Year 1 - Ride Day 3 - Ellsworth ME to Camden ME - Sept 3

Well this was supposed to be ride day 3, but the broken ferry and torrential downpour made us alter our plans to stay on schedule. To stay on schedule would not be too important but we have several prepaid hotel reservations ahead and all the other reservations that may be difficult to rearrange at the last minute, especially over the Labor Day weekend. 

We left the motel in Ellsworth around 8 a.m. Weather cool and overcast. About 56 degrees! The first thing on the road was to climb up out of Ellsworth! It was a very steep climb for our muscles that were not warmed up! 

As we crossed the river at Belfast, we could see the other Fort Knox on the distant shore. After climbing out of the river valley we crossed the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. This new bridge replaced the former Waldo-Hancock Bridge. The new bridge opened in Dec 2006. We pulled into the observation area and marveled at this modern structure.  The nearest tower actually has an elevator that takes you to the top so you can observe the area from 420 feet above the ground! 

Even though it meant climbing (with our bikes) back up from almost river level, we paid the admission and took the elevator to the top. Beautiful views from every angle of the tower, as you can see from the pictures. After we convinced Dan that we should do the observation tower, he said, “that was really a good idea I had to go up there!”

The rest of the day was spent going up and down. Even though we hugged the coast, here in Maine the hills seem to go right out to the coast line!  

I saw four broods of wild turkeys. I bet turkey hunting is good in this area.

We saw some big boats in Belfast. I asked Linda if I should get a price on that cool sailboat! She said sure why not get a price!

Ate lunch at a quaint pub near the water. A nice gentleman on a fat tire bike asked us how we were leaving Belfast. He wanted to ensure we were not going down (south) on Route 1! He said no shoulder! Turns out our route was not on this road. The route went along the water for a short way then turned up. Wow what a steep climb to get away from the bay!

As we neared Camden we rode along a large lake. The road was gently rolling as we neared Camden. Then out of nowhere there was a high ridge right next to the lake. Here we go climbing again. Maine is not flat!

We entered Camden and were stopped in traffic right as we entered. I looked up and saw the one way street our hotel is on. I told the others, I am tired so I am going to take a chance and go the wrong way to the hotel. It was only about 100 yards! 

Camden River House is a nice eclectic little place a block from down town. Potted tomato plants lined the walkway to the entrance. Electric and water solar panels lined the roof. After showers, we strolled downtown to take in the harbor views and attractions. A small string band was playing at the harbor, just sitting on the benches, no special setting, just a pop up music session.

I requested that we eat (actually more interested in drinking) at the Sea Dog Brewery there. My Blue Paw had Maine blueberries in it! The others like to watch my blueberries rise and fall in my glass due to the carbonation. Some people are amused by the simplest things! 

After dinner we strolled around some more and stopped for ice cream at River Ducks. I got, wait for it, yup you guessed it, blueberry! Wow, it was the greatest. Now stuffed, tired, and relaxed, we retired to our rooms. A good day was had by all. 

We did 68 miles with just over 4,000 feet of climbing! For those of you that are into details, that is roughly 59 feet of climbing per mile. More than the general ride in Lancaster County Pa!