We got up on our own, by that I mean no alarm, love that. I actually woke up before everyone at the ungodly hour of 4am, why…why why, why Delilah? I don’t know! And I’m sorry for the ear worm! I do love that song! And I do love Tom Jones, who doesn’t?! Back to it, I woke up stupid early, so I practiced my Italian and thought about the day ahead of us.

Everyone was eventually up, we took showers, got dressed, straightened up the house, loaded up the bikes, set out for gas and breakfast, which for some…could give you gas, ha ha, sorry! We went to White Mountain Bagel Company. This was the beginning of Laconia Bike Week, the world’s oldest bike week, at 101 years old this year, imagine! That being said, as we were pulling into Lincoln, NH last night, the bikes were on their way in and this morning, even more so, and it’s going to get even more crowded as the week progresses, good time to get out!

We headed out on the road, we were going to take the Kancamagus Highway, also known as New Hampshire Route 112, it’s 56+ miles of highway that winds across the state, connecting Bath to Conway through the heart of the scenic and mountainous White Mountain National Forest. Stunning scenery, and the Kancamagus is truly a fabulous road to ride. Not everyone does all of it, but apparently I did a few years ago! When I started riding in NH with PSM and friends. It’s also not the easiest road to ride, I didn’t know that, so…. of course, I looked for a shirt that says ‘I conquered the Kanc!’ can’t find one, go figure, might have to make my own!

We pulled over at one point to discuss the next leg of the trip and there was a crash, boom, crack…thunder and lightening, I suggested we get across the street under some cover at the gas station and just as we did, the sky opened up and dumped on us! The rain was coming down so hard, within seconds, you can see it rushing out of the downspout! On went the rain gear, goody!

We rode most of the way to Bar Harbor, or Bah Habah I called it yesterday, in the rain, fun. The rain finally stopped, but it was still cold and wet, my feet were ffreeezzing! I really do need waterproof/leather motorcycle boots! We made it to the Edenbrook Motel, drenched, but happy. Even riding in the rain is better because you’re riding…sort of.

We got into the rooms, there was a very, I mean very hot shower in my future! Everyone else was not too far out and once they got there, we decided to meet by the office to head down together to dinner. I have to say, I prefer a hotel, but…one of the nice things about motels is that for the ones we are staying at, when you ride a motorcycle, you can park right outside of your room, you don’t have to climb stairs carrying your stuff, bonus!

We met at the office, hugs all around, meet and greet two new people for us, hang out a bit, talk about how cold we still are, but looking forward to the evening and this trip! No Uber in Bar Harbor, so taxi it is! They could get 8 comfortably in the taxi, so I called a second taxi while we waited and they sent the taxi back for us, but our other taxi arrived a few moments later, very sweet!

We went down by the water, a five minute ride, and went to Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. It was in a prime location, looking out over the water, we were cozy at a large high-top table, had a great waiter and settled in for some food, drinks, and frivolity.

We told stories of past trips, got to know each other, and overall had a fabulous time at dinner. I think a sign of good things to come. One of the things we did discuss…who was getting up to watch the sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain?

That would be me, PSM, and CDH, he’s our ride captain, he put this trip together, he’s good like that! We work really well together, he plans the rides, I figure out meals, and hotels, we do together, mostly. I say that because for this trip, he found all the hotels, last year, it was a team effort. They don’t call me Julie McCoy for nothin’!

It was such a gorgeous evening, the rain had done some magic with the sky! Isn’t it beautiful! Oh my, I do love being on the water, sigh… After dinner a few folks went in search of ice cream, and the rest of us headed back to the hotel, we had an early morning coming!

So now, dear friends, my feet are starting to warm up, but I am going to say goodnight and pretend to try to sleep, I have to be up at 330am! But I cannot wait to see the sunrise and share pics with you!

Good night! [I tried to find a Bar Harbor phrase for goodnight, but came up empty!] Night!