Visa Card
Left Hu's place at 11:00
The first 5 km where all downhill - great!
I had a short day, again, so I planned to do a bit of geocaching. The first cache was awesome. It was hidden at an old bridge which crossed the Rihne before the second world war. I couldn't find the cache. Then I realised it was hidden on the last bit of the bridge, still standing. I finally found a place to climb it, probably illegal, but very interesting. Nature had taken over on top of the bridge. Trees and plants were everywhere. The cache was quickly found, and logged.
The official Rhine bike route looked boring; to far from the Rhine. Garmin's suggestion was even worse. So I found my own route following the Rhine, and visiting a few caches. The weather was perfect, and the road/ track I found was perfect to, so no worries at all.
I moved really slow though, but I had no rush.
My host, Leif, in Mainz wasn't home until 22, so I had time for some sightseeing and visiting a internet cafe.
I actually got involved in a bit of action in downtown Mainz. A homeless man was sitting on the pedestrian walk. He was sleeping, and had two big knives hanging out of his pants. A German girl and I tried to wake him up. He had some big wounds on his hands. Someone had already called the police, but we decided to call an ambulance instead. So both a police car and an ambulance came. They all put on masks, which I found wired. I wanted to leave, but the police wanted to talk with me. Apparently this man had a dangerous disease, so they asked me if I had touched or talked with the man. I hadn't, so the ambulance crew me go.
I got to Leifs place at 22:15.
My visa card hasn't made it to Mainz though. I've already got a couch tomorrow south from Mainz, so if it's not in the mail box tomorrow, I might travel a bit a round near Mainz.
The name on the mailbox wasn't that easy to spot, so my card might be on it's way back to Denmark.
I've found a few banks that accepts the chip, so the problem is not big anymore, but still nice to be able to pay with the card, and much cheaper.
Leif turned out to be a kiwi, so we had a long chat before going to bed at around 2am.
torsdag den 30. september 2010
onsdag den 29. september 2010
Day 32
Had a great breakfast with Nadine and a guest. I left their place at 11:30 and headed for Waldalgesheim close to Bingen. Well really close, but still quite a climb to get up there. My host, Hu, wrote directions and actually explained how to take a bus to his place. With the bike. So this morning I was trying to convince Bob not to take the bus, but climb the mountain. It was only a short day...
Well, getting to Bingen was easy. I actually found the bus station, b
ut then again. No way!
I was lucky to find a bike path going pretty much directly to Hu's place, and the hill was much easier to climb than yesterday. I found a lot of chessnuts on my way. Perfect for dinner.
Got to Hu's place at around 15. I had some food, and afterwards we went on a mushroom hunt in a nearby forest. We also went to a great lookout point with a perfect view. Before driving home we had a beer at a restaurant in the forest. We found lots of good mushrooms, and had some of them for dinner. Very good, and I learned a lot from Hu, who knew alot about mushrooms.
After dinner we saw the German version of x-factor. Totally as the Danish version.
Tomorrow I'm heading to Mainz. My visa card is waiting there at a couchsurfer, or that's what I hope for... :)
Well, getting to Bingen was easy. I actually found the bus station, b
ut then again. No way!
I was lucky to find a bike path going pretty much directly to Hu's place, and the hill was much easier to climb than yesterday. I found a lot of chessnuts on my way. Perfect for dinner.
Got to Hu's place at around 15. I had some food, and afterwards we went on a mushroom hunt in a nearby forest. We also went to a great lookout point with a perfect view. Before driving home we had a beer at a restaurant in the forest. We found lots of good mushrooms, and had some of them for dinner. Very good, and I learned a lot from Hu, who knew alot about mushrooms.
After dinner we saw the German version of x-factor. Totally as the Danish version.
Tomorrow I'm heading to Mainz. My visa card is waiting there at a couchsurfer, or that's what I hope for... :)
mandag den 27. september 2010
Day 31
Yoga and Federweiser
Left Heides place at 8:00.
She left for work one hour earlier, so I had everything for myself.
I had a short day, so I went in to Koblenz city. I wanted to check out an outdoor shop. They didn't open until 10. It was quite a cold morning, so I found a cafe and had a coffee.
At the shop I went on shop amok mode. They had Fjällräven clothes on sale. So I bought jeans, a jacket and shoes. All things will handle the colder weather better that the stuff I brought from Denmark.
I left Koblenz at 11. Still in good time. I was following some signs saying "Rhein Steig". Stupid me thought that was the bike path following the Rihneriver. Well, I was following a river. Garmin complained as usual, but I followed the track for about 4 km. Then I realised, this river is definitely not the Rhine. I had a closer look on Garmin. Yep, I was following the wrong river... So I went back to the Rhine again. Following the Rhine was beautiful. The bike paths were not as good as on the Mosel, but they might be better on the other side of the river.
I had a couch in Saurthal with two girl. They run a yoga clinic, and via mail I was invited to join the evening group. So today I was trying to remember what yoga exactly is...
Time would tell...
On the way I bought a 2 litter plastic bottle with federweisser. Bob wasn't pleased with having alcohol strapped to him for the rest of the day. I bought it 30 km from my host. Not the most clever thing to do, cause they were selling it everywhere.
I knew I had to climb in the end of the day, but I didn't expect a hill like the one I met. The start of it had a degree of 25%. I was even struggling pushing Bob up that hill. It got better, but still very steep, so I mainly pushed Bob up this 3 km long hill. Nadine, one of my hosts, was home, and welcomed me with fresh springwater from Saurthals own spring. It's even sparkling - don't know how that's done underground. But great taste.
Nadine had her first yoga class at 17:30, so I had time to get organised, and preper my desert.
Between Nadines yoga classes we had desert. I joined the last yoga class.
The first, and last part was great. Lying on a mattress listening to bells. The middle part was also great, but in another way. Stretching my body in ways I didn't think possible. Definitely good for my body. Bikeriding might be healthy, but it's pretty static - compared with yoga.
Nadine and I ended the day with a few glasses of Federweisser. She's gonna get up at six to meditate. I think I'll pass...
Tomorrow is probably gonna be the shortest day on my trip. Nice way to celebrate one month of travelling. A couchsurfer that wanted to host me yesterday, wanted to meet Bob and I, so we will go there tomorrow. Basically it's just across the Rhine, so I have to catch a ferry. And I'm afraid he lives 450 metres uphill... He wrote there is a bus going up there, but that would be cheating, right?
Left Heides place at 8:00.
She left for work one hour earlier, so I had everything for myself.
I had a short day, so I went in to Koblenz city. I wanted to check out an outdoor shop. They didn't open until 10. It was quite a cold morning, so I found a cafe and had a coffee.
At the shop I went on shop amok mode. They had Fjällräven clothes on sale. So I bought jeans, a jacket and shoes. All things will handle the colder weather better that the stuff I brought from Denmark.
I left Koblenz at 11. Still in good time. I was following some signs saying "Rhein Steig". Stupid me thought that was the bike path following the Rihneriver. Well, I was following a river. Garmin complained as usual, but I followed the track for about 4 km. Then I realised, this river is definitely not the Rhine. I had a closer look on Garmin. Yep, I was following the wrong river... So I went back to the Rhine again. Following the Rhine was beautiful. The bike paths were not as good as on the Mosel, but they might be better on the other side of the river.
I had a couch in Saurthal with two girl. They run a yoga clinic, and via mail I was invited to join the evening group. So today I was trying to remember what yoga exactly is...
Time would tell...
On the way I bought a 2 litter plastic bottle with federweisser. Bob wasn't pleased with having alcohol strapped to him for the rest of the day. I bought it 30 km from my host. Not the most clever thing to do, cause they were selling it everywhere.
I knew I had to climb in the end of the day, but I didn't expect a hill like the one I met. The start of it had a degree of 25%. I was even struggling pushing Bob up that hill. It got better, but still very steep, so I mainly pushed Bob up this 3 km long hill. Nadine, one of my hosts, was home, and welcomed me with fresh springwater from Saurthals own spring. It's even sparkling - don't know how that's done underground. But great taste.
Nadine had her first yoga class at 17:30, so I had time to get organised, and preper my desert.
Between Nadines yoga classes we had desert. I joined the last yoga class.
The first, and last part was great. Lying on a mattress listening to bells. The middle part was also great, but in another way. Stretching my body in ways I didn't think possible. Definitely good for my body. Bikeriding might be healthy, but it's pretty static - compared with yoga.
Nadine and I ended the day with a few glasses of Federweisser. She's gonna get up at six to meditate. I think I'll pass...
Tomorrow is probably gonna be the shortest day on my trip. Nice way to celebrate one month of travelling. A couchsurfer that wanted to host me yesterday, wanted to meet Bob and I, so we will go there tomorrow. Basically it's just across the Rhine, so I have to catch a ferry. And I'm afraid he lives 450 metres uphill... He wrote there is a bus going up there, but that would be cheating, right?
søndag den 26. september 2010
Day 30
New record, and a perfect coincidence tomorrow.
I new I had a long day ahead of me, so I left early.
The GPS said 61 km in bird line. Didn't sound to bad, but.....
30 km, and some Mosel corners later, the GPS said 51 km to go.
I knew this, but still... :)
The weather was good. I only had a few showers.
