Out of Brunswick, we followed River Road for quite a ways. Finally heading west for the first time in a long while, we got our first taste of the hills. Josh texted me, "I'm hungry... hungry for hills". The boys had their battle-cries to elevate morale along with the elevation.
Climbing one particularly difficult part, I saw a woman with her ten-year old son walking on the shoulder of the road. Both of them had plastic bags and were just walking about picking up trash. As I got close, she turned to me and said, "You're awesome."
I smiled gleefully and replied emphatically, "You're awesome!"
A few miles down the road, I came to a place of road work.
After a few minutes, the traffic began to move and the one orange-clad worker pointed at me. I got a pang of anxiety, being singled out amongst the bunch. I pulled up to him.
"Sorry buddy," the grey goateed man said politely, "State law says you gotta wait for all the cars to go ahead of you."
"Oh, that's actually better. I'm getting like escorted," I smiled.
"Yeah, more safe," he said.
I floundered after the last car, doing my best to keep pace... and I did. Probably going around twenty mph, I was right behind him. The way the miles ticked away today without any trouble led me to call my bike, The Cruise Mobile. Whether or not it sticks, I'll see.
The ride continued to be sheer beauty.
However, after a few twists and turns, and roads into further backcountry. Something rather strange appeared that gave a slight malevolent feel...
The scenery around Maine began to get more wooded as we ventured further west. Still a main staple of the state of Maine, the pine trees gathered around the roads until they blotted out the sky. The aroma of fresh pine drifted into my nose as I watched the needles rain down from overhead in a blizzard-like fashion. I was just a few hundred ft. from Shaker Village, one of the last remaining communities of the old religious society.
"Oh yeah, the library's open until 4:30," smiled the warm man. "You'll find Clarke in there on the computer on the right," Lenny smiled.
"Okay, cool. I'll keep him company. I'll bet the construction on the roof is driving him crazy in there," I smiled. The customer buying a book gleamed at me and Lenny did as well.
Hey, the Shakers were aight.
Except Clarke.
I entered the building.
"Hey, how are you?" I asked Clarke as he slowly turned around in his chair.
"How can I help you?"
"Well, I kinda wanted to explore a little bit."
"...Well, there's not much to explore. You do realize this is a library, right?" his tone took a condescending switch and I noted it immediately.
"Yeah, that's why I came here. I talked to Lenny down the road. He said I could come here. I'm trying to learn more about the Shakers."
"You came here to read?"
Again, I found myself being treated very poorly. "Yes, I came here to read. I went to a Shaker village in Harvard, MA? Ever heard of it?"
"Yes, actually."
"Well, it only lasted a few months and I'm here to learn more about the religion."
Long story short, Clarke let me stay to research the Shakers. However, I caught him staring at me several different times. It felt like he was making sure I wouldn't steal. I read for about an hour before I left without saying goodbye.
The Shakers
Known mostly by the "world" (what they called non-believers) for their celibacy, the Shakers branch out from old Quaker beliefs. A woman by the name of Anna Lee set out from England to NYC with a group of followers to find religious freedom. They were known as the "Shakers" because of their behavior during religious worship where they would usually go into fits or convulsions. Extremely talented woodworkers, their work has always been popular in the outside commercial "world." A popular saying goes, "They put their hands to work and their hearts to God." They hit their biggest stride in the early 17th century but due to their celibate nature, have never been able to grow. For the most part, these societies have largely disappeared.
I set my sights on the town of Naples, ME and kept my eyes open for food. After a long ride, I found a cute sandwich place in the town of Webb Mills. Best of all, the locals were all very kind, and smiled and gave a friendly "How are you" to me. Since the library incident, this was greaty appreciated.
The KOA Campground in the beautiful town of Naples is where we currently reside in the loving care of the owners, Pam and Conrad. These folks are absolutely splendid and have gone out of their way to make us feel comfortable. We all plan on having breakfast in the morning with them and spending more time with them.
Josh's photo. Here we reside. I made some rice drenched in Tabasco sauce this evening. So far, soy sauce and Tabasco taste pretty bad. Might try teriyaki sauce next. Who knows.
Also, if anyone wants to send any letters to any one of us, I picked out a location along the route. Don't feel obliged to do so. Thanks!
General Delivery
Josh Johnson or Mike Hinchey or Ralph Johnson
100 Main St, Boonville, NY 13309
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