So the Summer Solstice that arrived yesterday, brought with it summertime!  Two days in a row of sunshine and heat, except the wind that had assisted us for the last two days was now in our face. But all was good except for the roads we had to travel.  The first couple of hours our trail was along country roads,so we were able to pass through little villages and enjoy views of the Duna (as they say in Hungary).

But by mid-morning we were directed to the main road, poorly paved and loaded with traffic; which really would not have been a problem, if we had not been so spoiled by the previously isolated bike paths along the River.  The stretch between Esztergom and Budapest, we would not recommend for anything less than a heavy duty mountain bike and preferably a car……..sedan……..with air conditioning………..and bar!

In fairness, we did have an few miles on a rutted dirt path through the woods.It was a pretty day (just tough to take pictures without stopping) and we noticed the difference in the quality and size of the homes as we got closer to Budapest.There was a stretch a few miles before the city that, though still roughly paved, was a mini-vacation spot right on the Duna.Then almost in the blink of an eye, we were looking at the City of Buda across the river.The memory of the hot 50 mile ride from Esztergom disappeared as soon as this came into view.Getting closer only had our jaws dropping further; it is an unbelievable site (especially when not expecting it).  We crossed Chain Bridge (the oldest bridge in the city) and navigated to our stopping point.  Our head navigator and hotel picker found a beautiful one bedroom apartment where we could take care of domestic necessities like laundry and washing water bottles.

No touring today, the heat zapped us and we have one more chore for the day.  Found a Great local restaurant serving fabulous local dishes and wine!  Tour tomorrow.