Again, the bike paths were awesome. Flat, and very easy to follow. It was Sunday, so quite alot of people were out. There was lots of people collecting walnuts. Again I managed to collect a bag for my host, Heide, in Koblenz.
I had a little accident this morning. I got on my bike, and heard this ritzh sound. I had made a hole in my shorts - on the back side of me. The hole got bigger during the day, and must have given people a free laugh.
I got to Heides place at 17. Both my GPS and my phone had stopped counting the km's, but I did at least 134 km today. A bit to much, but also a good day for breaking the record. Nice and flat.
Heide had read my request, and served some great leftovers, and with that, we had white wine from the Mosel valley - perfect!
I borrowed Heides internet, and made some requests heading south following the Rhine. And with two long days along the Mosel, what would be the best tomorrow. Well, visiting two girls with their own yoga clinic of course... See their homepage here:
http://www.yogaklangundtherapie.de/19BG.htm
I new I had a long day ahead of me, so I left early.
The GPS said 61 km in bird line. Didn't sound to bad, but.....
30 km, and some Mosel corners later, the GPS said 51 km to go.
I knew this, but still... :)
The weather was good. I only had a few showers.
Again, the bike paths were awesome. Flat, and very easy to follow. It was Sunday, so quite alot of people were out. There was lots of people collecting walnuts. Again I managed to collect a bag for my host, Heide, in Koblenz.
I had a little accident this morning. I got on my bike, and heard this ritzh sound. I had made a hole in my shorts - on the back side of me. The hole got bigger during the day, and must have given people a free laugh.
I got to Heides place at 17. Both my GPS and my phone had stopped counting the km's, but I did at least 134 km today. A bit to much, but also a good day for breaking the record. Nice and flat.
Heide had read my request, and served some great leftovers, and with that, we had white wine from the Mosel valley - perfect!
I borrowed Heides internet, and made some requests heading south following the Rhine. And with two long days along the Mosel, what would be the best tomorrow. Well, visiting two girls with their own yoga clinic of course... See their homepage here:
http://www.yogaklangundtherapie.de/19BG.htm
lørdag den 25. september 2010
Day 29
Johannes flatmate, Jutta, was the only one of my hosts I saw this morning. I said goodbye, and headed for the trainstation. At the station was a bike shop, where I had my bike checked. After 1500 km I thought it was a good idea to have a service check. They usually need the bike for a day or two, but they were really nice, and i had the bike and Bob, back after half an hour. Price: 12€
I headed towards Koblenz following the Mosel river. I've realised that following a river is beautiful, but also makes it a little harder to make couch requests. There is not many couchsurfers living at the riverside. There is often plenty outside the valley, but that means quite alot if climbing, which Bob doesn't like. So today I had three different youth hostels I was aiming at. And a few couch requests that I didn't get any replies on.
I quickly realised that it was definitely the first youth hostel I was aiming at.
I pretty much drove on bike paths the hole day. There were signs everywhere, and no hills. I collected plenty of apples, walnuts and when I hit the Mosel, I tried so grapes to. I went through two cities were there was celebration of winter is coming (I think).
In one of these cities I had Fedderweiser, which is very young wine, still with bubbles. Pretty sweet.
I hit Bernkastel-keus at around 17. I went to the address of the youth hostel, or well I thought I did, but again, I had missed a slightly difference in the streetname. A friendly man smiled when I asked for the jugenherberg. He went out on the street with me, and pointed up on top of the closest mountain. " da" he said, and laughed. It was 6 km, and all going up, so I looked for other options. Well, in Germany, and especially in Bernkastel-keus, there is a lot of houses with "zimmer frei" signs. I drove around in the neighbourhood, and checked out the houses. Crazy how picky I suddenly was. I finally picked one, but they had no zimmer. I found a few more with same result. Strange now they had a sign with "frei".
I finally found a place. A "bike and bet" place. I got my own room with six beds. Really nice place, and the price is only 18€
I went out for dinner and had German junkfood. With that I had a beer with cola. Yak, that product will probably never make it.
The junkfood place even had internet connection, so I made some requests in Koblenz. One hour later I had a couch - great!
It will be a pretty long day tomorrow, but I'll leave early, and following the Mosel all the way to the Rhine.
I headed towards Koblenz following the Mosel river. I've realised that following a river is beautiful, but also makes it a little harder to make couch requests. There is not many couchsurfers living at the riverside. There is often plenty outside the valley, but that means quite alot if climbing, which Bob doesn't like. So today I had three different youth hostels I was aiming at. And a few couch requests that I didn't get any replies on.
I quickly realised that it was definitely the first youth hostel I was aiming at.
I pretty much drove on bike paths the hole day. There were signs everywhere, and no hills. I collected plenty of apples, walnuts and when I hit the Mosel, I tried so grapes to. I went through two cities were there was celebration of winter is coming (I think).
In one of these cities I had Fedderweiser, which is very young wine, still with bubbles. Pretty sweet.
I hit Bernkastel-keus at around 17. I went to the address of the youth hostel, or well I thought I did, but again, I had missed a slightly difference in the streetname. A friendly man smiled when I asked for the jugenherberg. He went out on the street with me, and pointed up on top of the closest mountain. " da" he said, and laughed. It was 6 km, and all going up, so I looked for other options. Well, in Germany, and especially in Bernkastel-keus, there is a lot of houses with "zimmer frei" signs. I drove around in the neighbourhood, and checked out the houses. Crazy how picky I suddenly was. I finally picked one, but they had no zimmer. I found a few more with same result. Strange now they had a sign with "frei".
I finally found a place. A "bike and bet" place. I got my own room with six beds. Really nice place, and the price is only 18€
I went out for dinner and had German junkfood. With that I had a beer with cola. Yak, that product will probably never make it.
The junkfood place even had internet connection, so I made some requests in Koblenz. One hour later I had a couch - great!
It will be a pretty long day tomorrow, but I'll leave early, and following the Mosel all the way to the Rhine.
fredag den 24. september 2010
Day 28
What formed the mountains...
This morning I had breakfast with the family in Schiedgen. Johnny took Samuel to school, and afterwards he was of to buy a new car, a Skoda. He advised me to go by a nearby bike track. It was a great start. I went downhill for about 7 km, and with a perfect angle. I didn't have to do anything apart from steering.
Today I got to see what formed this great country, water.
I had allday rain, so I made some extra requests closer to my location.
I didn't get any positive replies, so I did a few extra ones. A Johannes from Trier answered immediately. Great!
I followed the river all day, and even though it was raining, it was very beautiful.
I've uploaded photos from my trip to facebook. Follow the link from the frontpage.
Johannes and some of his flatmate welcomed me at around 16. I had a nice warm shower, and something to eat. Afterwards I went shopping with Jutta, a flatmate to Johnny.
In the evening we plaied a game with the flatmates, it was good fun.
Tomorrow I'm following the Mossel river, and the weather should be nicer.
This morning I had breakfast with the family in Schiedgen. Johnny took Samuel to school, and afterwards he was of to buy a new car, a Skoda. He advised me to go by a nearby bike track. It was a great start. I went downhill for about 7 km, and with a perfect angle. I didn't have to do anything apart from steering.
Today I got to see what formed this great country, water.
I had allday rain, so I made some extra requests closer to my location.
I didn't get any positive replies, so I did a few extra ones. A Johannes from Trier answered immediately. Great!
I followed the river all day, and even though it was raining, it was very beautiful.
I've uploaded photos from my trip to facebook. Follow the link from the frontpage.
Johannes and some of his flatmate welcomed me at around 16. I had a nice warm shower, and something to eat. Afterwards I went shopping with Jutta, a flatmate to Johnny.
In the evening we plaied a game with the flatmates, it was good fun.
Tomorrow I'm following the Mossel river, and the weather should be nicer.
torsdag den 23. september 2010
Day 27
Hiking in little Switzerland, Luxembourg
I just had one fabulous resting day with Rien and Jonna, so I didn't really plan on staying an extra night Scheidgen (L)
But after meeting Johnny and Joelle, and their gorgeous kids + au pair, it just felt very tempting, and natural, to stay an extra day.
There was lots to do in the this area, which is well known for some great hiking routes.
So I took of this morning, without Bob, great!
Johnny inspired me to some of the tracks. I was also inspired by some of the many geocaches.
Fuji was really working today. There was so many nice spots.
I did around 40 km biking and hiking today. I also went to a post office to send home some stuff I haven't been using. Nice to get rid of that. I've also managed to get an address in Mainz, Germany. So hopefully my visa card will wait there, when I get there.
Back home in Scheidgen I hat another great evening with the family.
Tomorrow Germany is waiting again.
I just had one fabulous resting day with Rien and Jonna, so I didn't really plan on staying an extra night Scheidgen (L)
But after meeting Johnny and Joelle, and their gorgeous kids + au pair, it just felt very tempting, and natural, to stay an extra day.
There was lots to do in the this area, which is well known for some great hiking routes.
So I took of this morning, without Bob, great!
Johnny inspired me to some of the tracks. I was also inspired by some of the many geocaches.
Fuji was really working today. There was so many nice spots.
