Day 50 - 51, Sept 11-12, Kittery, Maine

 The best laid plans...

Fall is upon us!

Our first trip across the USA took us a total of 7 weeks to go from Washington state to Washington DC. It was a great experience, but too fast; we wanted this trip to be slower, more stopping and smelling the roses and that we have done.

On our relaxed schedule, we "should" be in North Carolina, but entering our eighth week, we have only gone from Grand Rapids, MI to Kittery, Maine and here we sit for another day.

Although we are not, the bike is tired. We had the bike completely overhauled before we left, but that was over 1,200 miles ago and repairs need to be made. We've already replaced tires and one of the chains, but the brakes need work and the quick-release skewer that has been dogging us for miles needs to be replaced. Additionally, the rear tire needs to be beefier. We've gotten 3 flats in the last 4 days; enough is enough.

Another flat! This time on the way to the bike shop.

Luckily, we found Papa Wheelies, a great bike shop in downtown Kittery. Josh, the mechanic on duty, squeezed us into his schedule and we were back on the road in no time flat. : )

As we entered town, the real damage showed up.  This was one of many

downed trees.

On our way into Kittery, we literally ran into a thunderstorm. We could see it down the road. It was like riding into a car wash. The weather went from cloudy to torrential rain in an instant. It was a wild experience to say the least. While only 30-minutes-long, it packed a big punch. We were on a deserted country road, so we just kept going. Quite a few large trees came down in the storm and the prolonged drought this area has been in may have been part of the problem. Apparently, if deprived of water, large trees will sometimes die from the inside out. They look fine, but large branches and/or the trunk becomes hollow from the lack of moisture. If hit by high winds, they fall. 

Tomorrow we head to Salem, Mass, hopefully I won't be accused of witchcraft.