September 1 through September 3
Freyburg, Maine; West Poland, Maine; Wiscasset, Maine
We made into our final state on September 1st, conquering our last and final mountain pass. Here’s what the map elevation chart shows for what we’ve been doing:
The actual climb up Kancamagus was not that difficult as the steepest grade was 9% and for New England, that’s very mild. Elevation is certainly not an issue either as there is plenty of oxygen at these levels. The pass had a number of false-summits as well so it was not much of a grinder. Heck, we were in Conway in time for lunch, and across the border into Maine before the afternoon got too long. That’s not a pass!
This sign is in the above photo
The White Mountains of New Hampshire
Maine continues the New England way of having roads that have nearly impossible grades, but unlike New Hampshire (steep grades) and Connecticut (really steep grades), Maine doesn’t place a grade indicator on their road signs for the really bad ones, so we get no bragging points.
You can probably guess what’s going on here:
A few years ago we asked some locals in Connecticut why the grades were so steep in an area of the country where ice and snow is not some minor issue. We were told that first the oxen used to take a direct line from field to field, then the cows, then the buggies, and pretty soon the roads followed the same path.
Beauty break:
Androscoggin River
We have but two more days of riding left before we get to Bar Harbor. Sunset is now pretty close to 7:00pm here. The days grow short, and so does this journey.
In Memory of Warmer Summers 
What a journey!
You’re almost done! Great shots of those Maine roads. Jerry and I have spent a few days in Niagara Falls and heading into the Erie connector today. It was great to meet you… Near Oceola I think.
Did you stop for a lobster roll in Wiscasset? Our plan of riding straight down to Plum Island saved us more than just miles, huh?!!
SO EXCITED for you both – just ONE SLEEP TIL BAR HARBOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We’re with you in spirit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Carl, how are Meg & Kjo & I going to get our excessive punctuation & emoticon fix??!!?? Hahaha!!)
Sending big hugs to you both ❤️👏🚵😀
Thanks so much for refreshing my brain all summer. Good memories. From MI to favorite state of Maine. Take care! See you soon?
Carl- I am really going to miss your blog as you finish. It has been a great ride for your followers as well. I absolutely agreeing anniewarmstrong above about the lobster rolls at Red’s Eats! All the best!
Chuck
Awesome, awesome, awesome.
Carl and Sallie! You must be done by now!! It is Sept 5th and I haven’t see a post from ya but, wanted to let you know my husband and I just left Booth Bay Harbor and the Five Gables Inn and boy was that nice… We also stopped at a friends house in Cape Neddick but, missed out on Lobsta rolls at “Red’s Eat’s” The weather was beautiful for pre-storm here!! We live near Providence RI and Narragansett was amass today with folks watching Mother Nature churn the sea!! Any plans for another trip you two??
Wave hello to Yarmouth for me, just south of Freeport. Safe journey home.