Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - Oakland to Belfast - 50 miles

Me at the harbor in Belfast

The "foot bridge" over the river

Views of Bar Harbor

On the way to Belfast

One of many climbs

One of many wide open farms on "top of the world"

I left Oakland around 10 am and was prepared for a hilly ride today. My ride brought me out Rt. 137 for most of the way right into Belfast. I was brought through the Maine countryside of wide open farms that seemed to be on the top of the world. I crested many high top ridges after climbing long, steep inclines. My granny gear got quite the workout today. The climbing was well worth every turn of the crank for the views were so incredible! I rode through towns such as China, Freedom and Knox. I made it to Belfast around 2 pm. I breezed down the hill towards the harbor. I spotted a food co-op and new I could get a good lunch and munchies there. It was a fabulous and fully stocked store, that if I was not on my bike, I would have shopped much more. I had a huge sandwich made with organic vegetables and homemade chips. While I was eating at the outside picnic table, two sets of curious locals came over to me. We exchanged conversation, with which I also received some valuable advice. After lunch, I made my way further down near the water. I sat and painted on a rock for a while. I needed to locate a place to stay this evening, so I crossed a foot bridge that spanned over the river to Rt. 1. I found a nice place overlooking the water. I was also fortunate that the desk attendant let me use his laptop to transfer photos and update this blog. I am fortunate because, while I am typing in the dining area, a poetry reading is taking place. The poet has written many poems about artists such as Fairfield Porter. I am enjoying listening to her. She also told me of a couple great galleries in Belfast that I will go to tomorrow.