When we set out this morning from Mohacs it was cold and raining. These weather conditions continued to deteriorate for our entire ride today. At times we had very heavy rain and biting cold to deal with. We couldn't keep our feet and fingers warm even with waterproof socks and booties.We had two or three steep climbs to deal with as well.
14 km after leaving Mohacs we found ourselves at Udvar, a bordertown in Hungary. We had to go through Hungarian customs and then through Croatian customs. At the border, we were the only people going into Croatia. However, there was a huge line up of cars going into Hungary. We were puzzled why every car was from Austria. We asked a few people, but no one spoke any English. At the Croatia customs there was a cat, Sophie, curled up next to the little desk where the official stamped our visa....very low key customs crossing. As we passed the cars of Austrians, their cheers and waves encouraged us on this cold, wet entry to Croatia.
It was here that we first saw the Ruta Duna Eurovelo 6 signs. The signage in Croatia has been excellent. The Croatian roads have also been excellent. This is one of Croatia's best known wine producing areas. We saw many vineyards on today's route. As well as being an area known for wine, it is an area known for land mines. We saw many signs warning people not to venture off of the road.
By the time we reached Suza we were very cold and wet. We passed a pension in Suza, thinking that the next town would have lots of accommodation. After riding through the next town without seeing anything we started to get worried. Finally, as we were on the outskirts of Knezevi Vinogradi we saw a sign for a Soba (room available). We rang the bell on the gate and were very relieved when a man came out. Yes, he had rooms available. He started to laugh because he wasn't expecting to see bicycle tourists this late in the season and out riding on such a nasty day. He rushed back into the house to turn the heat on in the room that was available. George was so kind to us. He made us hot tea with lemon and a little rum to help take the chill out of our bones. For dinner we walked to the Panon pool and restaurant. We had a delicious meal and return to the our zimmer for the night.
Ham and eggs and paprika for breakfast at our hotel- as well as a buffet of cold items.
Outside our hotel in Mohacs. 50 euros for an excellent room with a view of the Danube;fitness centre- sauna, hot tub; a free welcome drink and breakfast
As we were entering Croatia, we noticed the first of the signage to warn people to not enter an area due to the presence of landmines, remaining from the war.
Having travelled in Europe pre-EU, it has been odd to travel in EU countries and never have to pass through border controls or get your passport stamped. The Croatian and Hungarian officials were very pleasant.
We were so cold and wet that we sought refuge at this place for a coffee and a chance to get dry again. It was a small, smoky place to drink beer, filled with locals...and in we walked in our strange looking cycling gear.
New style of architecture for us in Croatia - we see signs of renovation and rebuilding - the road is slick and provides a nice reflection from the rain.
