to Dedham, ME

Today we headed out in the rain from Portland, ME and took the highway to Augusta.

Cyndi this one is for you.  Didn't take long to find evidence of my favorite Maine store.

We made it to Augusta and the rain stopped.  There is a lot of work going on outside at least.

We were a bit cold riding in 50 degree weather.  Seeing this sign we gave it some pause but decided the bridge was not icy today. We did stop for hot chocolate soon after we crossed this bridge.

We have made it far enough north to see tulips that haven't gone by yet.

I just had to take a picture of this quintessential New England Farm.

I have heard that it was quite the winter up here...  I see that someone here is working on wood for yet another winter.

 Do you see the fella in search of a brookie?

This horse has plenty of pasture.

A beautiful Maine road on a chilly May day.

Maybe this sign is blurry because of the chill that went through me when I saw it. 

I bet some folks are fitting more wood for the future given what I heard about last winter.

Oh, give up with all this winter stuff...

We are still in the hills.

We arrived in Bangor...

and were welcomed by Paul!

We met up with Bill, Chris, Mike and Natalie at Geaghan's Pub for lunch.  It is great to be back for spring in the land of family and friends.  Special thanks to Brian and Susan for hosting us and our stuff here in their lovely new home in Dedham.

We arrived in Dedham, ME at about 2:00,

and our Northern Subaru was here to greet us.

I am thrilled to be here in Down East Maine.  Allan is getting used to the idea of being here in the land of cloudy and chilly.  We had an incredible journey and I am happy that I have had this opportunity to share it with all of you.

Today we traveled 134 miles for a grand total of 2,388.  

to Portland, ME

We had a great time visiting with cousin Sandra and her two Goldens.  Her sister Deyanne came down for dinner and the evening.  We played a game that is new to us, called Quirkle.  The game involves tiles with attributes.  We had fun but neither of us had much beginners luck.

This morning Deyanne headed back to Augusta in her 20 year old, motorcycle substitute (Miata), and offered for us to follow her out through Dover and Berwick.

For the record we did not get held up for any Memorial Day parades but in a couple of towns I think it was a close call.

Ah, we are officially back.

We have pretty much left the mountains for hills and forests.

With the long and powerful winter that was experienced here this year these folks have left their snowplow handy.

Not sure if this farmer was taking a rest in the grass or the tractor has been retired under this beautiful tree.

Apple trees are in blossom or have just leaved out.

We didn't know what time the parade was due to pass through. Soon I would imagine.  We became the preview parade.  I was tempted to give them the "Queen's Wave'!

After arriving here in Portland my cousin Lauren (I have lots of cousins) asked for a motorcycle ride.  She got all decked out in my gear and remembered that her car was blocking the bike in the driveway. Dressed as "George Jetson" she backed up out of the way.

After a brief overview of rider safety and etiquette they are off.

It is refreshing to be back in Maine in the land of the bleeding hearts.

We rode 63 dry miles today from Dover, NH to Portland, ME. 

Our trip total now stands at 2,239.  Thanks to Aunt Joycee for hosting us here tonight.  Not quite sure where we will spend tomorrow night but planning that it will be northeast of here.  May take a break from the relatives and stay with some friends.

P.S.
Allan always ends up as the grill cook.  I am sure it is because he is so good at it.

Aunt Joycee, Patrick, Lauren, myself and Allan

to Dover, NH

We had a chilly start at 50 degrees but a great day of riding on a dirty bike from the rain yesterday.

Soon after take off at 8:45 we arrived in Troy, NY.  I learned my trivia fact for the day.  I had not known that Troy was the "Home of Uncle Sam".

Very soon we were in Vermont.  All the way through our travels north I have been astounded that we haven't seen lakes.  Thank you Vermont for this delightful sight.  We must be getting close to our northern destination.

As you can see from this sign these mountain roads could be hazardous to big trucks.  So glad that we are on a motorcycle.

And we still have those mountain views.

What goes up must come down.

I second the comment that I am glad that we are on a motorcycle. This must be tough terrain for trucks.

We traveled along a couple of different streams/rivers.

We made it to NH and drove by another pristine lake.

It seemed like we were high up so I checked the elevation and we were all of 950'.

As you can see there are trees here that need some more time and sunshine to reach their summer potential.

Not a sign that you want to see on your travels.  It didn't amount to much just an upstream temporary cement bridge while they were building a new bridge.

I just don't ever remember seeing driver education road signs.

And as the afternoon progressed the clouds became thicker,

and darker but we continued on without rain gear and stayed dry.

I am wondering if maybe it is time for our friend Bill to trade in that red Mustang.

Another NH lake.

And as for that dirty bike.

It is now clean and shiny.  Ready for another day.

We arrived here at 2:00 having traveled 186 miles today and that makes the trip total thus far 2,176 miles.

Tomorrow on day 11 of our travels we will enter the great state of Maine.  Our plans are to go as far as Portland and visit with Joycee and Laurie.

I haven't heard much good about the weather in Maine for the last 6 months.  Sure hope you dry out your atmosphere ahead of our arrival.