Pechau to Bertingen - 34 miles
Three years ago, when Derek and I cycled the River Elbe from Cuxhaven to Prague we had south easterly winds against us for the whole journey. This year, you guessed it, north westerly winds against us. Up to now we have been brave, but this morning the wind was much stronger and the weather looked distinctly unsettled.
Even though we were in the cellar last night we slept really well again. We breakfasted, packed and set off for Magdeburg.
(Our window is under the table!)
The wind was so strong as we cycled along the dyke that it blew Jenny off a couple of times. We decided to cycle on the grass on the more sheltered side for a couple of kilometres.
Once we reached the centre of town we were still being battered by the wind but still enjoyed our morning coffee before walking round Dom Square and visiting the magnificent Hundertwasserhaus.
In the market square we stopped at the 'Magdeburg Golden Reiter' and again met up with Roland (without orange).
We were a little lucky as we left Magdeburg because our route headed more in a north easterly direction and although buffeted by the wind it was manageable. Lunch was taken at Trogbrucke where the Elbe - Havel Canal crosses the Elbe. My Bauernfruhstuck was just as delicious as Jen's salad and Bratkartoffeln.
The area continued to team with wildlife. Two deer ran alongside us then crossed our path, nine herons were presumably looking for frogs together with a pair of storks and the sky was continually filled with buzzards and kites. Another ferry at Rogatz saw us move from the right bank back to the left hand bank of the Elbe.
The wind had a final go at Jenny as we took a road section instead of dyke again but we arrived safely at our little chalet in a Feriendorf in Bertingen.
Changed, meal and watched Wales being beaten by Portugal. Never mind - alles ist gut.
Well glad you got there in time for the Welsh exit. A brave run. May the wind be at your backs tomorrow.
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