Dingwall

Our breakfast waitress suggested that we see several things before leaving Pleasant Bay,  One of those was a Buddhist Monastery about 5 miles off route. Since we had a short day planned we followed her suggestion and cycled for about 3 miles on paved roads then about 2 miles on a gravel road.  The Monastery was not opened for tours today and we did not fell very spiritual after going 10 miles out of our way to see seaside cabins. 

Our big challenge today was our climb up North Mountain.  While not as long a climb as yesterday’s mountains it was a lot steeper. We felt pretty smug as we cycled past a sign that indicated that the incline was 13 percent.  Shortly thereafter the grade increased to 18 percent and we had to walk our bikes until it went back to a mere 13 percent. At the top we met several road bikers that were also sucking air after their climb.  As we all recovered we shared cycling stories and they offered some suggestion to modify our route.  Just when we thought that North Mountain gave its all and we conquered it, we started down the other side and were shocked by the steep grades.  Thankfully, we had to cycle up the “easy” side but going down this side was no cake walk.

At the bottom we had to cycle another 10 miles to get to our night’s lodging.  We followed the signs that indicated our motel was just 3 miles off route.  Because we were headed away from civilization we became skeptical that we were on the right road.  It was scenic as we cycled out the peninsula and the ocean got closer.  Just as the paved road ended and before the waves hit us we found the Markland Beach Cottages. Our log cabin sits on top of a slopping mowed lawn that leads to the ocean.  As soon as we cleaned up we headed to the beach and stuck our toes in the water.  By far this is the best place for a nights lodging (and the cabin is also very nice).

Photos

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