Back Roads

Last weekend, while Suzie and I were out for a ride, we discovered some great, two lane, low traffic, country roads that enable one to go from Brewer to Bucksport. We did take state route 15 south from Brewer to Orrington, but that wasn’t necessary. The road was so peaceful. Restricted speed limits, lack of traffic, crisp autumn weather, the road less traveled.

The sky was a mix of sun and clouds as we went east on Center Drive in Orrington, past the Old Fair Grounds, the Orrington Public Library, and the Center Drive school. Many private homes also lined the road. Temperatures only rose to the upper 50‘s but we were both prepared for the chilly conditions as we dressed in layers. Center Drive is pretty straight with a minimum of turns but has some modest elevation changes. Mother Nature cheated us this year as the fall foliage lacked the bright reds that we are accustomed to seeing in the autumn. Aside from a few farms the land is wooded but on a few of the rises, clearings afforded views of distant mountains. One of these is the turn out at King Mountain Christmas tree farms. On a clear day you can see Mt. Katahdin in the distance. If only I had taken my camera. After about four miles there are some large sweeping turn and here you need to keep your eyes open as you don’t want to miss the turn on East Bucksport Road.

This thoroughfare, with it’s gently sweeping turns, crosses several hills and valleys with small streams. We passed a small flock of wild turkeys, but little else. East Bucksport Road becomes Buck Mills Road as it passes a few gravel quarries. Farms become more numerous and then less so as one approaches Bucksport. Traffic picked up as we approached the town. The road name changes to Central Street and private homes abound. Eventually we entered Bucksport proper and Central Street ended at Main Street where we turned left. About a half mile down the road we reached Dunkin Donuts and we each had a small coffee and split a pumpkin donut. The latter should be a fixture on their menu, not just an autumn specialty item.

Knowing that the temperature drops rapidly at sundown at this time of the year, we concluded that it was prudent to take route 15 back, just to save time. Though we reached Veazie by 5 pm, the shadows were already long and the temperature was falling. Note to self, next ride be back before 5.