Sacrifices

I've been thinking a lot lately about having to give up things.  Having to carry everything that we need for the next few months in two trailers is very challenging.  A couple of weeks ago Zion and Cord were insisting that they needed full sized pillows.  We bought some cheap ones at Wal-Mart and both complained that they weren't just right.  Once we started loading it became apparent that the pillows had to go.  They are now happy with their small pillows, especially as they are used after an exhausting day.  I had to leave behind cotton clothes, cosmetics and cut off my hair in order to not need a hairdryer.  Today was another very rainy day so we decided to use the day to reorganize and purge.  We mailed home cotton towels and an extra blanket, both things that I was reluctant to give up.  Now we each have a Shamwow and more space.  My mixing bowl is in the mail and I will use our pot instead.  Cedar sent back his juggling balls and will share Zion's.  Cord jokes that everything will be gone by the time that the boys and I return home.  Will I be willing to continue to sacrifice for others once we're back home?  I'm trying not to think that far ahead, for now it's just one mile at a time.

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.

Goodbye to my Fiji tent.

So, we seem to have chosen the rainiest June in recorded history to bike through the northeast. This rain isn't a gentle rain like Seattle but downpours with gale force winds. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. Is this true? This rain is the ultimate test. We had to replace my faithful tent of 20 years because it leaked when we tested it. I loved my tent and it served me well but even REI tents give out eventually. We are going to keep it for camping in California since we don't get RAIN! I think it has rained over 8 inches since we arrived on this coast in the beginning of June. Cord met a cyclist this morning who reminded us that rain is preferable to hot sun. Even I have my limits and we have decided to hold off a day before starting. Camden, Maine is beautiful and I would love to explore it so tomorrow we will enjoy lovely Camden and will leave on Wednesday when the rain should begin to taper off. It's time to try to fall asleep to the rain pounding on our tent. I just have to remember what Cord said when he first arrived 1 1/2 weeks ago. "It is beginning to sink in that we may have to ride in the rain." Ha! He really is from California!

Encouragement

It was almost without fail that whenever I mentioned our trip, men especially would tell me that I couldn't do it. When I saw an old friend in Seattle, I spoke of our trip with the preface of "hope to" or "am going to try" and he reminded me of the power of the spoken word. "You are going to do this!" Thanks so much for that reminder, Kurt. Last night when I said goodbye to some neighbors, they were full of encouragement. No "You can't" but rather "I would love to go." It was great meeting you Greg and Michelle. We are driving up to Concord, Mass. today to visit our first favorite author's place. Hello Louisa May Alcott.