Well, I have truly neglected this blog over the last 2 or 3 weeks. We are about ot leave Czechia for the last time, having been in and out of the country several times since we left Cheb. One reason for this is that I (Tom) have not been very well. I had a fall before we left England and it led to something or other in my right knee that has dimished, but not gone away. How far this has affected general activites, I have no idea. I have also gone through a bad cough and cold, and it is always somewhat surprising how they can persist so strongly even in the brilliant weather we have been having. "An area of high pressure persists over central Europe". It has been wonderful, though did lead to two strong thunderstorms.
Excuses, excuses. But only partly actual reasons. Still, back to it!
When we left Cheb, we got lost leaving the town. This is fairly normal practice, so nothing in particular. But we found the way, crossed the German border and went on the lose the official EV13 route soon after. Via a "Lourdes Grotto" we got back on the track OK an continued South through a string of places. On account of my health, we did not camp and went to Gasthausen; that was OK. The first notable destination was Flossenberg concentration camp, a sizeable one where granite was quarried for some of the grand projects of the 3rd Reich. They later also made parts for fighter planes. There was a good exhibition about the camp and the conditions of the prisoners, which were dreadful to say the least. Most of the camp, mainly the accommodation huts, have gone.
We carried on from Flossenberg in a wonderful downhill run to Eslarn, a border town where we crossed over into Czechia again. This led to a beautiful ride down a valley, on a road with no traffic at all (the car is a usually benign enemy when one is cycling). We came out into Germany again, into Waldmunchen and on to Furth im Wald.
Furth im Wald does a medieval play every year involving a dragon. More of that next time.
To return to the previous trip, after visiting the sculpture park, we had been told of a place to stay in the next village, and although there was no sign of it to start with it was there. Visitor accommodation next to an esderly care home. A nice meal and a good stay. Then on, via various places to Bad Colburg, where we stayed in a less welcoming, but perfectly OK B&B, and went to the therme. This si quite moderan establishment with sauna and a serious of hot pools. They do not get quite to Icelandic temperatures, but they are very satisfying. "No textiles" is de rigeur in the sauna, maybe in faithful imitation of the Finnish origins, but fine in modern Germany! After the Therme, we continued to Neustadt bei Coburg. Although an important place for British royal history, we did not visit Coburg itself as it was off the route and we got lost around there anyway.
Neustadt bei Coburg ws (is?) an impartant centre for toymaking. Of thos more next time.
Excuses, excuses. But only partly actual reasons. Still, back to it!
When we left Cheb, we got lost leaving the town. This is fairly normal practice, so nothing in particular. But we found the way, crossed the German border and went on the lose the official EV13 route soon after. Via a "Lourdes Grotto" we got back on the track OK an continued South through a string of places. On account of my health, we did not camp and went to Gasthausen; that was OK. The first notable destination was Flossenberg concentration camp, a sizeable one where granite was quarried for some of the grand projects of the 3rd Reich. They later also made parts for fighter planes. There was a good exhibition about the camp and the conditions of the prisoners, which were dreadful to say the least. Most of the camp, mainly the accommodation huts, have gone.
We carried on from Flossenberg in a wonderful downhill run to Eslarn, a border town where we crossed over into Czechia again. This led to a beautiful ride down a valley, on a road with no traffic at all (the car is a usually benign enemy when one is cycling). We came out into Germany again, into Waldmunchen and on to Furth im Wald.
Furth im Wald does a medieval play every year involving a dragon. More of that next time.
To return to the previous trip, after visiting the sculpture park, we had been told of a place to stay in the next village, and although there was no sign of it to start with it was there. Visitor accommodation next to an esderly care home. A nice meal and a good stay. Then on, via various places to Bad Colburg, where we stayed in a less welcoming, but perfectly OK B&B, and went to the therme. This si quite moderan establishment with sauna and a serious of hot pools. They do not get quite to Icelandic temperatures, but they are very satisfying. "No textiles" is de rigeur in the sauna, maybe in faithful imitation of the Finnish origins, but fine in modern Germany! After the Therme, we continued to Neustadt bei Coburg. Although an important place for British royal history, we did not visit Coburg itself as it was off the route and we got lost around there anyway.
Neustadt bei Coburg ws (is?) an impartant centre for toymaking. Of thos more next time.
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