On Friday, we went on a long ride of around 60 miles. We ran into a couple of mishaps along the way. First, I had a flat tire on my bike which we had to stop and patch. In a great show of northern hospitality, the lady in the house we were parked in front of came out and offered us her help. After leaving this scene, we quickly came to the end of Papa Ouellett’s detailed route instructions, and we realized we were a long way away from home and not sure how to get back. Another couple of sweet northeasterners at the next gas station pointed us back to Dover, NH and we headed home. This ride was another great example of how kind people are always available, especially when there is a flat tire or you’re lost and buying two bags of sugar-filled candy.
We rested our bike riding legs on Saturday in hopes of climbing the summit of Mt. Eisenhower. When we left southern Maine it was sunny skies and warm weather. As we drove to Crawford notch the clouds came in and the temperature dropped. When we arrived at the AMC (appalachian mountain club) hut, the weather report on the top of mount washington read thirty degrees with rain and 50 mile and hour winds. So…we drove south a bit and opted for a sunnier day. And yet here we are, bundled in many layers on the top of Moat Mountain, freezing our tootsies and hurrying to get back in the trees…there’s August in New England for you!
Wow! I didn’t know you were doing this trip. What a great experience. Steve and I often talk about how wonderful our experience was when we went off out west with nary a plan, followed our noses, trusted life, and had all kinds of serendipitous events and caring people propel our travels. Sounds like the attitude you went into this with and the experience you’re now having. I’ll be following your story. Love, Susan