Friday, September 11, 2009

Saturday & Sunday, September 5 &6, 2009--Barby & Halle, Germany


Sunday, September 6, 2009

Today’s journey went from Barby to Halle, one of the major cities along the Saale River. The cycle trail followed the river at times, and at other times moved away from it. At times it was easy to follow and at other times lost completely. But between the trial signs, the gps, and a map, we managed just fine. When we arrived in Halle we found a place in an upscale hotel near the city center and walking street, and were able to negotiate a price significantly lower than what was being asked.

After cleaning up we wandered into the main square where we followed our custom of quenching our thirst with the local brew, while watching the people go about their lives. People watching is a main evening activity on a cycle trip, and Brian and I have become quite proficient at it. After this we had a Chinese dinner and called it a day.





Saturday, September 5

Today’s ride covered 71 miles of the Elbe River Cycle Route, the Elberadweg. It began in Walkau and ended at a pension run by a Bulgarian family in Barby, the town at the confluence of the Saale and Elbe rivers. The day’s cycling was uneventful, included some off the posted route travel through forests, and ended with a ferry ride across the Saale to the town of Barby.

When we arrived in Barby we had a minor problem finding a place to spend the night, but we were rescued by a small corps of young boys who were more than eager to lead the lost cyclists to the pension we were trying to find. They each had a bicycle and as a pack led us around corners and down streets to the pension.

For dinner our options were the pension and its Bulgarian cuisine, a Chinese eatery and a French restaurant. Finding the latter in Barby was a surprise to us, so we tried it and it was very good. One of the joys of cycling is the capacity to eat all you want, and every night Brian and I share in that joy!

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