So when we woke up on the 14th I wished Graham a Happy Birthday and we started again.
We set off from the lovely farmhouse campsite and settled into a rhythm. Suddenly we heard a car tearing past and coming to a screeching halt just in front of us. It was the campsite hostess with her Russian trainee. They had wanted a picture of us with Tekel, and of course we were happy to oblige.
On we went, using route recommendations offered by someone we had bumped into a day or two earlier. Yet again, however, we needed directions. These were happily provided by two women we asked for help. When they had explained our route, a thought occurred to one of them. Maybe we would want the scenic route, on the new cycle path. Yes, we did. So very happily she explained the alternative route in detail. My point is about time. People have time here and are willing to spend it for the sake of others. Another example: (and sorry to bring up our manky tent pole again): We stopped off at some iron mongers in the hope of buying a splint for said broken one, and THREE PEOPLE spent 20 MINUTES looking for some piece of pipe that would fit the bill. Then they did not want to charge us for what they came up with. Maybe it’s the same in the English countryside but I am watching it with complete amazement.
Anyway, onwards. We reached a lovely town and from then on the Main cycle path was a much more pleasant experience. The towns are indeed a great delight. And in between pretty good as well.
We reached our target of a particularly picturesque town. Our special treat was to be a ‘Gasthof’, a break from camping. Oooh, the treat of a soft bed and a comfortable shower. This took us a while to find and then we took our time to get ready for our meal out.
But what shock: the restaurant we had in mind was closed already. Nothing else nearby. Were we going to have another food deprived birthday? … … … In the end: no. Phew. In fact we found a lovely place, with a lovely man who served behind the bar and all the tables with great verve and pleasantness. He understood our need for vegetarian food, and for tasting a selection of local wines. So a great evening was had.
The next day we had a lovely breakfast. Then a rainy trip, but never mind, we have our ponchos. Lovely towns again …
… and lovely meals with a selection of local wines again
Friday 17 August
