We finally started!

We tried delaying our departure by a day to avoid the rain but it was pouring.  We left Wednesday from Port Clyde, Maine.  It was a beautiful place, even in the rain.  Our first ride was only about 15 miles which was smart since it took us almost 3 hours to get everything set up in the rain.  We camped on the ocean with the high tide at midnight coming up to within a few feet of our tent.  The high tide/low tide difference is about 11 feet.  

We changed our original plans after Cord talked to the guys in a local bike shop.  That really made things complicated but it was a great choice.  We Love Maine!

We have learned a few things about Maine.  If you stop to look at your map, people will always come out of their houses to help.  If you see a car speeding at you backwards down the road, it is because they want to help.  If you stop on a deserted road, the first person who drives by will stop to ask if you need help.   Whenever we stop, people want to talk to us.  Most people wave when they pass us and if one of us is stopped for some reason, people in cars will tell whoever is ahead what is going on.  Many homes have stands in front of them selling fruit, vegetables or baked goods on the honor system.  Kids don't hesitate to talk to us and love to play with Minnie.  After eating at a restaurant, the owner will give you a hug on the way out.  Dogs are welcome almost everywhere!  Minnie has been in so many restaurants now that it seems normal.  Can you tell that we are loving the people here?  Oh, and if any road has "Hill" in the name, it is a serious hill.  

We rode 30 miles today, 26 Thursday and 15 the first.  Not too bad considering that our tandem arrived damaged and late.  I really had to scramble to find something that would fit us and a bike shop in New Jersey was fantastic.  That means that Cedar and I are learning to ride it as we go.  

I don't have internet access often but will post as often as possible.