Venus of Dolni Vestonice Blues: Sunday, May 20th!

A room without books is like a body without a soul. -Marcus Tullius Cicero, statesman, orator, writer (106-43 BCE) 

Although I didn't turn out the light until just after midnight, I slept soundly and was awake by 5:30 am, listening to a fascinating program on Dunbar's number:

Dunbar's number is a suggested cognitive limit to the number of people with whom one can maintain stable social relationships—relationships in which an individual knows who each person is and how each person relates to every other person. This number was first proposed in the 1990s by British anthropologist Robin Dunbar, who found a correlation between primate brain size and average social group size. By using the average human brain size and extrapolating from the results of primates, he proposed that humans can comfortably maintain only 150 stable relationships. Dunbar explained it informally as "the number of people you would not feel embarrassed about joining uninvited for a drink if you happened to bump into them in a bar".

Proponents assert that numbers larger than this generally require more restrictive rules, laws, and enforced norms to maintain a stable, cohesive group. It has been proposed to lie between 100 and 250, with a commonly used value of 150. Dunbar's number states the number of people one knows and keeps social contact with, and it does not include the number of people known personally with a ceased social relationship, nor people just generally known with a lack of persistent social relationship, a number which might be much higher and likely depends on long-term memory size.

At any rate, I had never heard about this theory before and was taken with how Dunbar challenged Facebook's "Friends" social media phenomenon. Aside from this compelling idea, a beautiful, still, bright morning so looks good for our coming ride today. Yesterday, Katarina warned that forecast suggested it might be quite windy so perhaps Aeolus exhausted himself yesterday as it was blowing furiously when we cycled the last kilometre or so to the hotel

Hello Fellow Cyclistii! Thanks again to Katarina for another wonderful day yesterday! Sorry it has taken me a bit to send along this album and write-up for our last full day in Znojmo but better late than never! Onward!! Cheers, Patrizzio, (aka Peter!)! Keep it coming Patrizzio the mountain man! We read these before bed every night ! We love them! Hi Daniella! Pleased to know that my halting efforts are looked forward to, if only to act as  sleeping pills! Funnily enough, Lady Dar, (aka as Corinne, my long-suffering wife!), often uses them when plagued by insomnia! Cheers, Patrizzio! 

Hello from Mikulov, Czech Republic, not far from the Austrian border: Hard to carry on with our lives given what Marlo and family are now having to face. I'm sure it seems like a waking nightmare to everyone so I'm pleased that you will be returning to Falcon to be with Clara, Corinne. I assume you don't know all that much, at this point, but please send my love to Marlo and Ryan. Thanks for the picture, taken at the hospital, Chloë. Unfortunately, I don't recognize the two people to the right. Was Emmett taking the picture? At any rate, please keep me informed as events unfold. When do you actually fly to Winnipeg, Corinne?

Below you will find a recap of last Thursday's ride and sightseeing later that day. Wine-tasting was nothing short of spectacular. Thought Winston would enjoy seeing his Czech cousin, Ayn! Muzeum Motorism guard dog! Yesterday we had a wonderful ride to see two remarkable chateaux and en route we happened upon a wedding so thought The Marriage Officiant might like to see the setting, etc. My bike, with panniers, under a cherry tree. Many of the roads are lined with them and we often stop to pick some of the delicious, sweet fruit. View from my room two nights ago. For the rest, read it if you wish. Again, take care of each other. Fondestos, Love and Cheers, Dad/Poppa/Patrizzio.

Hi everyone, I was texting with Ryan yesterday he is absolutely devastated and angry, Can’t comprehend how he will tell the kids and is just scared how he’ll raise Emmett and Quinn on his own. They haven’t told the kids but Emmett is starting to ask questions, Quinn is being her usual funny self he says.

Others in the picture Dad are Ryan’s sister Karen and her husband Mark. Carly and Karen have taken up kid distraction and are planning Quinn’s birthday and going to Sparks camp in Mar’s place. They will hopefully know more Tuesday as she is awaiting a biopsy but with this being a long weekend everything is delayed. Carly told me Friday night and some of you know this, Marlo has cancer in her spin, ribs and liver so they are hoping for a timeline but Carly said she is in a lot of pain and on hydromorphine.

