Dedicated to a wonderful Mother Jean Noble 31/5/1929 - 20/8/2007 - may we never take our mothers for granted. - Goodbye Mum

GERMANY PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 2007.

Germany, has had a huge influence on the world. In the 1800's the Otto Cycle was invented and made to work – no not a bike, but the pre-cursor to the engine we use in our cars today. Do you wear “Jeans”? Or Contact lenses? Had an X-Ray recently?? These were invented by Germans. I do not have the space or time to list all the inventions that have come out of this nation over the centuries.

The German people have a lot to be proud of. President Kennedy of the USA made a speech in 1963 "Ich bin ein Berliner," that still rings in my ears today. Who can forget the reunification of this nation? A moment in history like few before. We, once again, are here to learn. Perhaps we will be lucky enough to peel back a layer or two on our journey amongst them, to get an idea of what they are all about? Lee and I sincerely hope so. Whatever happens we will continue to report things “as we see them” Warts n' all.

Saturday 10^th November 2007 Schleswig
Approx. 1.6 k's Average Speed kph Cycling time Hrs. Minutes Max speed kph Max temp we recorded C

Our journey was interrupted before it began, when we met Rolf. He had spotted us the day before, but when he turned to come back, he lost us.. Rolf has been to Australia many times as has his three Daughters.

Memorabilia adorns the walls of his home and the CD “I am You are we are Australian” plays in his car – and he knows all the words. We were invited to see his home town, it's history and it's Museum.. We were even invited into the past Mayors home – he too had been to Australia and loved it.. 8 generations of his family are on that back wall....

Together with some wonderful German food and German Hospitality... It would be difficult to find a more generous host. We were exhausted come the late hours and I had no time for my “Daily Diary” last night. We WILL keep in touch with him and his family.
Sunday 11th November 2007 Schleswig to Budelsdorf
Approx. 31.25k's Average Speed 9.64kph Cycling time 3Hrs. 14Minutes Max speed 26kph Max temp we recorded 5ºC

The day started with breakfast at 9am and we said our goodbye's to a wonderful family... I certainly hope we meet again. We intended cycling the 30+ k's to Budelsdorf and had no difficulty with the distance, about 10 k of the cycleway was under construction so slowed us down a lot.

We stopped at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, to say thank you to those men and women that paid the ultimate price for the freedom we so cherish today – We will never forget you Cobbers, Shipmates (I am ex-Navy) and Families!

It was freezing today and that high of 5C was very temporary..

As it was only a fairly light dusting our trike's were able to make way... It did not melt much. We pitched our tent on icy ground and we will severely test our equipment tonight I suspect..

We are in a “Motor Home” parking place – they pay 9 Euro's ($14.50) per night with power +++ We were charged 5 Euro's ($8.00) without power and sent to the back. It is as good as many C/van parks we paid a lot more for... So I guess we cannot shout too loudly. Well I am frozen now so off to bed... Catchya Later..

Monday 12 November 2007 Budelsdorf to Nortorf / Borgdort
Approx. 31.56k's Average Speed 9.26kph Cycling time 3Hrs. 24Minutes Max speed 23kph Max temp we recorded 3C

A warmish night 5C at 8am (it rained all night and warmed things to above freezing) followed by a bitterly cold, sunny day (it was only 3C at lunchtime), We crossed the largest “big ship” canal in Germany, by a “ferry” suspended from the underside of the bridge. It may look like it is in the water, but it is a couple of metres above the water. The canal in fact, puts northern Germany on a separate island.

Listening to an “expert” who had cycled from Banhof to Rendsburg, we decided to follow the route he suggested. The route is well signed and we thought great, nice quiet roads and very little traffic...

The roads soon turned to mud and puddles that could swallow the trike...

k after k of 4-7kph and hard yakka... We have done 31 k's and are still 20 k's from our goal today It should only have been 30 k's in total???.. We follow our map and our instinct in future :-)

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