Exeter, New Hampshire

Out the door through Wells, Maine and then off Hwy 1 to the road along the beach through the condo rentals along the shore in Moody Beach and then back on 1.  We stopped at Qgunquit for some oat meal.  We have learned not to order a bowl as it is too much.  Well, Bessie's does not offer cups of oatmeal but Toby our waitress split an order. Toby rides a Honda to work at a cost of $1.50 per week and her husband just bought a bike. She thought our ride was pretty cool but declined to join us.  Back on the road through York Beach and to York Harbor.   A lot of people at the beach including some sun bathers.  Everyone is talking about the great weather, the coming of winter etc. Stores are advertising seasonal tune ups, a lot of blades for snow removal  are for sale along the road.  We stopped briefly at Fort McClary which protected the entrance to Portsmouth harbor.  A little late, as it was built after a Confederate ship captured and burned a ship in the harbor during the civil war.  The fort was never finished as it was deemed obsolete.  Our luck with bridges continued as when we came back up to Highway 1 (we had been on 1A along the beach) we learned the bridge to Portsmouth was closed. Good luck, a young man waiting for the light told us we could still walk our bikes across, which we did with no problem.  Bridge was built in 1920 - 1926 and needs paint and repairs.  Once we arrived at the other end of the bridge we were in New Hampshire so stopped for photo op and to discuss lunch plans.  Don, a local biker who was finishing a 75 mile ride, stopped to see if we needed directions.  He gave us directions to the Oar House and we learned he is going to Sonoma County next week to ride in Levi Leipheimer's  Grand Fondo.  He has done the Vineman in the county and loves Healdsburg and will be staying there.  We told him to go to Murphy Goode winery, and tell everyone that Rudy and Larry sent him and to ask for free tasting. Nice chat, then Don headed off to work and we headed to the Oar House for lunch.  Great roast beef sandwich for me and pulled pork for Rudy.  As we were leaving we were chating with a couple. The gentleman is going to be in Healdsburg next week on business.  Naturally, we suggested Murphy Goode to him as well.  Small world.  Portsmouth is a very pretty town and it would be nice to spend some time there.  We have been impressed with this area.  The people are friendly, the drivers are aware and drive safely around us, the homes are pretty and well cared for.

We finished in Exeter for the day and are close to Massachusetts but it may be a short day tomorrow depending on lodging or it may been a long day, either around 48 or 75.

Today was  50 miles.  Another new state for Rudy.