Madawaska
ME
Rolled
out of Bangor ME around 9:30am on the 16th and leisurely rode north
on the I-95. No traffic per se, just the
occasional car/truck/18 wheeler heading north.
Most appear to be going on camping trips (or returning) and a few
Canadian license plates heading home.
The
weather was perfect! Overcast, chance of
rain, low 70s. I should expect to see my
first rain up around Carribou or so. The
ride should take about 4 hours so I kept the speed around 70-75 while on the
interstate.
Along
the way there was a scenic view stop that gave a tremendous view of Northern
Maine and Mt. Katahdin that gets up to around 5300 feet or so. I didn’t take any pics and arrived at Houlton
on schedule. This is where the I-95
terminates at the Canadian border and the trip north has to be done on
US-1.
While
getting ready to depart the Bangor motel I sent emails and text messages to Joe
LaChance. Joe is the
originator/builder/maintainer of the famous Four Corners Park located in
Madawaska. Joe is a local businessman
who invests in local apartments and is also a motorcycle enthusiast. Checking
my texts I saw that he responded and that we’ll be able to meet and have a meal
together.
The
ride north from Houlton on US-1 was a beautiful scenic one of the St. John’s
River and valley with views of the Canadian hillside across the river. Unfortunately US-1 has not been maintained
well over the years and the harsh weather has taken its toll upon the
asphalt. Fortunately, construction crews
are busy on many sections doing repairs and rebuilds. Ultimately it took almost 3 hours to reach
Madawaska and I only got rained on twice….just rode through it without the
raingear….which means I really got wet on the 2nd one!
Joe
was at the Park when I called from the Gulf gas station right across the
way. So I finished tanking up and rode
across the highway and up the very steep driveway to the park. There were two other riders there; Jimmy
Tragle from Whaley MD and Dennis Watts from Laurel DE. They decided to run up to Maine to see the
park and once here, are planning to attempt it next year.
After
giving a quick tour of the pavers in the park, Joe signed and awarded me a
certificate of being at the Park and we had our photo taken in front of the
monument. So he made me a very happy
camper J. I then departed for the PO and mailed my
forms to the SCMA just as they were closing. From there a quick ride to
Martin’s Motel and unloading some of the gear before calling Joe to go to
dinner.
We
ate at Tang’s, a Chinese Buffet, and I was stunned at the classy interior since
the exterior portrays a place one would not want to go into. (Never judge a
book by its cover!) Tang’s is a
supporter of the Park so I urge all riders to stop there and enjoy a very
delicious meal.
On
the way back to Martin’s I passed by the Park and noticed two riders up
there. I decided to go up and say hello
and had the pleasure of meeting Kyle “Gabby” Hayes from Pensacola FL and Allan
Disher from Cincinnati OH. Gabby is the
2nd person I have met on this trip that served in the USMC and was
also a CH-46 pilot…what a small world this is.
Afterwards
I settled down in my room, and with my celebratory bottle of wine sat on
Martin’s veranda enjoying the view of Canada and watched the sun set in the
west Canadian Hills. This part of the
USA gives one views of Canada both to the west and to the east.
Before
calling it a night I checked TWC and found that tomorrow would be all rain with
multiple thunderstorms. So I decided to
spend one more day in Madawaska and contacted Jean (owner) to request another
night’s stay. Unfortunately, the motel
is all booked up. But she gave me a
number to the Gateway Inn just 2 miles south of the city proper and I was able
to get a room reserved. This is where I
am sitting now working on my blogs and getting all updated.
It
has been raining all day here. And south
of here, along my route, are severe weather warnings of thunderstorms and
possible hail. Tomorrow is supposed to
be much better so in the morning I will head west to the end of US-1 at Ft.
Kent then head south on ME-11 and connect with I-95 to Bangor. I hope to make it to the Harley dealer at
Hermon and get another oil change, 2nd one on this trip, the first
one being at Boerne TX. Here’s a photo of me sitting under the motel’s eaves
trying to blog as the rain continues to come down.
C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter:
@GonzoCrossUSA
Email:
GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell:
949-433-0761
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