Yesterday was our first dose of riding in the rain, albeit only for the final hour or two. The rain started lightly but by the time we finished, it was steady, making for limited visibility and slippery conditions.
We spent most of the day riding separately. Shortly after leaving the Slumber Inn, we were faced with the option of taking the 101, the highway that runs south to Yarmouth or Rte. 1, the parallel coastal road that would take an hour plus longer. Eric opted for the highway. I took the coastal road. We met for lunch at Tim Hortons in Digby, about halfway, before going our separate ways again for the final couple of hours. It was nice to spent some time alone, free to chose my own pace and to stop a couple of times to stretch my hip.
I checked into the Cape View motel in Mavillette around 3 p.m., 30 minutes behind Eric. We waited for the rain to subside, watched a little football and then had dinner across the street at the Restaurant les Cape View; no relation to the motel.
As the storm broke, over the water, the sun's rays pierced the clouds in most spectacular fashion.
A rainbow also emerged behind us. The breathtaking scene felt like a declaration of god's presence. Having ridden more than 1,500 motorcycle miles during the past week, some of them dangerous miles, I accepted the declaration with warmth and serenity.
We exercised care during today's early morning ride to The ferry. The roads were still wet and the temperature was in the low 30s. That is a bad combination. Black ice tops the list of motorcycle hazards. We kept a moderate pace, crawled through the curves and kept in continual intercom communication. We arrived without incident at the anticipated time.
While waiting to board the ferry, a Taiwanese man on his bicycle pulled up behind us. He had a big smile on his face, saddle bags on his front and rear wheels and a stack of packs, pads and bags.
It turns out he left Taiwan a year ago and is one fifth into his around the world trip. His story is incredible.
He's ridden 10,000 miles so far across New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. He plans to ride from Portland to Florida via Boston, NYC and D.C. From there on to Mexico and South America. Check out his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nartaipei. He has spent almost no money, depending on the generosity of strangers for food and housing. Eric kindly offered him a room at my house while he is in Boston. Nice of Eric, don't you think?
I'd really like to get back to Boston tonight but I wouldn't be able to hit the road until 8 p.m. I don't want to ride three hours in the dark. Instead I will reluctantly enjoy the Portland nightlife and then get up for an early departure. Eric is unsure of his plans. I'm sure he'll wait to the last minute to decide.
It's been another memorable trip; 1,527 miles, good laughs, incredible beauty, great people and life-long stories to recount. We're already considering next year's destination. Eric wants to go to Turkey near the Syrian border. I think not. I'll settle for the Smokey Mountains, a place I've been suggesting for years. You can count on a spirited debate for the months ahead.
Until then, thanks for following.
-G.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Nova Star Ferry off Boothbay Harbor
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