Naples, Maine, that is. But I’ll get to that in a minute. First, a brief recap of yesterday, Day 9 on my trip, that took me from Poland Springs to Bridgton, ME, about 30 miles. There were hills, of course, but they weren’t so bad, and things had cooled off considerably (70s to low 80s).

About a third of the way along the ride, I came across a great pizza joint in Webbs Mills, where I had chance to relax and eat a tuna melt sandwich that was the best I’ve ever had. My table was across from these empty boxes stacked against a wall, and I was glad to see that at this place, “anchovy” continues to rank among the major pizza food groups. I had no time for pizza or anchovies, however, and needed to make my way to Naples, and from there to Bridgton.

I felt very welcome in Naples, and thanks to some kind strangers out walking their dog, I got a photo to prove it.

Although Naples is not unique in this respect among the many small towns I’ve visited, I noticed a number of signs that evidence the vibrant community spirit there and thought you might enjoy them too. I took photos showing just three examples of many such signs–and none of them had any typos! These signs honor members of the Naples Fire-Rescue Department, victims and heroes of September 11, 2001, and a couple in whose memory a resting place is provided for those in need (like me). The inscription on the park bench includes words from John Muir that inspire me as I face my journey through the White Mountains in the next few days:

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy; while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of autumn.”

Not every bike is meant for land. I captured this water bike rider near the incoming Songo River Queen from a bridge over Long Lake in Naples.

Finding a place to stay in Bridgton last night was a challenge. I ended up quite by accident at “Amore on the Lake,” which bills itself as “A Boutique Couples Motel.” This strikes me as a clever approach to marketing what is a pretty rudimentary, though nicely decorated, motel. On this solo journey, this marketing gimmick was of course wasted on me, but in truth there isn’t much that seems all that romantic about this place, other than a few romantic decorations in the room. I also think that couples coming here for romance might be a little put off by the plumbing. I ran out of hot water midway through a post-ride shower yesterday. A cold shower doesn’t strike me as the best way to inspire romance.

Not to be a curmudgeon, but I had to unplug the light on this cut-glass heart in order to plug in my laptop.

I’m taking the day off today, 7/9, and am giving a lot of thought to the bad weather predicted for next week and the challenge ahead in making my way through the Kancamagus Pass in New Hampshire. More about that soon.