Sea to Shining

I rode my bicycle from Monterey, California to Portland, Maine. Not quickly, I probably could have walked in the 7 1/2 months I took getting here. I chose the interesting route, not the straight one.

I made it to the other side. What do I feel? I dunno, sad. I hate finishing bike trips. But I’m not finished. At weird ends, that’s for sure. I am at weird ends. Anyway, this may be the end of the line in the US but there’s some more Canada out there to ride. That’s why I’m taking the Cat to Nova Scotia.

The ferry was a little late getting in. They had a delay coming in from Yarmouth when they stopped to assist a fishing vessel in distress. Picture George Clooney in a fisherman sweater because I’m sure that’s what all fishermen are like around here. Our voyage took 5.5 hours so it was dark when we arrived. The Canadian border agent was very concerned about my welfare, riding around on a bicycle like that. I’m not sure she really believed me when I told her I’d ridden from California.

The next leg of my journey is further north, with another ferry to New Brunswick. I’m on my way to see Shirley. Why does Shirley live so far away? This is what happens when you teach overseas – your friends end up living all over the place. Going to visit turns into a months-long voyage.