We wanted an early start as we had a storm approaching and we really wanted to be checked into a hotel in the next town before the storm’s ‘noon arrival’.  But breakfast was not until 7:00 and we HAD to see what a french breakfast was like.  It was (almost) just as wonderful; all of the same trimmings, just no brochen (I could SO do a day without).

We joined the commuters at 8:00 am, but quickly lost them as most were heading into town and we were heading out.

Our first 22 miles was a fabulous, long straight bike path along the Rhein canal with an occasional retired river barge, the beautiful sites and sounds of the forest AND protection from the wind.

We were also treated to a few of the remaining locks on this canal (originally over 500)

the cute houses that sat adjacent and

a beautiful family of swans.

We had not realized how strong the wind was until our bike path ended and we were out on the road among open fields.

The advantage was the towns were very charming,

though still no people.

The wind was brutal and the clouds were threatening,

but we could see the rain on the mountains in the distance; we did NOT want to have wind AND rain, so we pressed on.

The towns, few and far between, offered little protection but good visual distraction.

The homes have their barns (for cattle, we assume from the smell) connected by a courtyard, all rather “close”.

We crossed the bridge back into Germany by noon. Without a stop for 4 straight hours of strong biking and 10 miles still to go, we had to stop.  A slight break in the clouds allowed us a ten minute breather and a quick snack break.

It was well worth it.  Unfortunately, our last ten miles was on a gravel path, so the going was slower (or was supposed to be), but we managed to check-in before the rain.  And what a charming town.

Finally, people walking around, flowers everywhere……’just lovely’!

We checked in by 1:00, seconds before the rain came.   A wonderful hot shower, good meal (goulash soup) and we head out between the raindrops for a quick look at the town.  Tomorrow the weather turns worse, but after 12 straight days of biking, the last four over 50 miles each, we are ready to take a break.  And obviously, we will have some great things to explore on our day off tomorrow.