Today was my first state line crossing but unfortunately, there was no New Hampshire sign and there was nobody around to take my picture if there was. I left the hotel at 7:45 and went to breakfast at the same place I had dinner last night, The Square Toe restaurant, Dinner was excellant and so was breakfast. After about 5 miles I passed through Wells Maine. This town was established in 1640. It is hard to imagine what it was like that long ago and what those folks would say if they could see it now. I am glad I didn't wait to have breakfast along the way as every restaurant I passed had people waiting outside to get in. It looked like a typical beach town on a sunday morning! The route I was on took me down to the beach for a few miles. It was cloudy and pretty cold with a wind out of the East. That part wasn't bad as my route was primarily West and Southwest. Nothing like a strong tail wind when you are cycling.
I eventually made my way to Kittering Maine which is across the river from Portsmith New Hampshire. I had just climbed a hill and stopped to get a drink of water when I noticed an beautiful restored Model T in a big barn. The owner came out and I asked him if I could take a picture. he agreed and I went up to look at it. It was perfectly restored. I asked if he took it to shows and he said he did. I was about to leave and he said take a look at my current project. He is restoring a 1922 Ford. He has to replace all of the wood structure in the car. I didn't realize that the entire car body is made of wood covered with metal panels. He has been working on it for a year and has several years to go.
I continued on to Kittering and passed the restaurant a bunch of us had a lobster dinner last July to celebrate the end of our journey across the US. I then crossed the bridge into Portsmouth, my second state on this trip. I saw my first Starbucks and stopped in for a cup of coffee. I left and followed RT1A. Before I knew it, I was on the beach road. I realized after a while that the route I was supposed to be on wasn't on the beach. I looked at the map and saw that there are two Rt 1As. I guess New Hampshire ran out of route numbers. I eventually got back on route and continued on to Londonderry. I passed the school in Rye where we all met last year for out ride to the beach at the end of our ride.
I kept passing through these old New England towns established in the 1700's. The town of Kingston has many old buildings and Federal style homes with signs on them saying circa 1790 or around that time.
I went through Exeter New Hampshire and passed a shool that was established in the early 1800's. I find it hard to get my mind around things from that long ago.
Today's route was fairly level until 30 miles or so to go, then it was a continuous climb until I got to Londonderry. I hit another hill that was so steep that I could not pedal up. It was another 45 degree grade. I guess pulling about 60 lbs behind the bike does make a difference!!
I made it to Londonderry and the motel about 5:45.
No comments:
Post a Comment