar Harbor. Blessed with no rain!
Crossing the bridge over to Mount Desert Island I came across a picturesque view of marsh, rocks, and water. Stopped a moment to take it all in. Then, proceeded up and down and up and down along the coast to Bar Harbor, where I found Randy at the motel. He had a big grim on his face, and we decided to bike the 1 mile into town for lunch.
We found a nice spot for lunch outside and next to the water, and re-counted our various adventures since parting ways a couple of weeks ago. We also made the decision to stay over in Bar Harbor tomorrow night, which gives us a full day on Friday to rest and see the area, before heading out on Saturday. There is a 70% chance of rain so I found a 2 1/2 bus tour around Acadia National Park that gives us a chance to rest and still see the highlights of the area. Should be a lot of fun.