I’m going to try and go for 3 or 4 days if I won’t be in the way, I would like to see Marlo and try and help Ryan in some way. But can’t do anything till after June 18th do to fertility appointments. Love you all, wish we could all be together in Winnipeg loving and supporting Marlo and Ryan through this. It goes without saying but don’t ever forget how important you all are to me. ❤️ Chloë Hi Chloë! Thank you for the quick reply and sad, sad update. Give my love to your Mom and to you, of course. The snap is for Etta and Duke. Thanks for the latest pictures of them, by the way. Saw this rabbit yesterday and he came right up to us when we were waiting for rest of group to catch up. Didn't seem at all worried by our presence. I wish you well with your fertility appointments. Love again. Dad!

Although I didn't turn out the light until just after midnight, I slept soundly and was awake by 5:30 am, listening to a fascinating program on Dunbar's number. Quick wake-up shower and then downstairs for another hearty breakfast. Yesterday, Katarina warned us that the forecast for today suggested it might be quite windy. It started to blow furiously when we cycled the last kilometre, or so, to the hotel at the end of Saturday's ride so we all dreaded that it would be the same or worse today. However, turned out to be not all that bad, but 14 kph, out of the ENE. Shortly after 9:15 am everyone was ready to go so we set off, heading up the hill towards the castle and then through the lovely square off the main entrance to the chateau to search for a hotel, nearbye.

Katarina had made arrangements, with the bike rental company in Brno, to have two of the bikes replaced, and Patricia and Jim were to pick them up at this hotel, left there, I assume, by people who had finished using them. At any rate, once we'd located the place I explored some of the neighbouring streets while the exchange took place. About twenty minutes later replacement bikes were obtained, minor adjustments made and we were off. Ride to the castle/square is a decent climb but ride from hotel, out of Mikulov itself, was pretty demanding, very much like Peach Orchard in Summerland. Couldn't have been more pleased to reach the top of the hill and catch my breath while circling there, waiting for some of the others.

Once we were together again we set off, vineyards on both sides of the road, some stretching up the hillsides to our left, others swooping down towards the valley below, on our right. A number of steady, gradual pulls up the roller-coaster road, [Taking a quick rest outside the cemetery walls in Klentnice, where Daniella, I later learned, toppled off her e-bike, fortunately hurting only her pride!], threading its way through the Palava Hills to stop below the ruins of a castle, atop the highest hill thereabouts, [Děvín Mountain, 549 metres], keeping steadfast watch over the lake, stretching out below us, formed by a series of dams on the Thaya, and sparkling in the glorious sunshine. Next halt was at a construction stop light, there to control single lane traffic and once we were through we started to descend, and I do mean descend, free fall, practically!. Still cannot believe how steep it was and for how long we continued to go down, down, down. Unfortunately, the exhilaration of such an effortless drop was spoiled by the fact that I couldn't but think of how impossibly difficult it would be to ride up, if we were to return this way.

About half way down we were riding through Pavlov, the outskirts of the town stretching up the almost vertical hillside and I had nothing but sympathy for those who lived there, knowing how difficult everyday life would be, whether visiting a neighbour or going for groceries. Ahead of the others I stopped and circled on an almost level, tiny parking lot, [Sweet Lorraine was close behind and she joined me here.], afraid to make a wrong turn in case such an error would cost most dearly. The very thought of having to climb back up this hill, not matter how far, was painful enough without actually having to realize any part of the ascent. Nevertheless, a few minutes later Katarina swooped by and we followed her. Near the bottom of the hill, the road runs almost parallel to the lakeshore so a piece of cake, at this point. 

Leaving Pavlov behind we proceeded to the outskirts of Dolní Věstonice where we came across a large, replica statue of the Venus of Dolní Věstonice, so named as a "Venus figurine, a ceramic statuette of a nude female figure dated to 29,000–25,000 BCE, was found at the Paleolithic site in the base of Děvín Mountain. This figurine and a few others from locations nearby are the oldest known ceramic articles in the world." On the edge of town, group wanted to stop so I took this opportunity to take a few pictures of the local church, most interesting for the fact that it was home to swarms of swallows, their mud nests plastered under the overhang of the roof, the air around the church filled with these marvellous creatures, darting and swooping in front and over us, feasting on bugs. 

