A day in Wismar

 The day started dry - and we had a good breakfast to start the day. We tried to call the B&B to confirm we would come, but got no answer. Once underway I rode back to the B&B to talk to them while the rest of the gang ocontinued on towards Wismar. Perfect riding and not a sign of the threatened change in the weather. The boys are even complaining that it’s too hot! 

Again the cycle paths are busy, mostly older E-bike riders out for shorter trips,  but also a good number of touring cyclists out for longer journeys. 

There are also many who escape from the big cities over the weekend either to camp or cycle. 

A lucky pig in Wismar

Approaching Wismar from the west we first came across some popular swimming spots with sandy beaches and stands selling food and drink, then past a few imposing old villas. The dominating feature though is the shipbuilding wharf - complete with a massive cruise ship in for some work. We were quickly into the old town - one of the original Hamsa towns.  It was clearly wealth and has many lovely town houses and huge churches. One now smaller after booming damage from the war compounded by the communist disregard for old religious buildings who removed what was left and turned it into a car park. It has now had the old outlines re-built in brick and you get an impression of the scale of the building. Such a shame the damage war does. 

We also went up the tower of another church which gave amazing views over the town. We then walked down to the old harbour where they have done a lot of revitalising of what must have been industrial area. It’s now busy with shops and a few interesting boats along the quay. 

We rode home after a bite to eat. This time with a tail wind, making it all the nicer. We rode our 500’th km of the trip and celebrated with a jelly bear! 

500km

We met a couple of French ladies - both from the south west near where we used to live, one doing a huge tour that started in Poland and will take in Sweden and more of the Baltic states - she had friends joining from time to time. The boys overtook these two (who were not going slowly) I lingered for a chat before we parted ways. The boys are now strong cyclists - Yannick has the most power and can just ride away from us on the hills. So much for wondering if they were going to cope with the loaded bikes! 

Back at the B&B we unloaded our gear before heading to the beach for a swim and supper of pasta salad. We then all collapsed into real beds - with  no one elbowing you in the face in the night!