Is there anything better than opening a Christmas present in December with a trip to bike tip to tip in Prince Edward Island on June 11, 2026. You will have to ask Shap, cause that’s what I gave him. Heads together, we dreamt of ocean air, fabulous views, zipping along on bright sunny days, stopping to photograph, falling asleep exhausted but happy.

Skip to Sunday morning June 7th in Stowe. Vermont, 7 AM departure in pouring rain with Olive tearfully sitting on her bench looking out the driveway as we drive away. Well, we say, let’s take a look at the long range forecast in PEI (as everyone seems to call it). WHAT??? Rain the whole week with one day of possible sun!! Seriously, what happen to that dream we have been dreaming all winter.

Not to be deterred, we head out across lots, as they say in the vernacular of New England, toward Machias, ME. One of my best friends comes from Machias and I am not sure she raves about it, but I will finally get a chance to see her hometown. Meanwhile, first stop at Front Seat coffee for a pastry and latte. I mean, it has been an hour since we had our first cup. And Shap can never pass this coffee shop without stopping.

Windshield wipers are going full tilt, as our trusty Red Toyota truck hugs the road, and the bikes in the back are loudly complaining of how wet they are. but we can’t see them so we ignore them like small children whining from the backseat. At mile whatever, I suggest an audio book since Shap and I seem to have run out of conversation. Remember those days when you could talk to each other, we were both so interesting and had so much to tell? Yeah that was 30 + years ago. Now, it is what book has the most murders, intrigue, gore and can be finished in 7 hours.

As we roll into Maine we pass one of our favorite haunts for photographs, the TREASURE HOUSE. If you have never been, this is a must. A three story barn, filled beyond its walls and spilling throughout the yard with everything that has ever been made since time began. Old plastic letters, hose bibs, radiators, car parts, faucets. etc. I could go on with the list, but you would stop reading.

Below are examples of the “stuff.” Here’s a good mystery to solve. Picture a basket full of those faucet heads you have on your outside water spigot to turn it off and on. Now picture a basket full of at least 400 of them in all colors. Interesting photo right? There are so many so you just put your eye to your camera, move it around to figure out how to arrange the picture and BANG, there is a decapitated doll’s head staring up at you. Seriously, who puts a decapitated doll’s head in a basket of faucets? Oh yes, I have included a picture.

Back in the car and on to Machias. All will be revealed of your childhood home, Bessie.