Once again the internet connection is pretty weak, so I will write, but reserve the photographs for a stronger signal.

Because the distance was shorter (cue/clue sheet 40.7 miles), we weren’t scheduled to pedal away until 9 am.  Sue G. from CCST13 and I had decided to take an early “explore” to Beauchamp Point in Camden.  The views of the sailboats through the trees were spectacular, though not great in photographs.  The map we were using was not clear and we did ride for about 2 miles on hard-packed dirt.  Shortly after we rejoined the route, we passed Aldemere Farm, home of the belted Galloway cows.  We were told they had a herd of 130 cows and that the beef is particularly lean as the cows have a thick coat so don’t require as much fat to keep warm.  The views of West Penobscot Bay were beautiful, especially as the sun was shining and the sky was bright blue.

After passing Camden harbor, we headed inland on Route 52; for some distance we had a lake or pond on our left, which seemed strange when we knew the ocean/bay was to our right.  We passed several small islands with a single house – talk about isolation!  Didn’t actually see any that seemed occupied, though the season is just getting started.

After some road construction, luckily the new blacktop was for oncoming traffic, we came to Belfast.  I joined Kathy D., Patricia, and Judi for lunch at Bay Wrap, a nice stop but a less than delicious meal.  After lunch we cross the Passagassawakeag River (Belfast Bay) on a pedestrian bridge and joined Route 1 for the remainder of the ride.  Don’t know if it was the food and just fatigue, but I was quite lethargic for this part of the ride.

Stopped for ice cream outside Searsport which perked me up a bit, and decided to visit Fort Know before heading to the hotel.  That “side trip” brought me to life, not because of the Fort but because of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory (you will have to wait for photos to share the excitement).  I took an elevator up 420 ft. for spectacular views of the Penobscot Bay and beyond.  And I did mention that it was a beautiful sunny day!!

From there it was only 2 miles to the hotel, the Fort Knox Park Inn, with great views back to Fort Knox and the bridge from my room.  Can’t wait to see the night lights on the bridge.

Mileage:  45.47 miles; 3100 ft of ascent (on the bike).