Rockland, ME to Belfast, ME 42 miles

The sunrise over the Rockland harbor and a cup of coffee was a great way to start the day. I said fairwell to my Warmshowers hosts and headed up the coast to Rockport.

The little harbor at Rockport had work boats and pleasure craft. There was a picnic table next to a little beach where I decided to eat lunch and an apple tree at the edge of the beach with apples falling off of it. I had one with my lunch and packed 2 more.

Riding through Rockport, I passed two major historical industrial sites. The first was the lime kilns that converted the high quality limestone from 15 local quarries into lime to be shipped to other ports. “In 1817, three hundred casks of lime from Rockport were shipped to Washington DC for use in rebuilding the United States Capital, which had been damaged by the British during the War of 1812.” Wikipedia

The other one was Lilly pond. “The annual harvest of Lily Pond produced 50,000 tons of clear ice that was shipped worldwide. Rockport Ice Company became known for its “Lily Pond Ice,” which was so clear that one could read a newspaper through a thick slab of it.” Wikipedia

The roads to Camden, the next town North, wound along the wooded coast. I passed what I assumed to be a father and son biking the opposite direction. It looked like the son might be out on a short tour and the Dad was riding for a day with him. I should have stopped and talked to them.

I went in a store in the next town, Camden and came across a bag of peanut brittle. It was quite expensive but I had to buy it because Ron, the Warmshowers host I stayed with last night, told me he works in a candy factory and makes the peanut brittle. He made this peanut brittle! We had talked peanut brittle recipes and techniques because I make peanut brittle for family Christmas presents like my grandfather did. Ron, you make a marvelous brittle.

I arrived in Belfast and was waiting to hear back from my Warmshowers host, Thumbs, when to show up and what the address was. So I made the most of my time and went to the Belfast Community Co-op for lunch and then crossed the street for a fine coffee and a treat at Chase’s Daily.

Then after walking around town appreciating the architecture and places of business, I went down to Marshall Wharf Brewing Company for a libation. It was there that Thumbs, yes that’s his name, got back to me and said they were having some friends over for a cookout and if I wanted to throw something on the barbecue I could. I went back to the Co-op to pick something up and rode out to the address he gave me. It turned out I had rode by it coming into town.

Thumbs welcomed me and showed me where I could set up my tent and gave me a quick orientation. The house is yet another co-op! I have stayed in three on this tour. I joined the cookout and was introduced to everyone. The place had great energy. Thank you Thumbs and the rest of the Co-op for being part of my journey.