I did around 40 km biking and hiking today. I also went to a post office to send home some stuff I haven't been using. Nice to get rid of that. I've also managed to get an address in Mainz, Germany. So hopefully my visa card will wait there, when I get there.
Back home in Scheidgen I hat another great evening with the family.
Tomorrow Germany is waiting again.
onsdag den 22. september 2010
Day 26
To Luxembourg!
Left Jonna and Riens great place at 8:30
Had a fantastic time at their place. I'm pretty sure I know a person in Solfang who would love to order flower seeds from Jonnas webpage. I'll help with that when I get back home.
Today was the King stage. Garmin said 86 km, but I knew it was going to be longer, cause I was following the Our river that runs between Germany and Luxemburg.
The first part of the route 4 was going downhill. There was no traffic, I didn't see before after 4 km.
Bob wasn't in the mood for a long run today, so after 11 km he decided to to get a flat tire. Very mature!
It took me half an hour to fix, but it was at a nice sunny spot, so no worries.
Following the river/ valley was great. Spectacular views, pretty easy bikeriding, and little traffic. After some kilometres the sings lead me out of the valley. It was quite a climb. I went on a fairly big road. Not sure bikes were allowed here, so I tried to head back to the valley. Garmin accepted it after a while, and actually found a route that followed the river.
It crossed the border/ the river a lot of times. In a village in Luxemburg I thought, they might have a Luxembourg flag, and they had one! Great, that have been quite a struggle to find in the other countries. With the detour and the flat tire, I didn't have much time time for sightseeing today. Took alot of photos though. See them under pictures.
I was worried running a bit late, and I was getting close to do 100 km.
I thought the last bit would be an awful climb out if the valley, but it wasn't to much.
I was at my hosts, Johnny and Joelles place at around 16:30. Garmin, and my phone, gave me todays facts: distance 108 km, climbed 1468 metres straight up, Max speed 50 km/h
Johnny took me for an hours bush walk in their neighbourhood.. It was absolutely spectacular. Tomorrow I might stay and do some hiking..
Had dinner with the family and their German au pair, Nikki. The kids are 2 and five, and are adorable.
In the morning Rien said it would be my best day bikiring on my trip. He was right.
Left Jonna and Riens great place at 8:30
Had a fantastic time at their place. I'm pretty sure I know a person in Solfang who would love to order flower seeds from Jonnas webpage. I'll help with that when I get back home.
Today was the King stage. Garmin said 86 km, but I knew it was going to be longer, cause I was following the Our river that runs between Germany and Luxemburg.
The first part of the route 4 was going downhill. There was no traffic, I didn't see before after 4 km.
Bob wasn't in the mood for a long run today, so after 11 km he decided to to get a flat tire. Very mature!
It took me half an hour to fix, but it was at a nice sunny spot, so no worries.
Following the river/ valley was great. Spectacular views, pretty easy bikeriding, and little traffic. After some kilometres the sings lead me out of the valley. It was quite a climb. I went on a fairly big road. Not sure bikes were allowed here, so I tried to head back to the valley. Garmin accepted it after a while, and actually found a route that followed the river.
It crossed the border/ the river a lot of times. In a village in Luxemburg I thought, they might have a Luxembourg flag, and they had one! Great, that have been quite a struggle to find in the other countries. With the detour and the flat tire, I didn't have much time time for sightseeing today. Took alot of photos though. See them under pictures.
I was worried running a bit late, and I was getting close to do 100 km.
I thought the last bit would be an awful climb out if the valley, but it wasn't to much.
I was at my hosts, Johnny and Joelles place at around 16:30. Garmin, and my phone, gave me todays facts: distance 108 km, climbed 1468 metres straight up, Max speed 50 km/h
Johnny took me for an hours bush walk in their neighbourhood.. It was absolutely spectacular. Tomorrow I might stay and do some hiking..
Had dinner with the family and their German au pair, Nikki. The kids are 2 and five, and are adorable.
In the morning Rien said it would be my best day bikiring on my trip. He was right.
tirsdag den 21. september 2010
Day 25
Resting day in the garden
Jonna and Rein offered me to stay an extra day, and I offered to use the day working in the garden. We had a deal :)
They often have fosterkids in their home. These kids get a timeout from the institution/ foster family cause of behavioural problems ect.
The kids are around 15-17 years old, and they stay at their place for 14 days up to 4 months. The structure the day for the kids, and they help in the garden. They had no kids at this time.
Jonna is a seed collector, and has a collection of 600 seeds. She sell some of them on www.seedsite.eu to very cheap prices. I learned alot of things about plants and flowers today. I also got a lot of advises on what to plant instead of the figtree my neighbours diged up last week. Again, it was great to do something else than bikeriding. I couldn't have asked for a better day, with great company, great food, great weather and new knowledge.
Jonna and Rein are mineral hunters, and I saw a lot if beautiful minerals around/ in the house. They live in a very beautiful area with great surroundings, and stunning view from almost every window in their house.
Tomorrow, the goal is Luxemburg, and I will follow the Our river.
Jonna and Rein offered me to stay an extra day, and I offered to use the day working in the garden. We had a deal :)
They often have fosterkids in their home. These kids get a timeout from the institution/ foster family cause of behavioural problems ect.
The kids are around 15-17 years old, and they stay at their place for 14 days up to 4 months. The structure the day for the kids, and they help in the garden. They had no kids at this time.
Jonna is a seed collector, and has a collection of 600 seeds. She sell some of them on www.seedsite.eu to very cheap prices. I learned alot of things about plants and flowers today. I also got a lot of advises on what to plant instead of the figtree my neighbours diged up last week. Again, it was great to do something else than bikeriding. I couldn't have asked for a better day, with great company, great food, great weather and new knowledge.
Jonna and Rein are mineral hunters, and I saw a lot if beautiful minerals around/ in the house. They live in a very beautiful area with great surroundings, and stunning view from almost every window in their house.
Tomorrow, the goal is Luxemburg, and I will follow the Our river.
mandag den 20. september 2010
Day 24
Mineral hunters and seed collectors
Had breakfast with Nathalie, her mom and sister. They were all leaving for work. So I had a nice early start. Nathalie showed me some good bike routes with less hills, and especially no cars. One of the tracks was just behind their house. I went with the track for about 10 km.
It was great, a little bumpy though. In Hockay I tried to find another route along an old railway line. I went with it for about one kilometre, but turned around cause I was going in the wrong direction.
I went with the bigger roads, and Garmins suggestions. It was perfect. No traffic, and good roads. Hilly, though :)
I had plenty of time today, so I had time for some geocaching. I found one in a village named "Champagne". Cool :)
Nathalie gave me some chocolate bars in the morning, and they were great when climbing up mountains - the locals pronounce it "hills"...
Yesterday I climbed around 1100 meters. Today only around 800m, so a nice day.
The weather was fabulous today. Sun all day, and around 22 degrees. Great!
I was at my hosts, Rien and Jonna in Holzheim at around 15:30, so quite early compared with other days. Nice though, cause then Rien and I had time for a mushroom hunt while Jonna was cooking.
They are both mineral hunters, and showed me some of their huge collection. Jonna is also in to gardening and seed collection.
She also makes her own "snaps" so I could try some new ones. For example pineapple with coconut.
I'm staying here for another night, so I'll be working in the garden tomorrow. Great.
I'm staying at 560 metres above sea level, so I'm actually on top of Belgium.
Had breakfast with Nathalie, her mom and sister. They were all leaving for work. So I had a nice early start. Nathalie showed me some good bike routes with less hills, and especially no cars. One of the tracks was just behind their house. I went with the track for about 10 km.
It was great, a little bumpy though. In Hockay I tried to find another route along an old railway line. I went with it for about one kilometre, but turned around cause I was going in the wrong direction.
I went with the bigger roads, and Garmins suggestions. It was perfect. No traffic, and good roads. Hilly, though :)
I had plenty of time today, so I had time for some geocaching. I found one in a village named "Champagne". Cool :)
Nathalie gave me some chocolate bars in the morning, and they were great when climbing up mountains - the locals pronounce it "hills"...
Yesterday I climbed around 1100 meters. Today only around 800m, so a nice day.
The weather was fabulous today. Sun all day, and around 22 degrees. Great!
I was at my hosts, Rien and Jonna in Holzheim at around 15:30, so quite early compared with other days. Nice though, cause then Rien and I had time for a mushroom hunt while Jonna was cooking.
They are both mineral hunters, and showed me some of their huge collection. Jonna is also in to gardening and seed collection.
She also makes her own "snaps" so I could try some new ones. For example pineapple with coconut.
I'm staying here for another night, so I'll be working in the garden tomorrow. Great.
I'm staying at 560 metres above sea level, so I'm actually on top of Belgium.
søndag den 19. september 2010
Day 23
Send more Epo!
I had a late start today. Left Vise at about 11, but thought I had plenty of time. I had a very nice breakfast with Damiens parents, and they even made me a huge lunchbox. Thanks!
I had already a couch in Spa, Belgium. It was only 50 km away, so I took a detour to a nearby geocaches. Well with huge hills around you, a little detour can be very long. But it was worth it. The cache was hidden at a lookout point with a great view. The visit became alot more interesting cause I met a young woman, Sophie, with her son, Sam. I explained them about geocaching, and found the cache. Sophie had biked around the world with her husband. She even invited me to stay at their place, but they lived in Vise where I just came from. Shame, cause they seemed really nice.
