It was 55 and overcast, but there was no rain in sight and none forecasted, guess everything is relative as to a good day. Though the temperatures did not warm all morning, it did not worsen…..and that is an improvement. Plus we actually had paved roads all morning, (quite a treat) as well as 1000 year old towns, gardens in every yardand fields filled with every color green.Enjoyed lunch in Hitzacher, a cute small town with dozens of bikers walking around taking pictures (like a bunch of tourists).

Within a mile of town we had a climb straight up.  After at least a week of not climbing, this hill took us by surprise and gave us a long time to digest, as it went on forever.  But if there is anything that is consistent with our bike trips is that everything will change.  A quick left turn into the woods and a very bumpy muddy trail that lasted for miles. Once back on a paved bike trail, we still had climbing, actually our last 20 miles was all hills, but it had warmed almost to 70 degrees…..downright balmy and we enjoyed the different topography!
With almost 62 miles clocked, we stopped in Bleckede for the evening, another charming small town along the Elbe.  We found a wonderful bed and breakfast with hosts that could not be nicer.  By the time we walked out for dinner, the sky had started to clear and the sun started to peak through;

tomorrow will be a beautiful day!