Tonight I am safely back at the comfortable and excellent River’s Edge Motel in Medway. When I checked in, I discovered that owner Michelle had kindly read my previous blog post! She explained that the clear plastic cover on the desk (about which I expressed amusement) is there because the desk is fine cherry wood, and guests spill drinks and things on it, which would of course mar the finish. She takes the covers off and washes them after each guest, along with the sheets and the rest of the linen – makes perfect sense!

In this post I want to share my experience of the Four Corners Park in Madawaska, but before I do, here are two photos of the Grindstone Falls I took on the way back today, with the sun more directly overhead. I find it interesting to compare these with those posted two days ago:

I was extremely impressed with the Four Corners Park in Madawaska (apparently the only park of its kind in the world), for while it only covers a small area, everything has been thought of with regard to the motorcyclist who is completing a long tour. Of course, my “long tour”, seven years in the making, was simply the Four Corners of Maine (Madawaska, Lubec, the Kittery Trading Post and Grafton Notch State Park); but Madawaska is also one of the Four Corners of the US tour as well, so many who would visit here have already traveled thousands and thousands of miles.

First of all, this park is right in the middle of town, nearby both lodgings and restaurants for those who need, and there is a visitors’ center in the park for those requiring assistance with either. Second, the park is set up so that you ride straight into it and then are routed either right (for parking and visitor center) or left, where there is a clearly-marked path bringing you around the monument for a photo with your bike:

Furthermore, the park signs are very visible from the road, so that you cannot miss it on US-1.

The landscaping is lovely as well. Although the park is clearly now in winter mode, with the flags taken down and the fountain empty, it remains a lovely and restful spot; I kind of wish I had come earlier in the season to see it fully dressed.

As you can see from the sign, the park is the result of diligent efforts by a local rider to both recognize and honor motorcyclists nationwide who make the tour, but also to boost the local Madawaska economy.

This helpful sign explains the genesis of the park; I apologize that the photo is somewhat askew:

I was impressed, too, that the park remembered to honor those riders who have crossed over as well:

In addition to this lovely monument, there are a number of memorial benches around the park in remembrance of Madawaska’s loved ones. And those who complete either tour can purchase a commemorative paving stone in memory either of their completed tour, or of a loved one who has passed on. This photo was taken toward the fountain, with the Four Corners monument behind me; the pavers continue all the way around the back of the fountain:

I noticed that a number of Madawaska High School classes had donated pavers as well.

So, in summary, I would highly recommend any rider take the outstanding ME-11 north to Madawaska and visit this lovely and unique park, whether one undertakes a “Four Corners” tour or not. The road is stunning, the park is outstanding, and the people of Madawaska and the St. John Valley are as nice as you’ll find anywhere!