Wiscasset, ME-Nashua, NH 9/11 154 car miles/7 bike miles/5.6 walking miles

Some people like to say, "Things hapoen for a reason." They usially utter this wan platitude right after the seagull of fate has crapped green slimy shit all over them. Not so for us. We'll file today's events under the  heading of serendipity. We woke up to driving rain, and while Ed's heart is weak, it was his spirits that were dampened. Anyone who knows him can hear his out loud thinking working through options: Option A: Stay here in this flea bag motel. Option B: Hang out at a gas station looking for a ride. Option C: Rent a U-Haul. Option D: Rent a car. Option E: Ride in the pouring rain. After much Googling (What did we do before phones?), we rented a mini-van from Enterprise. We got a screaming deal because it turns out Maine rental companies are eager to move their vehicles south this time of year. Serendipity. We rode in pouring rain for seven miles because of course we went the wrong way first. We were duly soaked even in that short of time. Tyler, the Enterprise agent was a hoot as was Ritchie, the lot boy from Brooklyn. We packed our stuff into the van and beelined it for Libby's Market in Brunswick to have a lobster roll for breakfast. The reason they're so good is the owner of the store owns a few lobster boats so the lobster almost literally jumps from the ocean into the roll. They were fabulous; I had two. We had time so we found the best coffee shop (Little Dog) in town and by chance sat and talked with Mark and Judy who chose Brunswick as their place to retire. I was so ensconced in our jibber-jabber that I neglected to take their picture, but in a word: they were delightful. We arrived in Nashua, NH about three, checked in to the Motel 6 and scouted our ride for tomorrow, which is an idyllic bike path ending in Ayer, MA. Today's decision is fortuitous for several reasons, but best if all it gets us onto pathways less traveled by the big dogs (cars, trucks, etc.) In addition, we've now eliminated the time crunch caused by the  UPS kerfuffel. Finally, we returned the car, ate dinner at the local market place, and walked 5.6 miles through the neighborhoods and a natural area to the hotel. We're happy with our decision (Ed says he doesn't look back once he decides to do something), so naturally life is good, especially today.

Especially today.

I was ready for Option E.

The preferred option.

Simply outstanding lobster rolls.

Once again, who needs a stinkin' Starbucks.

Ed chatting up Mabel at the Nashua River Trail Head.

She said this guy was her practice husband.

Tomorrow's ride: That's what I'm talking about

A couple of happy campers.

Part of our walk back to the Motel 6.

Cannonball Adderly said, "The storm doesn't really matter until it gets you down: walk on!"