May 22 Naples to Conway, New Hampshire

I crossed my first state line today and despite loving the scenery and villages in Maine I’m so glad to give another state a try on roads.  Maine’s roads are comparable to Cuba with deeper potholes.  There was an immediate improvement once I crossed into New Hampshire but of course maybe the schools are lousy in New Hampshire but wonderful in Maine.  I don’t know.

Today was the best day I’ve had.  The weather was great, I didn’t get confused on my route and I arrived in Conway in time to explore some and wash some clothes. 

Leaving Naples took me on a lovely road called Kansas.  As I reached the top of a very steep hill I was greeted by a man who told me I had just climbed the equivalent of 125 stories.  We spent some time discussing the need for some switchbacks on many of these “hills” in Maine.  He agreed that in Maine if there’s a hill just pave over it don’t consider options. I believe that as the settlers moved further west they had to use switchbacks because they were killing too many horses by making them climb those hills with no relief.

Camping/watering spot

Mt Washington from Sweden Maine farm

Trail Angel

Anyway this guy and his wife have built a little spot there where cyclists can get a drink of water and rest.  He even allows camping on that spot when needed and can pick raspberries when they’re ripe.  Do kind.  It was early in the day for me or I might have stayed.