Some very inspirational people and one tough day!

Before I forget, I wanted to tell you all about three people that we have met during our travels that have touched us in some way. On our way to Bangor yesterday we passed an older woman with a huge backpack who was walking by the side of the road. She waved a cheery hello and Joel backtracked to speak with her...I was already too far ahead. He told me that she is walking to NYC to spend time at her Buddhist retreat. She seemed to be bald and was very slight...her luggage was bigger than she is. In any event, she was very curious about our odyssey but in truth, walking is much harder! Once we arrived in Bangor (in the rain) we decided to revisit the Old Sea Dog Brewery which we had visited a few days earlier on our way up to Calais...does that make us regulars?? As we regrouped, Chris the service manager, spent a good amount of time asking us about our trip and telling us of his bike ride from California to Maine almost 20 years ago. He did it all by himself and for a charity. We were very impressed with his compassion for his causes and his tips and advice for us. Finally today, which was by far the hardest ride we have ever encountered, we met another wonderful man who offered us cold water and a rest on his land as we walked our bikes up the hill by his house. He was very encouraging about our progress and extremely open to share his life story which included thirty years of playing and coaching football. I have to say his kindness and water helped at a crucial point in our 75 mile plus day. We began in the rain which turned into hills, and then Joel had two flats caused by a tiny little piece of wire, and then it transformed into a scorching, humid sunshine day and then more hills. By the time we reached Waterville I was sunburned and had experienced toe and foot cramps. Joel was ever encouraging and the good news is that tomorrow is a much shorter day. I may not blog for a bit as I am giving all my technology to my parents to carry in their car and we will be with Joel's Aunt Mary Faith and her husband tomorrow and my childhood friend and her family for the weekend in Portland and thus very busy and happy!!! Just wanted to tell everyone that we are loving all the comments on the blog. Thanks!!