Some days are a surprise and this was one of them. Last night we consulted with one of the staff in our restaurant about our route. With his help we decided to cycle straight up the Burgstrasse Radweg to Darmstadt. Even though he said it was lovely, and was very encouraging, I had my doubts, as approaching Frankfurt I was expecting lots of industry and little scenery. Well, I tell you, one of the good things about low expectations is that when the ride exceeds them so dramatically it is such a wonderful surprise.
I am still disappointed about missing Mainz, but the extra day in Heidelberg meant we would have needed a train, and for some completely irrational reason I want to close the loop on my bike. Besides, there is always next year!
We loved our crooked hotel. The staff at the front desk were so incredibly helpful, the location was perfect and the room was huge. Our bikes were secure on their own balcony and the restaurant was excellent. I did remember to ask how old the building was, but the receptionist wasn't sure. She did know they weren't allowed to change anything because it is such a historical building. Look carefully at this hallway. Nothing is square.
Immediately after leaving Heidelberg we were in wine country. It was just gorgeous. We went through charming villages, vineyards and rolling hills. In Ladenburg we bought lunch at the Saturday market. I chose the cheese, Keith chose the sausages and we rounded it out with fresh fruit.
Heading out on the pedestrian bridge. There was no fog this morning, and we were shedding layers within the first few kilometres.
Lunch looked after, we carried on. We came across the most fascinating project. It was a tunnel under construction, right under vineyards and houses. We think it was connecting one Autobahn to another one...if you can read German you will know way more about it than we do, but it was pretty neat to see.
Lots of atmospheric fachwerk buildings in the villages.
Then we wound our way into Weinheim. I had never heard of Weinheim. Gorgeous spot. We stopped for coffee and kuchen here to soak up the atmosphere. It was simply amazing.
There is the industry I was expecting, way off in the distance.
Apologies to the bride, who looked stunning, but wasn't quite ready when Keith took this picture. It is the only picture we have of the whole group though, and I wanted to include it because they were such lovely people.
More public art. I really laughed at this one. If he had been holding an iPhone, it would have been a perfect representation of Keith as Chief Navigator saying we go that way, and me as the 'Go This Way' device and chief sign reader saying we go this way!!
The ride was simply terrific. We rode through more lovely villages, stopping at a park bench for our picnic lunch in one. We passed more random old stuff, and eventually the bike path spat us out in the centre of Darmstadt, which has a huge pedestrian area and lots of shopping. Lucky for the CN tomorrow is Sunday and everything will be closed.
We went out for Japanese food tonight. It was so good. Veggies!! We met a lovely young couple at our table Mathias and Denise, and enjoyed our conversation with them very much. Tomorrow we ride to the airport and box the bikes. It is hard to absorb that we are just about done. I plan to savour every moment tomorrow. It is over too soon.
Entering Darmstadt's enormous pedestrian zone. That dome at the far end is a church. We will do more exploring tomorrow morning. We have an extra hour as Germany switches over from daylight savings time tomorrow.
