Day 16

We made it! Arrived in Madawaska around 4:30 p.m.

The route Larry chose for us kept us out of Montreal and had us riding in Vermont. As such the first few hours were slow, but the weather was perfect and this afforded us the opportunity to actually see the scenery.

Once we got on the highways the miles went by and the traffic was light for the entire day. The roads themselves are ghastly. Quebec needs to put some funding toward their highways!

The border agent was friendly and helpful. I thought Larry was being grilled as he was at the gate for 5 minutes. No, the border agent just wanted to hear about our motorcycle tour. He also pointed us in the direction of the post office!

We gassed up at Larry's Service Station and continued on to the post office. Finding a parking spot out front was easy because the post office was already closed. While Larry was across the street taking photos PEOPLE STOPPED so they wouldn't block the picture. (Can you imagine that happening on YOUR Main Street?)

Before we were finished at the post office a car rolled in and this lady asked if we were doing the Four Corners....Jean, keeper of the flowers at the Four Corners Park in Madawaska (and I'm thinking a whole lot of other duties as well).

We headed to the park. Wow, quite an impressive undertaking and also a truly lovely place. Jean met us at the park and filled at the certificate (see photo).

Every place we have gone in Madawaska the people have been interested in where we live and what part of the Four Corners we were on and let us know they are pleased we saved the best for last.

We are staying at Martin's Motel. In California this would be called a bed and breakfast. On the outside it looks like a mobile home. On the inside there is a long corridor with rooms on either side. The rooms are cute. The beds are COMFORTABLE. The entire place is clean!

We headed to Dolly's in Frenchville (1 mile) for dinner. A GOOD place to eat. I just had to have a lobster roll. I wasn't disappointed.

After dinner we headed back through town to look for empty quart size oil containers. Larry looked in every trash bin at every gas station in town....and only found one.

As we were leaving the Citgo and red pickup pulls up next to us in the driveway. A fellow Goldwing rider who was born and raised in Madawaska who has yet to do the Four Corners Tour. Had a very enjoyable visit with Don...and he offered his home as a spot to change the oil.

Today is our day of maintenance...the rides are getting the oil changed and the clothes are getting washed. We are hoping to get our maintenance taken care of this morning so that we may do some sightseeing this afternoon.

After today anyone interested in our adventures riding home will need to go to:

http://mainetocalif.blogspot.com/

Things we have learned on this 6,000+ mile ride:

The cooling vests are invaluable.

When it is hot...stop often.

If a motel is listed as "FEMA approved" STAY AWAY. Chances are people from the last disaster are still there.

If you are headed for the end of your day and staying at a budget motel...get something to eat BEFORE you get to the motel. The food available near budget motels is USUALLY crap.

McDonald's sausage McMuffin is a great value meal EXCEPT in Lordsburg, NM.

People are awesome all over the United States.

Stupid drivers are limited by state or international borders.

Being on a motorcycle is the best medicine!