Day 35 - Plittersdorf to Strasboug - Planned Spontaneity

July 25, 2018

Day 35 - Plittersdorf to Strasboug

Bon jour France

So this day was the hottest yet! At the point where we had just crossed the Rhein the temp hit 40 degrees Celsius. These are temperatures while we were on the move. Whenever we stopped the temperature would go down some if we were in the shade and then quickly recover to at least 37 when we started moving again. We ended at the hotel at 37 degrees

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So on this day I finally get to see France for the first time. And it is no small good fortune that the area I get to see is in the Alsace. We discovered why the Grampies were raving about it.

We sat right outside at the table in the shade and had breakfast right at the campground before leaving

We backtracked a little bit to get back to the river

This was too picturesque, I couldn't pass it up

The river views were so beautiful, I took a lot of pictures

The track got a little gravelly for a short time

This is the first time we have seen a black swan. Black swans are native to Austrailia and are only seen in this area if they were introduced for aesthetic reasons. Like all swans, they are monogamous so I felt bad for this poor fellow all on his own. It was trying to hang out with a group of white swans were less than welcoming.

These are the unwelcoming white swans. There were young swans (cygnets) in the group so that may have contributed to their reluctance to let the Black Swan join them.

The big male swan kept ruffling his feathers and intimidating the black swan away from the cygnets

Another sign about the polders in Germany used for flood control and to control ground water levels

Km 329 on the rhein. When I first noticed these I took a picture of km 650

Beautiful lake on the other side of the canal that runs alongside the rhine like a channel

We stop for a treat . I tried the black currant shorle instead of apfel. Very good! This cafe was part of the local marina.

Looking back at the place where we had the treat

Shortly after we come to the ferry crossing for the day

We didn't stop, but it looked great and to us, at least, very French

We went through many villages like this today, all proudly part of the campaign to plant flowers to help the bees. The cites involved have the Ville Fleurie sign.

I just loved seeing all the flowers, on bridges, houses, gardens, boulevards, everywhere

We thought it very interesting how they had shaped these pear trees for maximum sunlight exposure. It is hard to tell but it is basically flat on each side.

We have no idea what this was. A water tower??

oh boy! another pretty village coming up

It was a HOT day! Erika pulled over, pulled off her shirt and soaked it. I did likewise

Interesting use of kayaks. Beautiful flowers and trees again

Something of a fishing theme in this town

Pretty big boat on a canal/arm of the river

Bench of the day! Something in the shade, beautiful spot, we needed to eat and drink something. Gotta love those cycling tan lines!

Also, I had pulled over to check if we were on the right road. We were supposed to be on D94 and all I could see was D 4. (Until I got close up)

Also, there was a bunch of old machinery on display

Speaking of old machinery . No, no I meant the bikes, honest! (even Marvin can be a jerk!)

Some towns had one flower on their Ville Fleurie sign while others had 2 or 3. Not sure which is best as they were all impressive.

There were so many beautiful homes that just bursting with Alsace character. We took a lot of pictures.

I mean, this is just a whole town full of them. This is the town hall

It even has a name. (I told Marvin that it meant it was the town hall but I don't think he was paying attention.)

Look, the grapes are looking pretty good

Another town down the road. Honest, I have more that I have left out

This is typical decoration in this region

We didn't find any problems with traffic. They seem to know to expect to see cyclists and are generally very good about giving us room

I just love it when there are rows of trees along the highways

This was interesting and unique decor for the shutters

A peek into one of the courtyards. So great on a hot day

We made it to Strasbourg and our hotel in the northwest section of town. It had a machine to check you in, otherwise you would wait until the office opened at 5. We were SO glad when we discovered our room was on the afternoon shady side of the hotel with a lovely outdoor area in the shade to boot. The hotel was very basic but clean and cool so we were happy. It was also next door to a Decathlon store - dangerous!

We had a nice visit with a Dutch family who were staying at the hotel as well

Today's ride: 72 km (45 miles)
Total: 1,423 km (884 miles)

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