I did a detour to Henri Chapelle, where I saw an American cemetery and memorial. 7992 American soldiers are buried here. Quite a powerful place with all the white crosses.
After the visit I realised the fact, that I wasn't doing many kilometres pr hour, so I had to speed up a bit.
And that was easy, going downhill. If anyone can find my route they'll see a very hilly route today. The highest point was around 400 metres above sealevel.
So I was really glad that the closest couchsurfer accepted my request, cause I was there at 17, and couldn't have done much more. The last hill was an 8 km climb, so that was a bit tough for Bob, who still hates hills.
Garmin had some trouble finding the right address in Spa, but with some text messages from my host, Nathalie, I managed to find it. I was, as usual I should say, welcomed by a very friendly family. It was the dads birthday, so we had pancakes and lovely food for dinner. Great, for a tired biker :)
Nathalie had heaps of maps, so she helped me alot showing me nice bike route options for the following days. Think I'm heading towards the Mossel river. There is a good bike path with less hills than here. :)
I've already found a goal for tomorrow. Heading to Holtzheim. A shorter route than today.
Hills are not always easy, but the sights, wauw!
I had a late start today. Left Vise at about 11, but thought I had plenty of time. I had a very nice breakfast with Damiens parents, and they even made me a huge lunchbox. Thanks!
I had already a couch in Spa, Belgium. It was only 50 km away, so I took a detour to a nearby geocaches. Well with huge hills around you, a little detour can be very long. But it was worth it. The cache was hidden at a lookout point with a great view. The visit became alot more interesting cause I met a young woman, Sophie, with her son, Sam. I explained them about geocaching, and found the cache. Sophie had biked around the world with her husband. She even invited me to stay at their place, but they lived in Vise where I just came from. Shame, cause they seemed really nice.
I did a detour to Henri Chapelle, where I saw an American cemetery and memorial. 7992 American soldiers are buried here. Quite a powerful place with all the white crosses.
After the visit I realised the fact, that I wasn't doing many kilometres pr hour, so I had to speed up a bit.
And that was easy, going downhill. If anyone can find my route they'll see a very hilly route today. The highest point was around 400 metres above sealevel.
So I was really glad that the closest couchsurfer accepted my request, cause I was there at 17, and couldn't have done much more. The last hill was an 8 km climb, so that was a bit tough for Bob, who still hates hills.
Garmin had some trouble finding the right address in Spa, but with some text messages from my host, Nathalie, I managed to find it. I was, as usual I should say, welcomed by a very friendly family. It was the dads birthday, so we had pancakes and lovely food for dinner. Great, for a tired biker :)
Nathalie had heaps of maps, so she helped me alot showing me nice bike route options for the following days. Think I'm heading towards the Mossel river. There is a good bike path with less hills than here. :)
I've already found a goal for tomorrow. Heading to Holtzheim. A shorter route than today.
Hills are not always easy, but the sights, wauw!
lørdag den 18. september 2010
Day 22
3 weeks, and a present from Solfang
I got up at 7:20. I wanted to say goodbye to Anne, who was leaving early for work. I brought a present to breakfast. For my self. It was a present from Solfang where I live in Denmark. It was a book with greetings. Thank you so much Solfang! it was great to read, and a great book to show to upcoming hosts.
I had breakfast with Annes husband, and just after breakfast I got a SMS from Anne. She advised me to go along the canal to Maastricht. So I headed towards the Julianakanaal. I think I went along there canal for about 10 km. A cache was waiting for me. It looked as an easy one, but I ended up spending one and a half hour searching for two.caches. I found one in a very cool place, but gave up on the second one. The bush was just to thick, and I gave up. This was after going through a river, and burning my self on 1000 nethles. Well, one cache was enough for today. I headed towards Belgium.
I got a couch in Vise with this 23 year man, Damien. He was living with his parents for a short time cause he is going move to Austria to do a Phd in robotic science.
Damien has crosed Scotland hiking/ sailing, and have done a long hike/ bike trip in Turkey. In the age of 23, this guy was very interesting to meet. In the evening we went out for a few beers with three of his friends. When you order a beer here, you quite often her some cheese with it. That's great!
I'm in the French part of Belgium, so I practise my French a bit. Think I know 20 words now...
I'm also getting used to the " kiss on cheek thing" when you meet a woman/girl. Only one cheek here, Thomas... :)
Damien, and his parents were really nice to me. They served a fantastic bbq, and I have clean clothes again, thanks!
Tomorrow, I'm heading further south, and apparently, now the hills/mountains are coming! Poor Bob!
I got up at 7:20. I wanted to say goodbye to Anne, who was leaving early for work. I brought a present to breakfast. For my self. It was a present from Solfang where I live in Denmark. It was a book with greetings. Thank you so much Solfang! it was great to read, and a great book to show to upcoming hosts.
I had breakfast with Annes husband, and just after breakfast I got a SMS from Anne. She advised me to go along the canal to Maastricht. So I headed towards the Julianakanaal. I think I went along there canal for about 10 km. A cache was waiting for me. It looked as an easy one, but I ended up spending one and a half hour searching for two.caches. I found one in a very cool place, but gave up on the second one. The bush was just to thick, and I gave up. This was after going through a river, and burning my self on 1000 nethles. Well, one cache was enough for today. I headed towards Belgium.
I got a couch in Vise with this 23 year man, Damien. He was living with his parents for a short time cause he is going move to Austria to do a Phd in robotic science.
Damien has crosed Scotland hiking/ sailing, and have done a long hike/ bike trip in Turkey. In the age of 23, this guy was very interesting to meet. In the evening we went out for a few beers with three of his friends. When you order a beer here, you quite often her some cheese with it. That's great!
I'm in the French part of Belgium, so I practise my French a bit. Think I know 20 words now...
I'm also getting used to the " kiss on cheek thing" when you meet a woman/girl. Only one cheek here, Thomas... :)
Damien, and his parents were really nice to me. They served a fantastic bbq, and I have clean clothes again, thanks!
Tomorrow, I'm heading further south, and apparently, now the hills/mountains are coming! Poor Bob!
Day 21
Visited three countries today.
Had a quick breakfast with Bart. He was leaving for work, but said I should just take my time, and get organised. So I borrowed his computer, and updated a few things. I was Barts first couchsurfer, so pretty cool he just let me stay. I took of at 9:30
I went to the locale supermarket where I bought needles. I needed it for sowing on a new flag - the Dutch.
I headed towards Maastricht, but with no host yet. I crossed a border three times today, and I didn't notice any of them.
I got a couch, in Germany, so back to Germany. I only did 53 km today, and went really slow. Probably I was inspired of the school kids in Holland.
During a heavy rain shower I had a coffee at a cafe in Belgium. I had a long chat with a 73 year old retired police "kommissær". He usually does 175 km on his bike everyday. Kept him busy, and he could visit friends. I was going in the same direction, so he asked what my average speed was, 20, 25 or 30 km/h he asked. Garmin gave him the choking answer - 12.8 km/h... So no company for me :)
Well the speed is including walks, geocaching and photographing, and why hurry?
I was at my host, at 18:15. They live in a very big and cool house just across the Dutch border, and very close to Belgium.
They served a great dinner, and I made "my" microwaved blackberries with icecream and chocolate. I borrowed their computer, and made some requests in Belgium, around Liege.
Had a quick breakfast with Bart. He was leaving for work, but said I should just take my time, and get organised. So I borrowed his computer, and updated a few things. I was Barts first couchsurfer, so pretty cool he just let me stay. I took of at 9:30
I went to the locale supermarket where I bought needles. I needed it for sowing on a new flag - the Dutch.
I headed towards Maastricht, but with no host yet. I crossed a border three times today, and I didn't notice any of them.
I got a couch, in Germany, so back to Germany. I only did 53 km today, and went really slow. Probably I was inspired of the school kids in Holland.
During a heavy rain shower I had a coffee at a cafe in Belgium. I had a long chat with a 73 year old retired police "kommissær". He usually does 175 km on his bike everyday. Kept him busy, and he could visit friends. I was going in the same direction, so he asked what my average speed was, 20, 25 or 30 km/h he asked. Garmin gave him the choking answer - 12.8 km/h... So no company for me :)
Well the speed is including walks, geocaching and photographing, and why hurry?
I was at my host, at 18:15. They live in a very big and cool house just across the Dutch border, and very close to Belgium.
They served a great dinner, and I made "my" microwaved blackberries with icecream and chocolate. I borrowed their computer, and made some requests in Belgium, around Liege.
fredag den 17. september 2010
Day 20
Songs stuck in my head
Left Cuijk at 7:30, so a really early start. Had breakfast with Bert, and took off.
On the bike path I was behind a group of 5 school kids. They were driving really slow. I wasn't in a hurry, so I kept behind them. The 5 became 10, then 20, 40, 60.... Think there was 100 in the group in the end, and I was in the middle. Some kids behind me started singing not so nice songs about Germany (i have a German flag on Bob) i turned around and said hi in English, and said I'm not from Germany. Their attitude changed, and I had a little chat with them.
