Leg 18 - Chelmsford, MA to Madawaska, ME (Third Corner)

Left Chelmsford, MA at 6:05 am. Not a cloud in the sky, an absolutely gorgeous day. I set the alarm for 4:30 am as the sun rise this far north was at 5:10 am. I laid in bed skipping the early rise and rolled out at 5:15. By the time I left at 6:05 the sun was way up past the horizon.

It was 48 degrees, so I put on my new rain pants for extra warmth and wrapped a turtle fur ear warmer around my neck to keep the cold air from drafting on my neck. Wow, 50 degrees cooler than the warmest temperature I encountered in Florida.

Stopped for breakfast at Govenor's Restaurant and Bakery in Waterville, ME. Ordered fresh lobster eggs benedict and hot tea. It was 63 degrees by then so I took off my rain pants and neck wrap.

I took Interstate 95 the entire way to Houlton, ME where I 95 crossed into Canada. The rest of the way to Madawaska I was on Hwy 1.

I took the following photo at a scenic lookout along I 95. The scenery along the entire leg was beautiful. I really didn't mind being on the Interstate as the highway did not have a lot of travelers and very few 18 wheelers.

Scenic stop on I 95 in northern Maine

The ride on Hwy 1 from Houlton, ME to Madawaska, ME had more motorcycles then I had seen in one day on the entire trip. I asked one rider in Madawaska when the riding season started in the area. Her reply was 'last week'. Her and her husband had two beautiful Harley Davidsons, a shame they couldn't ride more.

I got into Madawaska, ME around 3:30 and shot the following photo in front of the post office. I also gassed up and got a receipt that had Madawaska, ME printed on it.

Madawaska, ME Post Office

There is also a small park dedicated to this corner. It is aptly named, 'Four Corner's Park'. One of the visitor's kindly took the following photo.

Four Corners Park, Madawaska, ME

The bike is sitting on some stone tiles, etched with the names, dates, etc of those who have completed the four corners. There are red stones and white stones. The red stones are for those who have completed the tour in 21 days or less and are etched free of charge. The white stones are for those who have completed the tour in more than 21 days and are available for purchase. Notice the Harley Davidson logo on the monument (behind my Goldwing.) ;))

I checked into a local motel named Martin's Motel on 93 Main Street. $57.24 got me a room for the night. I also ate dinner at a local restaurant named Dolly's Restaurant in Frenchville, the town bordering Madawaska. The waitress, Danielle, warned me to cross over into Canada in Madawaska and not the border crossing on Hwy 1. There was some trouble in the Hwy 1 crossing and they closed the border temporarily.

Overall, 479 miles and 9 1/2 hours. What a difference a day makes. The wind was calm and the Interstate had little traffic. Both high winds and congested traffic contribute to using more energy while riding. A good night's sleep also helps.

Leg 18 - Chelmsford, MA to Madawaska, ME (Third Corner)

Tomorrow I cross into Canada and begin making my way west to the fourth corner, Blaine, WA. I will lay over in Villa Park, IL for an extended stay with my younger brother, sister-in-law and visit with the many family members I have in the greater Chicago area.