Karla: It’s paradoxical. I want to get this ride done and to make it last. We are so near completion, so close to reaching the goal, there’s a strong drive to get it done; but I wish time would slow down. I remember saying to Dave Klug as he was driving us to the start of the ride,” In the blink of an eye it will be over and we will be pulling back into our driveway.” I can see that moment coming and I want to put my full attention to what remains. These last few days have been spectacular. Not just because of the glorious Fall in which we’re immersed, but because it is all suffused with powerful emotions. Theses final days seem to embody what the trip was all about. The beauty of nature, the warmth of strangers, the excitement of new horizons, the challenges both physical and emotional, and the fulfillment of commitment. I really want to savor the last few days. Although, why be a piggy? I have had 95 days of fantastic experiences to savor! It would be very difficult to improve on what I’ve already seen and done. On the other hand, there are three days of unknowns ahead…
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| Autumn approaching in the Adirondacks. |
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| Our second sighting of bison and it is in New York! |
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| Our companion across the country. |
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| On the way to Middlebury Gap, Vermont. |
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| The rain only got worse this day and we made it a total of 17 miles before checking into a B&B. |
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| It was serendipitous to have stopped where we did because our paths crossed with Bill, another biker, and Laurel. A super couple from Colorado with whom we really hit it off. |
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| I took a quick break on a typical New England dry-stack fieldstone wall. |
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| A house style we have seen daily. |
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| Our only covered bridge. |
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| Again, so typically New England. |
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| Check out the stacked wood in the background, ready for winter. |
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| This is what free range chickens really means. You should have seen how fast they could run once she started throwing out the feed. |
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| Seriously great apple pie made with Cartland apples grown in New Hampshire. |
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| Dave is an old biking buddy of Scott’s who invited us to stay with him. His parents brought dinner over, including the above pictured pie which his dad, Mitch, made. Wonderful time and great hospitality at the end of a 73 mile, 4,600 foot elevation gain day on the bike. |
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| A great view on the way up the Kancamagus Mountain or Kanc as the locals call it. |
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| This was that big spike on the map profile. The last big challenge of the trip. |
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| Another new friend named Bill whom we met back in Minnesota. He lives in New Hampshire and rode up the opposite side of the Kanc to meet us at the top and ride down again. Then he drove us to his house for an overnight .We had a blast with him and his wife Linda. |
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| Bill even drove us back to the spot on the route where we diverted to go to his house. |
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| We enter the last state. Can it be possible our trip is almost over? |
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| Maine, it’s a cool place. |
Wow! And as Jackie just said, you guys are impressive. Enjoy the last days of you great adventure. Looking forward to your return. Steve
Well said Karla. What am I going to look forward to after your trip and your stories cease?
Mick
If you hadn't taken all those pictures you would have been finished in 85 days! But thanks from all of us who got to follow along. I agree with Mick (above) … no more blog?? Booo Hoooo ..
Love, Sharon
oh — I had to add another comment … if you get to Portland, Maine. Go to Cumberland Ave and have an Italian Sandwich at DiPietro's. It's the BEST !! As they don't have seating??? at least I don't remember any, go to the Prominade and EAT. From there you can see the bridge that my father peed off of as a boy … now that's a memory for you. Sharon
Scott, I just read your very first entry from May (a couple of weeks before you started this adventure) and the answers to your questions are "yes", "Oh yes", and "wonderful". Love your blogs and the photos add so much! Stay safe and see you soon, Diane (and Mick)