I thought it was going to be a short day, but cause of a lot of geocaching/sightseeing detours, I ended up driving 82km. I tried to follow some of the bike routes. Some was really good, others were like driving in sand - awful.
On the bike I often whistle, or sing. I've had a lot of songs stuck in my head the last weeks. For example "du hast die Hahre schoen", and " a German cowboy/ Indian song" " Bob the builder song" Bob hates that one. The world is not big enough for two Bobs, he says.
I was in Ospel at 17. A Bart was hosting me. He served a great meal. Afterwards I went with him to a youth group called "Jung Neaderland". He is a volunteer worker there. It was very interesting, and good fun. They had to organise the rest of the year with the young people, and that was quite funny to watch, even though I didn't understand much.
Tomorrow, I'm heading towards Maastricht.
Left Cuijk at 7:30, so a really early start. Had breakfast with Bert, and took off.
On the bike path I was behind a group of 5 school kids. They were driving really slow. I wasn't in a hurry, so I kept behind them. The 5 became 10, then 20, 40, 60.... Think there was 100 in the group in the end, and I was in the middle. Some kids behind me started singing not so nice songs about Germany (i have a German flag on Bob) i turned around and said hi in English, and said I'm not from Germany. Their attitude changed, and I had a little chat with them.
I thought it was going to be a short day, but cause of a lot of geocaching/sightseeing detours, I ended up driving 82km. I tried to follow some of the bike routes. Some was really good, others were like driving in sand - awful.
On the bike I often whistle, or sing. I've had a lot of songs stuck in my head the last weeks. For example "du hast die Hahre schoen", and " a German cowboy/ Indian song" " Bob the builder song" Bob hates that one. The world is not big enough for two Bobs, he says.
I was in Ospel at 17. A Bart was hosting me. He served a great meal. Afterwards I went with him to a youth group called "Jung Neaderland". He is a volunteer worker there. It was very interesting, and good fun. They had to organise the rest of the year with the young people, and that was quite funny to watch, even though I didn't understand much.
Tomorrow, I'm heading towards Maastricht.
onsdag den 15. september 2010
Day 19
Heading south again.
After going west for one day, I was " back on track - south" again today.
I had a great couple of days in Zutphen with Jolien and her dad. Yesterday, the rain was pouring down, today it was nice and sunny. A little windy though. Again, I already had a couch from the morning. A Bert in Cuijk. I did about 85 km today, but I still had time to do some geocaching and some sightseeing.
Today Garmin told me I had done a total of 1000 km - cool :)
I was at Berts place at around 18:30. I had the traditional glass of water and then a shower.
Bert served a great vegetarian meal, and pudding for dessert.
We had some good talks about travelling the world and lots more. Tomorrow, the goal is Weert.
After going west for one day, I was " back on track - south" again today.
I had a great couple of days in Zutphen with Jolien and her dad. Yesterday, the rain was pouring down, today it was nice and sunny. A little windy though. Again, I already had a couch from the morning. A Bert in Cuijk. I did about 85 km today, but I still had time to do some geocaching and some sightseeing.
Today Garmin told me I had done a total of 1000 km - cool :)
I was at Berts place at around 18:30. I had the traditional glass of water and then a shower.
Bert served a great vegetarian meal, and pudding for dessert.
We had some good talks about travelling the world and lots more. Tomorrow, the goal is Weert.
tirsdag den 14. september 2010
Day 18
Resting day = work
Jolien and her dad, Ed, wanted to work on the attic. I offered my help. The weather forecast said rain all day, and strong wind.
We spend the hole morning searching for the right nails for the nailgun.
Jolien also showed me some of Zutphen, a great museum, and a lot of shops where we thought they had the right nails.
Finally we found some nails, but it turned out to be the wrong ones. We actually had to drive half an hour to get the right ones. So we started "work" at 14:00, and finished at 18:00, where Julien served another lovely meal. We had Crème brulée for desert. Don't think I've had that before. It was very yummy. After dinner we went to the movies where we saw Inception. In Holland they don't do as the Germans, so it was in English. Great!
The film was interesting, and had some crazy aspects. And a far out story. Back home i checked for replies on requests for tomorrow, but none yet. I've only made two, so I might make another one before bedtime.
Bob has been in the garage all day in case someone worries about him. I'm sure he liked a little rest as well.
Jolien and her dad, Ed, wanted to work on the attic. I offered my help. The weather forecast said rain all day, and strong wind.
We spend the hole morning searching for the right nails for the nailgun.
Jolien also showed me some of Zutphen, a great museum, and a lot of shops where we thought they had the right nails.
Finally we found some nails, but it turned out to be the wrong ones. We actually had to drive half an hour to get the right ones. So we started "work" at 14:00, and finished at 18:00, where Julien served another lovely meal. We had Crème brulée for desert. Don't think I've had that before. It was very yummy. After dinner we went to the movies where we saw Inception. In Holland they don't do as the Germans, so it was in English. Great!
The film was interesting, and had some crazy aspects. And a far out story. Back home i checked for replies on requests for tomorrow, but none yet. I've only made two, so I might make another one before bedtime.
Bob has been in the garage all day in case someone worries about him. I'm sure he liked a little rest as well.
mandag den 13. september 2010
Day 17
Left Peters place at around 9:00. I made couch requests before going to bed. Three going south, and an extra one going south west. Actually almost directly west. When I woke up a Jolien had already replied, so I was going west. Think I wrote south yesterday. Actually a family 60 km south also accepted me, but I sticked to my usual plan. I go with the first reply, and don't choose between the accepting hosts. It's still feels awful to request, and then afterward write back that I'm not coming anyway.
But a goal from the morning again, great. I only had about 50 km to Joliens place, so there was plenty of time for geocaching. I did five today, and all of them was at interesting spots. Jolien didn't want me to contribute with anything for dinner, but mentioned wine. One of the geocaches was at a winery, which was perfect. I went there, and a dog made sure that the owner knew I was there. I had a chat with him in German, and he showed me some of his winery, and I bough a bottle of red wine.
I had almost sun all day, so I did a lot of detours. Again I picked a lot of mushrooms. Garmins 50km became 67km, nice to have a short route that allowed me to do all these detours.
I arrived at Joliens place at 16:30. Had some coffee, and afterwards a shower. Her father, who lives near Groningen came down to visit Jolien. Well actually he was gonna help her making a room in her attic. After a great dinner (I cocked some mushrooms again, and no one has been sick yet...) we went out to buy stuff for the attic.
I offered my help tomorrow, so I'm gonna stay an extra day here in Zutphen. Gonna be great to do something else than bikeriding...
We had a glass of rum for a nightcap, so that feels like a good sleeping medicine. Good night. By the way, we had the Dutch wine for dinner, and it was surprisingly good. They use the same type of grape plants, that are used in Denmark.
But a goal from the morning again, great. I only had about 50 km to Joliens place, so there was plenty of time for geocaching. I did five today, and all of them was at interesting spots. Jolien didn't want me to contribute with anything for dinner, but mentioned wine. One of the geocaches was at a winery, which was perfect. I went there, and a dog made sure that the owner knew I was there. I had a chat with him in German, and he showed me some of his winery, and I bough a bottle of red wine.
I had almost sun all day, so I did a lot of detours. Again I picked a lot of mushrooms. Garmins 50km became 67km, nice to have a short route that allowed me to do all these detours.
I arrived at Joliens place at 16:30. Had some coffee, and afterwards a shower. Her father, who lives near Groningen came down to visit Jolien. Well actually he was gonna help her making a room in her attic. After a great dinner (I cocked some mushrooms again, and no one has been sick yet...) we went out to buy stuff for the attic.
I offered my help tomorrow, so I'm gonna stay an extra day here in Zutphen. Gonna be great to do something else than bikeriding...
We had a glass of rum for a nightcap, so that feels like a good sleeping medicine. Good night. By the way, we had the Dutch wine for dinner, and it was surprisingly good. They use the same type of grape plants, that are used in Denmark.
søndag den 12. september 2010
Day 16
New country - Holland
Went to bed at 21:30. Was a little tired after sleeping in the forest. So got up at 7, and was ready for an early start. Had a great breakfast at the youth hostel.
It was great already to have a goal from the morning. A Peter in Enschede, Holland was my goal.
I did about 5 geocaches on the way. After luch, the rain started. Not much, and I was still dry underneath my rainwear. I found some nice mushrooms in a forest. I wanted to cook them for Peter and I. Holland seems really nice for bikers. The rules on the road seems similar to the Danish. In Germany the drivers were really nice to give way to bikers. Not quite the same in Holland, but it's a bit easier for me, cause it's like in Denmark.
Crossing the border was not a big deal. There was a supermarket selling cheap coffee and a pharmacy selling cheap pills to the Germans???
I was at Peters place at 15. He was doing paperwork, so I had time for a quick walk in Enschede. The rain kept me from doing a long walk though. Peter and I had a three course meal. I made the first. Fried Mushrooms from the Dutch forest on toasted bread. Peter served the next, pasta with sauce. I prepared the desert, blackberries with icecream and chocolate. Nice one!
Tomorrow I'm going south. Ether Holland or Germany. It depends on the replies I get from my couch requests. But direction is south again. It should be a dry day tomorrow.
