Friday June 24, Horsten, On the Kiel Canal – second night

 

Superb bike path along the canal.

Another beautiful morning, and after breakfast the bikes came out and we set off down the canal to Rendsburg, about 10 kms, and all the way on a newly concreted bike track that was so smooth and easy to ride on. It was such a pretty ride, boats coming up and down the canal, overhanging trees and the perfume of wild roses and flowers. Closer to town there were some beautiful homes and gardens overlooking the canal.  We knew we had to cross the river and got such a surprise to find there was a tunnel under the river and to get to it we rode our bikes into an elevator that took us down to the tunnel level, which we cycled along and at the other side there was another elevator to take us back up to street level.

As always, the bike paths through the city are everywhere, making it so easy and safe to get around. We meandered through the streets to the town square where there was a bakery with outside seating, and felt we deserved a sweet treat and a coffee! Got talking with a couple beside us, both very sprightly 83 year olds, who have a sailing boat and every year they sail it along the Kiel Canal and spend the summer sailing around Denmark and Sweden and are currently on their way north. Such an inspiration.

We had cycled almost 25kms by the time we got back and the temperatures had risen to about 26 degrees, but a nice breeze. We were sitting outside after another very late lunch when the neighbour pointed to the sky behind us. It was really black and heading our way. Quickly put everything away and shut all the windows and wow, it was quite the storm. The wind got up and the camper was shaking then the thunder started and down came the rain, and it went on and on. So the best thing to do was to settle in and read my book. When it was over the air had cooled thankfully.

Just been talking to a guy at the camp who works in Kiel, looking after the machinery that manufactures the Stryker medical screws, which have been used for Ian’s spinal surgery. He was most impressed to meet someone who uses their products and is looking so well. 

Base for the Pilot boats

Thinking this was a grand hotel

Back street in Rensburg

 

Coffee treat, we shared!

Town square

We bought a selection of beers,
needed one after our ride, loved
the label!

Ed Bright....this beats logging trucks to
transport logs!

Approaching storm