A great day has been had. Yesterday my brand new red chain and standard colour sprocket took us 10 miles west of Hamburg where we spent the night. This morning after a large breakfast we decided , for the first time, to retrace our steps and revisit Hamburg as we had not paid sufficient hommage to this great Hansa city yesterday. We therefore cycled back to Reperbahn, St. Pauli, Altona, the lakes etc.it was a grey but pleasant morning and the city certainly possessed qualities other than the Queen of the Night sevices that we have not sampled ( any other suggestion is based on vicious and untrue rumours). The fact that a big fair took place did not dampen our enthusiasm. After refreshing ourselves on malted beverages we re-re-traced our steps westwards along the Elbe. And what a lovely cycle path it was - sunshine and strolling families and lots of coffee bars. Blue skies, a slight head wind, grey skies, very very black skies and torrential downpours (a real in-out weather day but we staid out!). As we had progressed so unexceptionally fast till now ( so you noticed that too? Thank you for mentioning it, we are too proud to do so) we had booked accommodation in Glücksburg after only 60-odd miles (never knowingly under 60 is our motto!). And we now have to report that not till now have we come across a lovelier city/town. A beautiful harbour, a lovely town square from where the streets radiate in a stellar fashion, an absolutely superb accommodation - an exquisite appartment with all facilities AND a very attractive hostess (who unfortunately recides elsewhere!). We spent the evening at Der Kleine Heinrick, a beautiful restaurant in a timber framed house with great food and beer and schnaps - and need I add very attentive waitresses!
So far the route from Hamburg have by far exceeded all previous expectations - the scenery is far less austere and "sheepy" and the villages are charming. If I was to do this trip again I would send my bike to Hamburg and cycle from thereand forget about the first section - sorry, Willem - but we never met up anyway. Perhaps visit Leer but only because the restaurant there was so great!. Oh, maybe I did forget to menyton that Glückstadt was founded by King Christian IV , king of Denmark and Schelswieg, Holstein, Lauenburg etc so this is OLD DANISH LAND!!!! And if it wasn't for count Bismarck and all his Kraut'ish followers it would still be part of Denmark ( as wouldb b..... England!!).. But anyway, it is a lovely part of the world and the local population even greets you when you cycle past them - please note that we are NEVER (knowingly) overtaken!
And did I mention that we have cleared about 700 miles and have only another 3-400 to do. Hardly worth getting up for!
And now we will all sing "there'll always be a Denmark..... " ( same tune!!!!)
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