COMMENTS: As it’s a bit of a rarity, I’d like to start the 2nd Rest Day post – as Susie pointed out, it’s probably closely related to the ‘2nd Breakfast’ – by mentioning some of your comments.

There were some very funny responses to the State Songs idea. Here’s a selection:

John Mills wrote:

Fiddlers Dram?
Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to Bangor (Maine)
A beautiful day, we had lunch on the way and all for under a Buck (see editors notes) you know…

Jacob Buckton added:

Film composers seem to write loads of songs about Maine but they all spell it wrong for some reason.
“Main Title” by John Williams
“Main Title” by James Horner
“Main Title” by Jerry Goldsmith
“Main Title” by Hans Zimmer
“Main Title” by Alan Silvestri
“Main Title” by Danny Elfman
I hope this helps!

These may all be cover versions of the same song of course Jake, I’d have to check.

And one from Jake’s mum, involving Jake and his bro back in the day…

Love the new blog feature! I’d like to propose a song we used to play to Sam and Jacob when they were kids (we had a tape of songs which had my third-favourite instrument, the banjo, in them):

Well, it’s fifty miles to Kennebunkport
As the crow flies, as the crow flies,
And it’s fifty miles to Kennebunkport
As the crow flies from here.
Oh it’s fifty miles to Kennebunkport,
And if I was a crow that’s the way I’d go,
Neither crow nor hawk so I’ll have to walk
To Kennebunkport from here.

(There are two more verses, same lyrics but ‘as the trout swims’ and ‘as the hare hops’).
You’re currently 223 miles from Kennebunkport, which is in southern Maine, but when you get to about Brunswick I think you should start singing it (and try to go there, because it looks very quaint and picturesque!). You will need to sing ‘Neither crow nor shrike so I’ll have to bike’. Likewise, ‘neither trout nor pike’ etc. xoxox

Kennenbunkport will be on my route in just a few days time. I read an amazing fact the other day – if you could stretch out the coastline of Maine into a line, it would be over 3,400 miles long. That’s the distance across the whole of the USA. I’m very glad that Route 1 seems to go in fairly straight lines.

Then, on the subject of Brass Doors, this fascinating addition from Roger Harrison, FOTB Penny’s husband:

Hello Ben. Enjoying the blog… thanks to Penny!..
Had a thought… ‘brass door’ la bras d’or = the golden arm in French. sounds like la bra dor..
Labrador….originating from
Newfoundland Water Dog.
Just like the black hairy thing on our sofa.
Congrats and happy travels.
Roger

NATURE NOTES; In case you hadn’t noticed, gentle readers, the word ‘mos&@£to’ hasn’t cropped up too much on this blog. A bit like avoiding the word ‘pun<#%re’, I’ve felt superstitious about saying anything, but…so far, despite being surrounded by them at early morn and at evening bell, and being historically prone to fairly strong €$¥#%^*} reactions, I’m not getting too many bites. Unlike many of my campmates. As well as good deet-free spray from MEC in Canada 🇨🇦, could it also be the Vitamin B (thiamine) I’m taking on the advice of some experienced travellers online? Only time will tell. 🦟🦟🦟🦟 A scientist would stop spraying, to test the hypothesis, but thankfully I’m a musician.

Saw a bee today. That’s about 6 or 7 now, and already way ahead of Crossing Canada 🍁 🇨🇦 🐝

HOUSEKEEPING: The bike is now serviced and ready to go again in the morning. Not much to do except clean and lube the chain etc, tighten a few bolts and repair some heat-damaged bar tape.

It was great to have my own private tree-stump bike-servicing station right outside my tent. There was even a stand for my coffee cup.

After shopping in Searsport to cover my needs for the next few days, I crossed the road to the Coastal Cafe and Bakery for endless refills of dark roast and a cinnamon pastry.

ART & CULTURE: Just up the road from the bakery was the Marine Museum.

Then in the afternoon I was invited by Sandy to join her on a visit to an Open Studio at a local potter Jody Johnstone’s stunning studio in the woods, where I also met her husband Jim and we talked about music non-stop, with a bit of kiln stuff and potting ‘thrown’ in:

TIME TO BE MOVING ON: It’s nearly the end of this extended stay at Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, and what a great visit it’s been. I had one last swim in Penobscot Bay, then a delicious pizza made by people working at the site:

And now a live band is playing but I have to get packed up before leaving first thing tomorrow. Still time for a What Is It Sam? (from the woods around the Jody’s studio)

Slightly more normal mileage will be resumed in the morning – I hope you’re ready. I hope I am.