Went to bed at 21:30. Was a little tired after sleeping in the forest. So got up at 7, and was ready for an early start. Had a great breakfast at the youth hostel.
It was great already to have a goal from the morning. A Peter in Enschede, Holland was my goal.
I did about 5 geocaches on the way. After luch, the rain started. Not much, and I was still dry underneath my rainwear. I found some nice mushrooms in a forest. I wanted to cook them for Peter and I. Holland seems really nice for bikers. The rules on the road seems similar to the Danish. In Germany the drivers were really nice to give way to bikers. Not quite the same in Holland, but it's a bit easier for me, cause it's like in Denmark.
Crossing the border was not a big deal. There was a supermarket selling cheap coffee and a pharmacy selling cheap pills to the Germans???
I was at Peters place at 15. He was doing paperwork, so I had time for a quick walk in Enschede. The rain kept me from doing a long walk though. Peter and I had a three course meal. I made the first. Fried Mushrooms from the Dutch forest on toasted bread. Peter served the next, pasta with sauce. I prepared the desert, blackberries with icecream and chocolate. Nice one!
Tomorrow I'm going south. Ether Holland or Germany. It depends on the replies I get from my couch requests. But direction is south again. It should be a dry day tomorrow.
lørdag den 11. september 2010
Day 15
It rained pretty much all night, but my rainfly kept everything dry. The night was really warm, so a t- shirt was enough to keep warm in my sleepingbag. So the first night in a German forest was a good experience. I woke up at 7, and had breakfast, packed Bob, and left at around 8:30.
I went back to Bramsche to check my email. Apparently I had a couch for the night, but I never got the mail. Bugger!
I made request around Lingen, and headed off. I only got one answer back - a declined couch. So in Lingen I visited an intetnetcafe and made some last minute requests. One rang back. He was out of town, but tried to get hold of some friends, so I could get a couch at their place. No luck though. Forest again. Well, it wouldn't be a problem, but my electrical gear was running really low on battery. So youthhostel was the best solution. I'm sitting in the lobby right now. No one here. Quit boring :)
I've already got a couch for tomorrow in Enschede, Holland. It's a little tour, so I've planned to do some geocaching on my way. The route application on the front page is running a little better now. I've been on the road for two weeks now, and I've done 800 km.
Again thanks for the greetings in my guestbook. Its great to read, and I check it every day.
I went back to Bramsche to check my email. Apparently I had a couch for the night, but I never got the mail. Bugger!
I made request around Lingen, and headed off. I only got one answer back - a declined couch. So in Lingen I visited an intetnetcafe and made some last minute requests. One rang back. He was out of town, but tried to get hold of some friends, so I could get a couch at their place. No luck though. Forest again. Well, it wouldn't be a problem, but my electrical gear was running really low on battery. So youthhostel was the best solution. I'm sitting in the lobby right now. No one here. Quit boring :)
I've already got a couch for tomorrow in Enschede, Holland. It's a little tour, so I've planned to do some geocaching on my way. The route application on the front page is running a little better now. I've been on the road for two weeks now, and I've done 800 km.
Again thanks for the greetings in my guestbook. Its great to read, and I check it every day.
Day 14
I got to bed at around 3am, and woke up at 8:30. Not enough sleep at all, but I wanted to head south. I took a bit of last nights big win - some chocolate.
I had already made some requests in Osnabrueck and in Bramsche. I made about 6 requests, so that would do to find a couch... I checked my email alot of times during the day, but no accepted couch.
I got to Bramsche, and didn't really feel like going further. It was already 17:30, so I had to find accommodation. I checked the map, and my geocaching application on my phone. There was a huge forest nearby, and there was a geocache in the middle of it. I went shopping and found some interesting can food, and some breakfast. I headed for the woods.
The geocache was in a very hilly forest. Even with some huge rocks peking out somewhere - a mountain!
The Mexican can food was made on my trangia. It was alright.
Right now I'm under my rainfly in my sleeping bag. Its really warm, and hopefully I wont get much rain tonight. An owl have been screaming a few times. I think i can hear an autobahn in the distance, but apart from that - its quiet. It's only 21, so I'll probably head towards Holland tomorrow. Bob is under a tree, and seems to like to sleep in the forest. I hope for a real couch tomorrow though.
Good night.
I had already made some requests in Osnabrueck and in Bramsche. I made about 6 requests, so that would do to find a couch... I checked my email alot of times during the day, but no accepted couch.
I got to Bramsche, and didn't really feel like going further. It was already 17:30, so I had to find accommodation. I checked the map, and my geocaching application on my phone. There was a huge forest nearby, and there was a geocache in the middle of it. I went shopping and found some interesting can food, and some breakfast. I headed for the woods.
The geocache was in a very hilly forest. Even with some huge rocks peking out somewhere - a mountain!
The Mexican can food was made on my trangia. It was alright.
Right now I'm under my rainfly in my sleeping bag. Its really warm, and hopefully I wont get much rain tonight. An owl have been screaming a few times. I think i can hear an autobahn in the distance, but apart from that - its quiet. It's only 21, so I'll probably head towards Holland tomorrow. Bob is under a tree, and seems to like to sleep in the forest. I hope for a real couch tomorrow though.
Good night.
fredag den 10. september 2010
Day 13
Dumpster diving
Katharinas philosophy was don't put on an Alarm clock. Your body will tell you when it's time to get up. Excellent. Definitely no kids in this home :)
Katharina made us a great breakfast. Afterwards we went to the center of Oldenburg where I finally found a Germa flag for the trailer. Katharina also showed me Oldenburgs nice, and newly renovated church.
I took of, and was heading south. Had requests in three different cities, but headed towards Vechna. That was lucky, cause it was here my next couch was. An Anelie accept s led my request. She wrote I didn't have to bring anything. They had plenty of food and wine. I thought that was a bit strange, being a student/ youth flat. Well, I went to an Aldi, and bought some candy, and was at their place at 17:30. Anelie was right, the kitchen was full of food. She told me the food was from "dumpster diving". They go to supermarkets at night time, and look in their big containers. Anelie and her flatmate had actually lived from this food for a whole month.
They asked me if I wanted to come with them dumpster diving. It sounded very exciting, so I said yes. Sorry mom... :)
We went to three supermarkets, and found heaps of food. Chocolate, soda, beer, candy, cheese, water and lots more. It was great fun. Back home we ate a little of the chocolate, had a few beers, and I had a long and interesting conversation with Anelies flatmate, who has travelled most of the world doing hitchhiking. Very interesting, and crazy stories he told me.
I only drove 50 km today, so that's wasn't to bad. But now I know the difference between driving with bike shorts, and without. (I wear them underneath)
After 36 km today I felt quite sore on my behind, and I realised, oups! I had forgotten to put on my bike sorts. So yes, they make a difference.
Katharinas philosophy was don't put on an Alarm clock. Your body will tell you when it's time to get up. Excellent. Definitely no kids in this home :)
Katharina made us a great breakfast. Afterwards we went to the center of Oldenburg where I finally found a Germa flag for the trailer. Katharina also showed me Oldenburgs nice, and newly renovated church.
I took of, and was heading south. Had requests in three different cities, but headed towards Vechna. That was lucky, cause it was here my next couch was. An Anelie accept s led my request. She wrote I didn't have to bring anything. They had plenty of food and wine. I thought that was a bit strange, being a student/ youth flat. Well, I went to an Aldi, and bought some candy, and was at their place at 17:30. Anelie was right, the kitchen was full of food. She told me the food was from "dumpster diving". They go to supermarkets at night time, and look in their big containers. Anelie and her flatmate had actually lived from this food for a whole month.
They asked me if I wanted to come with them dumpster diving. It sounded very exciting, so I said yes. Sorry mom... :)
We went to three supermarkets, and found heaps of food. Chocolate, soda, beer, candy, cheese, water and lots more. It was great fun. Back home we ate a little of the chocolate, had a few beers, and I had a long and interesting conversation with Anelies flatmate, who has travelled most of the world doing hitchhiking. Very interesting, and crazy stories he told me.
I only drove 50 km today, so that's wasn't to bad. But now I know the difference between driving with bike shorts, and without. (I wear them underneath)
After 36 km today I felt quite sore on my behind, and I realised, oups! I had forgotten to put on my bike sorts. So yes, they make a difference.
torsdag den 9. september 2010
Day 12
Another crazy twist
I got up at 7 in Stadland. The kids had to go to kindergarten, and their dad, Ceryl invited me on a geocaching trip. I think we did 12 geocaches in about an hour. Cyril was the owner of most of them, so I had a live hint in hand. It was a good, fun, turbo tour. I left Stadland at about 11:30
I had made 5 request near Oldenburg, and thought it was more than enough.
23 km before Oldenburg I met a Dutch man on his bike. It was raining, and had been raining since 1pm. He was wearing cowboy jeans and something that looked like a jacket for skiing. He was soaked. I offered him dry clothes, but he rejected. He asked for the road to Oldenburg. I was going the same way, and told him that my friend Garmin would lead the way. Garmin (product placement again) showed us, as usual, the senic route. The wet Dutch Guy was sceptic. " we're in the middle of no way" he said atleast 5 times. As we got closer, signed toward Oldenburg appeared, and he got alot more positive. He told he was always following the main roads, but had to admit. Garmins route was much better, and scenic. We were in Oldenburg at 17:00
I checked my mail. No couch!
