Got up at 7, packed and set off for a campsite on the edge of lake Constance. As I was packing I got bitten by a caterpillar. WTF!
I cycled to a nearby town and partook of a breakfast of bread, cheese and several types of ham. The rest of the morning blurs. I climbed a steep gravelly hill in the woods, then more hills, up and up. I suppose the alps are approaching. Lots of this day was also spent in uninspiring towns, which dispirited me a little.
Eventually however I topped a rise and there was the vista. I can’t quite see the alps yet, but I can pick out the foothills and their vague, distant forms. Cheered up I cycled at great speed down many hills, being passed at one point by a lycra clad cyclist leaning forwards and zooming at ludicrous speeds. After another couple of hours of this, around 3, I found myself at the first campsite. It seemed too early to stop so I picked another one further along the lake. As I approached I began to encounter more and more bikes. I got a little worried. I was right to be. At the first campsite I was turned away. They were full. The second accepted me, but my tent is set up on a patch of mud between many others – like sardines.
I set it up, then waded into the shallow lake and went for a short swim. After a shower I got paprika schnitzel and chips, but didn’t have enough money to get a beer. In fact a man lent me a euro to pay for my food! After I had eaten I cycled 3km into town to get cash, purchase a colawiezen [half coca-cola and half wheat beer - underrated], and write this. There are so many people here. But they all seem to be German families or middle aged friends. Would be nice to speak to someone. Now I’m going to try and plan the next few days. The alps might be a challenge.
Sleep was disturbed by noise, but ultimately came.
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