Day Eighteen

30/05/25 - Day Eighteen 

 
I woke to the sounds of tractors as the Anita’s husband and his dad began their day of farm work. I drifted back off till 7, and dried my tent as I made breakfast. Anita offered me coffee and we sat together and had a good old natter as we drank. I harvested some cherries from their ripe tree - they had the same problem as Yoav: they couldn’t eat them all! I played with their dog Vinta for a short while before finishing packing and set off for the days ride.

I made a detour to a bakery and got my last baguette of France, putting myself again in a bread coma. I powered through this time and on to Basel, where I sat by the river to rest and lunch. During the afternoons ride my hip wasn’t happy and kept twinging in an achy pain, nothing major, but frustrating nonetheless.

I refreshed myself with a dip in the Rhine, in preparation for finding a dreaded wild camp. This section of the river was densely populated so I wasn’t too hopeful at it being simple. Frustration at the lack of campsites and my hip deteriorating, put me in a foul mood, so much so that I resorted to paying for a campsite. A repugnant thought, I know. My principles in tatters, and my tail between my legs… I felt better and rallied after a shower and some food. Calling home for an update was welcome too and I had no trouble sleeping.

 

More delicious cherries!
The uncontrollably excitable Vinta!

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone needs an ice axe

 

 

 

 

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