I went on the couchsurfing webpage, and joined an Oldenburg group. Made a "urgent" messages in their forum. 20 minutes later a Catharina offered her couch. Great, and thanks! I got there in 15 minutes. Pretty wet...
I had a hot shower, and got some lovely "abendessen". Catharina and a friend of hers were going to a paper theatre in
Wilderhausen, and I welcome to join. So at 20:00 we were sitting in a little theatre watching a papertheatre. Three hours ago I was on my bike, and with no place to stay...
I had never seen a papertheatre, but it was good. Specially the light impressed me, and the number of times he (a British Guy) had to change "puppets" and scenes. All drawn in hand...
Back in Oldenburg we had a beer, and off to bed.
I got up at 7 in Stadland. The kids had to go to kindergarten, and their dad, Ceryl invited me on a geocaching trip. I think we did 12 geocaches in about an hour. Cyril was the owner of most of them, so I had a live hint in hand. It was a good, fun, turbo tour. I left Stadland at about 11:30
I had made 5 request near Oldenburg, and thought it was more than enough.
23 km before Oldenburg I met a Dutch man on his bike. It was raining, and had been raining since 1pm. He was wearing cowboy jeans and something that looked like a jacket for skiing. He was soaked. I offered him dry clothes, but he rejected. He asked for the road to Oldenburg. I was going the same way, and told him that my friend Garmin would lead the way. Garmin (product placement again) showed us, as usual, the senic route. The wet Dutch Guy was sceptic. " we're in the middle of no way" he said atleast 5 times. As we got closer, signed toward Oldenburg appeared, and he got alot more positive. He told he was always following the main roads, but had to admit. Garmins route was much better, and scenic. We were in Oldenburg at 17:00
I checked my mail. No couch!
I went on the couchsurfing webpage, and joined an Oldenburg group. Made a "urgent" messages in their forum. 20 minutes later a Catharina offered her couch. Great, and thanks! I got there in 15 minutes. Pretty wet...
I had a hot shower, and got some lovely "abendessen". Catharina and a friend of hers were going to a paper theatre in
Wilderhausen, and I welcome to join. So at 20:00 we were sitting in a little theatre watching a papertheatre. Three hours ago I was on my bike, and with no place to stay...
I had never seen a papertheatre, but it was good. Specially the light impressed me, and the number of times he (a British Guy) had to change "puppets" and scenes. All drawn in hand...
Back in Oldenburg we had a beer, and off to bed.
tirsdag den 7. september 2010
Day 11
I left Caldenberge a little late. I had to visit a bike shop before heading south. In Denmark getting your bike fixed can take 2 or three days, even for a simple check. At this shop in Germany it took half an hour, and the price was 15 euro. And the pedals were back to normal. Great.
I had already received a couch in Stadland yesterday. Ceril, his wife, and two boys accepted me as their first couchsurfer. Another "couchsurfing blind date" as Ute from Nieboel described it. I've only had very positive experiences with people with no references.
Well, Stadland was next. Ceril actually didn't send me an address. I only got a geocaching "gc code". Exiting, a fellow geocacher!
Ceril actually changed his work times, so his family could host me. Great, and thanks alot Ceril!
I had a strong wind in my back pretty much the hole day, so it didn't felt like 73 km.
I did a bit of geocaching on my way. One cache was well made. I had to fill a pipe with water to get it out.
I wanted to catch a ferry from Bremerhafen, so there wasn't more time for geocaching. I drove directly onto the ferry, and again Bob was doing well with moving more that 12 km/h...
I wanted to be at Cerils place at 17, and for some reason, this was todays major goal.. And I got there at 17:01.
While looking for the geocache, Ceril appeared, and I was welcomed by him, his wife and two boys.
Ceril and I went to pick up their huge barbecue. A very short drive, but Ceril showed me two geocaches on the easy back.
We had a great barbecue for dinner, and alot of talks about geocaching. Cool!
Tomorrows goal is not set yet.
I had already received a couch in Stadland yesterday. Ceril, his wife, and two boys accepted me as their first couchsurfer. Another "couchsurfing blind date" as Ute from Nieboel described it. I've only had very positive experiences with people with no references.
Well, Stadland was next. Ceril actually didn't send me an address. I only got a geocaching "gc code". Exiting, a fellow geocacher!
Ceril actually changed his work times, so his family could host me. Great, and thanks alot Ceril!
I had a strong wind in my back pretty much the hole day, so it didn't felt like 73 km.
I did a bit of geocaching on my way. One cache was well made. I had to fill a pipe with water to get it out.
I wanted to catch a ferry from Bremerhafen, so there wasn't more time for geocaching. I drove directly onto the ferry, and again Bob was doing well with moving more that 12 km/h...
I wanted to be at Cerils place at 17, and for some reason, this was todays major goal.. And I got there at 17:01.
While looking for the geocache, Ceril appeared, and I was welcomed by him, his wife and two boys.
Ceril and I went to pick up their huge barbecue. A very short drive, but Ceril showed me two geocaches on the easy back.
We had a great barbecue for dinner, and alot of talks about geocaching. Cool!
Tomorrows goal is not set yet.
Day 10
Bob - the sissy!
Had breakfast with Jutta and the two boys. The boys took of school, and I had a last cup of coffee with Jutta before heading south.
Again with great weather. Gloeckstadt was the goal. I had to take the ferry across the Elbe from here. The ferry was 3.5 euro for Bob and I. Not sure what kind of ticket i got for Bob... Talking of Bob, he had proven him self to be a huge sissy. Every time I want to stretch my bag and drive with no hands on the handlebars, he immediately throws himself to ether side...
The pedals on the bike are acting a bit vierd, so I'll have them checked tomorrow.
Today I've found a couch at a man named Oliver. He lives in a little city called Cadenberge - I've reached the mountains!
He has been very busy, so I've borrowed his computer. My route, or some of it, are still on my homepage - great. Apparently it's not working all the time.
I've already made request for tomorrow, and have already been accepted in Stadland near Bremerhafen. The man of the family is a geocacher, and he has sent the coordinates for the couch/a cache in front of their house. Cool!
Had breakfast with Jutta and the two boys. The boys took of school, and I had a last cup of coffee with Jutta before heading south.
Again with great weather. Gloeckstadt was the goal. I had to take the ferry across the Elbe from here. The ferry was 3.5 euro for Bob and I. Not sure what kind of ticket i got for Bob... Talking of Bob, he had proven him self to be a huge sissy. Every time I want to stretch my bag and drive with no hands on the handlebars, he immediately throws himself to ether side...
The pedals on the bike are acting a bit vierd, so I'll have them checked tomorrow.
Today I've found a couch at a man named Oliver. He lives in a little city called Cadenberge - I've reached the mountains!
He has been very busy, so I've borrowed his computer. My route, or some of it, are still on my homepage - great. Apparently it's not working all the time.
I've already made request for tomorrow, and have already been accepted in Stadland near Bremerhafen. The man of the family is a geocacher, and he has sent the coordinates for the couch/a cache in front of their house. Cool!
mandag den 6. september 2010
Day 9
After breakfast Jutta offered me to stay an extra day. I had, as usual no plans, and thought it sounded like a very good idea. Jutta and her son were going to a big climbing center in Hamburg. We took the car to Hamburg, and brought bikes. Before climbing, Jutta took me on a guided tour around the central city. We saw heaps, and had picnic at the harbour. Great tour! Bob stayed in Hohenfelde. He wasn't glad about being left alone, but I had a great day without him.
Another great day in a great city. Would be a great city for a Christmas shopping tour! (Solfang).
On the way back to Hohenfelde we picked up Juttas youngest sun, Torge (7 years).
Back home we had "abendessen" and I found all my clothes washed, and stacked. Juttas mom had done it. Great! thanks! I was out of clean undies a few days ago...
Tomorrow, Monday, normal people have to go to work and school. Bob and I though, have another plan. We want to cross The Elbe with a ferry. I hope Bob can handle sailing...
Another great day in a great city. Would be a great city for a Christmas shopping tour! (Solfang).
On the way back to Hohenfelde we picked up Juttas youngest sun, Torge (7 years).
Back home we had "abendessen" and I found all my clothes washed, and stacked. Juttas mom had done it. Great! thanks! I was out of clean undies a few days ago...
Tomorrow, Monday, normal people have to go to work and school. Bob and I though, have another plan. We want to cross The Elbe with a ferry. I hope Bob can handle sailing...
søndag den 5. september 2010
Day 8
Oups day, and crazy day
Slept until 9. Not bad. My host Soeren served nice breakfast. Even with rugbrød (really brown bread).
Oups number 1
I made 5 couch requests. Not easy to find a balance between requests and answers. Today I was accepted four places. Great, but I also feel bad about wasting peoples time.
So thanks to all the couchsurfers, and sorry that I didn't appear. Hope everyone got my messages.
Oups 2
I tried to play with the route map on my homepage, but I think I managed to delete all my routes. I'll have a look at it when I'm infront of a real computer.
And for the crazy part.
