Day 69: Troy, ME

It was colder than the day before, and the hills just kept coming, but it was an easier 40 miles for Alea than it had been for me the day before.  It was cool enough that it was possible to wear tights without overheating, so it was easier for her to keep warm.  But she also had some very steep hills to start things off, and they only got a little easier as the day wore on.

But the scenery improved considerably, despite the overcast skies.  We were definitely traveling through some special places, so the weather was less a factor than it can be when it is endless miles of great, yet less spectacular, scenery.

A view of Camden Habor.

The harbor at Rockport, ME.

This house was in a very well-to-do neighborhood with an awesome view.
We were impressed that someone had kept it up, rather than tearing it down and
putting up a new McMansion.  I love the window and porch railing above the door!
This house overlooks Camden Harbor.

We rode as far as Belfast, ME, where we piled everything in the van and headed quite a ways off route to Troy, ME to spend the night with our friends Deb Walters and Chris Percival.  We had been looking forward to this reunion for quite a while, as we all seem to be on the same wavelength about life: have fun, stay healthy and keep things simple.

We first met them in Highland Hammock State Park in Florida this past winter.  It was one of our least favorite campsites, but we had a blast spending time with Chris and Deb.  When they invited us to come join them in Maine they had described their house as "The Hobbit House," so we were anxious to see what that was all about.  Sure enough, we had the feeling of being on the set of a Hobbit movie as we approached the front door and entered the dining room.  It was a bit quirky, but very fun and functional.  It was an easy place to be happy and have fun!

Camp Chris & Deb, with their A-Liner in the foreground.

We taught them to play 313 Rummy, which we had just learned from Ralph and Deb Martin the night before.  I'm not too sure how the two games turned out, but at least one of the games was ungraciously won by their guests...  Hopefully their luck will improve when we return!

Chris cooked us up a dinner of local sausage, roasted cauliflower, a fresh garden salad, great bread and good wine, with chocolate for desert.  He followed that up the next morning with a breakfast of yogurt, granola, nuts, fresh fruit and fresh brewed coffee.  So we were sorry to leave, but also anxious to conclude the Spring leg of this year's journey...

Chris, Alea, Deb and Steve, with the "Hobbit House" as a backdrop.