I arrived at my host, Jutta and her son Lasse, near Wacken around 17:30. We had dinner, and afterwards I was invited to an outdoor cinema show in Hamburg. We went most of the way by car. The rest of the way was made by canoe. When we got to the city centre we were met by police boats asking us to put light on our canoe. The law, but we thought it was a bit strange. We left the canoe with a huge group of other canoes, and tried to walk to the cinema show. But there was packed with people. We went back to the canoe and joined the group. There was like a hundred swimmers, and the same amount of canoes/cayjaks.
We all had torches (fakler).
There were thousands of spectators. We sailed half a round in the central lake of Hamburg, and lined up in first row for the firework.
I have newer seen a mega firework like that. It took nearly half an hour, and was mega cool, loud, bright and beautiful.
Another 45 min of canoeing finished a perfect day.
Now, I'm of to bed at my great hosts. Gute Nacht!
By the way. Don't panic if my location isn't updated. I'm probably still alive. The application only works when if have access to the internet. And there might be hours between I have access.
Slept until 9. Not bad. My host Soeren served nice breakfast. Even with rugbrød (really brown bread).
Oups number 1
I made 5 couch requests. Not easy to find a balance between requests and answers. Today I was accepted four places. Great, but I also feel bad about wasting peoples time.
So thanks to all the couchsurfers, and sorry that I didn't appear. Hope everyone got my messages.
Oups 2
I tried to play with the route map on my homepage, but I think I managed to delete all my routes. I'll have a look at it when I'm infront of a real computer.
And for the crazy part.
I arrived at my host, Jutta and her son Lasse, near Wacken around 17:30. We had dinner, and afterwards I was invited to an outdoor cinema show in Hamburg. We went most of the way by car. The rest of the way was made by canoe. When we got to the city centre we were met by police boats asking us to put light on our canoe. The law, but we thought it was a bit strange. We left the canoe with a huge group of other canoes, and tried to walk to the cinema show. But there was packed with people. We went back to the canoe and joined the group. There was like a hundred swimmers, and the same amount of canoes/cayjaks.
We all had torches (fakler).
There were thousands of spectators. We sailed half a round in the central lake of Hamburg, and lined up in first row for the firework.
I have newer seen a mega firework like that. It took nearly half an hour, and was mega cool, loud, bright and beautiful.
Another 45 min of canoeing finished a perfect day.
Now, I'm of to bed at my great hosts. Gute Nacht!
By the way. Don't panic if my location isn't updated. I'm probably still alive. The application only works when if have access to the internet. And there might be hours between I have access.
lørdag den 4. september 2010
Day 7
Big chok!
Got up at 6am. The kids at the family had to go to school and kindergarten. So after breakfast with the family I was ready for an early start. Couch requests were made ( Heide) on the street. Again a friendly German with open wifi - danke!
I had plenty of time, so I did a little city walk in Husum. This was when I got my big chok. I knew the magnetic stripe on my visa card was in a very poor condition, but the chip was fine. I visited five banks. All their "geld machines" uses the magnetic stripe, and not the chip. And the all informed me the fact, that it's the case with all machines in Germany. Jinx!
I had no idea what to do. Go back to Denmark... No way. I made a last attempt at a bank, and they had a newer machine that worked with the chip. One bank robbery less in Germany!
What a relief.
I had lunch at the harbour. Bob is beginning to understand his role as chikmagnet... Well he was a magnet on alot of old German people who was crazy about Bob, and chatting in German. My German teachers would be so proud if they could hear me.
Søren from Heide accepted one of my requests, so I had an address for my best friend "Garmin".
I was at Sørens place at 17:30. Did 68 km today, and again my knee was alright.
Søren is the third host whitout any references I have visited, but again it was a great experience.
We went to one if his friends place where we had a gaming night. Complicated rules are not always me. Imagen those rules in German!
We had a game of "Archlocher" as well. Much better :)
Tomorrow I think the goal is Gløckstadt.
Got up at 6am. The kids at the family had to go to school and kindergarten. So after breakfast with the family I was ready for an early start. Couch requests were made ( Heide) on the street. Again a friendly German with open wifi - danke!
I had plenty of time, so I did a little city walk in Husum. This was when I got my big chok. I knew the magnetic stripe on my visa card was in a very poor condition, but the chip was fine. I visited five banks. All their "geld machines" uses the magnetic stripe, and not the chip. And the all informed me the fact, that it's the case with all machines in Germany. Jinx!
I had no idea what to do. Go back to Denmark... No way. I made a last attempt at a bank, and they had a newer machine that worked with the chip. One bank robbery less in Germany!
What a relief.
I had lunch at the harbour. Bob is beginning to understand his role as chikmagnet... Well he was a magnet on alot of old German people who was crazy about Bob, and chatting in German. My German teachers would be so proud if they could hear me.
Søren from Heide accepted one of my requests, so I had an address for my best friend "Garmin".
I was at Sørens place at 17:30. Did 68 km today, and again my knee was alright.
Søren is the third host whitout any references I have visited, but again it was a great experience.
We went to one if his friends place where we had a gaming night. Complicated rules are not always me. Imagen those rules in German!
We had a game of "Archlocher" as well. Much better :)
Tomorrow I think the goal is Gløckstadt.
torsdag den 2. september 2010
Day 6
Left horsbull hoddebulldeich, and the great hosts in the morning. A very great experience to visit them.
Today, the target was viol.
The weather was great. I drove via the nort sea cycle route. A very flat route. I had the wind in my back and sunshine pretty much all day. Even though I was next to the sea I drove in t-shirt and shorts.
Again geocaching was one of the activities apart from cycling.
With a lot of detours, I drowe more than 70 km today. My knee did great.
In Viøl I was welcomed by Eva, Hajo, and their three talented and cute girls. I have missed company with kids, so great to play in the garden.
Before bedtime I made some couch requests near Heide, but don't worry; I'm not going to Heide Park.
Thanks for all the greetings in my guestbook - it's great to read when the headwind is to strong, or when Bob is a bit heavy. :)
Today, the target was viol.
The weather was great. I drove via the nort sea cycle route. A very flat route. I had the wind in my back and sunshine pretty much all day. Even though I was next to the sea I drove in t-shirt and shorts.
With a lot of detours, I drowe more than 70 km today. My knee did great.
In Viøl I was welcomed by Eva, Hajo, and their three talented and cute girls. I have missed company with kids, so great to play in the garden.
Before bedtime I made some couch requests near Heide, but don't worry; I'm not going to Heide Park.
Thanks for all the greetings in my guestbook - it's great to read when the headwind is to strong, or when Bob is a bit heavy. :)
day 5
Resting day
Being at a place like this, and with people like this, doesn't happen very often. But I had absolutely no rush to head south. I loved staying at Ute and Ablams place. So relaxed, and cosy.
After a good night sleep I went to Dagebull with Elke at lunch time. We went for a great and interesting walk along the dam.
Back home at Kap Horn I made a Danish soup for dinner.
We also had some great German beer. next stop Viol near Husum.
Being at a place like this, and with people like this, doesn't happen very often. But I had absolutely no rush to head south. I loved staying at Ute and Ablams place. So relaxed, and cosy.
After a good night sleep I went to Dagebull with Elke at lunch time. We went for a great and interesting walk along the dam.
Back home at Kap Horn I made a Danish soup for dinner.
We also had some great German beer. next stop Viol near Husum.
onsdag den 1. september 2010
Day 4
From Frøslev to horsbull hoddebulldeich (Kap Horn)
I slept in Frøslev plantage. I had put up my hammock, and thought I did well. But after 1 hour in the hammock, I've had enough. Like sleeping in a "v". I changed the setting, and slept on the ground instead. Much better!
I woke up at 7:30am after a good night sleep.
Coffee, and corn ( thanks corn farmer) was made on my trangia.
" Frøslev lejren" kz camp from the Second World War was near by, so I went there for a visit, and to charge my phone/gps.
Made a few couch requests, and took off - heading west.
I was accepted two places, so that was "toll".
I ended up 4 km from the west coast. Ute and Ablam, Utes son, and their guest Elke, welcomed me at their old, but very beautiful house.
Again the rain started just as I got there...
They served a nice cup of coffee, and some Danish cookies...
Before a lovely dinner they took me to the west cost. Windy, but beautiful.
Their house has so mutch atmosphere. Some artists have lived in the house. The name of the house is "Kap Horn". The houses here used to have names instead of numbers.
I slept in a cool room with lots of wooden planks, and a homemade bed.
I slept in Frøslev plantage. I had put up my hammock, and thought I did well. But after 1 hour in the hammock, I've had enough. Like sleeping in a "v". I changed the setting, and slept on the ground instead. Much better!
I woke up at 7:30am after a good night sleep.
Coffee, and corn ( thanks corn farmer) was made on my trangia.
" Frøslev lejren" kz camp from the Second World War was near by, so I went there for a visit, and to charge my phone/gps.
Made a few couch requests, and took off - heading west.
I was accepted two places, so that was "toll".
I ended up 4 km from the west coast. Ute and Ablam, Utes son, and their guest Elke, welcomed me at their old, but very beautiful house.
They served a nice cup of coffee, and some Danish cookies...
Before a lovely dinner they took me to the west cost. Windy, but beautiful.
I slept in a cool room with lots of wooden planks, and a homemade bed.
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