Leaving the swallows behind we made our way over a fairly long bridge which crosses the lake to the village of Strachotín. Here we followed a bike trail, atop the dyke system which contains/controls the reservoir/lake, skirting the water. The views, across the lake, to the ruined castle, were magical, as were the many gorgeous swans we passed. Leaving the once ugly ducklings behind, as well as the tarmac, we continued on a somewhat rougher hard-pack/sandy/muddy trail, albeit through a lovely patch of forest, to return to a terrifically smooth, asphalt surface, again atop a dyke. This eventually led us past a huge water park, Aqualand Moravia. At a resort hotel, next door, Katarina inquired if the restaurant was open and group decided not to stop here as we had to pay an entrance fee and one for the beach as well.

No never mind as a few kilometres on we came to the village of Pasohlávky and right on its edge was a small restaurant so, by this time, group wanted to stop for lunch. Since I had packed sandwiches and some cherry tomatoes I, along with Sweet Lorraine and Patricia, cycled closer to the lake-shore where we found a couple of benches and enjoyed our picnic there. After I'd polished of my grub I left my two companions to continue cycling along the promenade which runs along the water. Passed many holiday homes here, some small, older looking dwellings but others newly or recently constructed, obviously high end real estate.

Once out of town, promenade turned into another well surfaced bike trail but as I proceeded along it I came across a host of fishermen, strung out, in an almost unbroken line along almost the entire length of the dyke bordering this end of the lake. I have never seen such an array of fishing tackle. Each fisherman had a special rack for between three to five poles and were sat upon a portable contraption that acted as both seat and working platform. Most were surrounded by a number of large plastic tubs, carrying bags for equipment and/or poles. I also noticed large flexible tubes that the fishermen dropped hooked fish into so that they remained alive, in the lake water, until it was time to go.

Perhaps the most interesting activity I observed was the use of a slingshot! Couldn't figure out what was happening when I first heard loud plops. Thought it might have been fish jumping but soon discovered that the fisher-folk had a pail of fish food next to them and every so often would fashion a handful of the goop into a ball, of sorts, and then, using the sling-shot fire it out into the lake and then cast their hook in the same direction. I assume the food, so delivered, would attract fish and improve the chances of catching one. Came upon one chap who had just hooked, what looked to me, like a reasonably large perch, and he kindly posed for me, after removing the hook from his trophy, then dropped it into the "refrigerator" tube.

By this time it was getting close to agreed upon rendezvous time so I headed back towards Pasohlávky, on the promenade again, noticing a lazy male, [Is this a tautology, Dear Reader?], Mallard, sunning himself on a small wooden dock. The two Sunshine Goils were not at the bench so I assumed they had returned to the restaurant. It was only a few blocks away so I was there a minute or so later. Some of the group wanted cones from a shop across the street so while they enjoyed their ice-cream I explored a few more side streets until everyone was ready to go. I suggested that they might enjoy seeing the fishermen so I led the group back along the promenade so they could snap a few shots of the colourful spectacle. 

Once we left the bike trail we rode on regular roads all the way back to Mikulov. However, shortly before we reached the intersection of 39615, the road we were on, and 414, the road which would take us all the way to the hotel, Patricia's chain jammed and while DJ worked on freeing it, I took the opportunity to take a dipsy-doodle into the village of Drnholec, a few kilometres away. I could see the spire of its church and wanted to take a look. [Also slightly unnerved by a small roadside memorial, at this intersection, to a young lad, 18, obviously killed while riding hereabouts, as the front tire of a bike formed part of the shrine.] Once in the village I took a few snaps of the church but was far more impressed with the gold halos and crown atop the three figures of the statue in front of the church.

When back at the intersection, gang had already left so I chased after them, catching up as we passed a huge brick works factory with an enormous clay pit beside it. Had wondered, earlier in trip, where all the building materials I had seen, outside homes being built or renovated, came from. Continuing on, through a few villages, [Novosedly, Dobré Pole, Březí], a number of the larger chapels of the The Way of the Cross on Holy Hill above Mikulov, came into view and our tired legs rejoiced at the sight. We had been on the go for almost six hours and it had been pretty warm for much of that time. A wonderful, wonderful outing but taxing nonetheless. For my part, I was pleased as punch as this was the longest ride, for me, of the trip, to date.

Once back at the hotel, everybody was ready for a shower and a bite to eat. I invited everyone back to my room, around 7'ish for a drink to celebrate the great ride. Had two bottles of white I didn't want to mule to Hodonín on the morrow so needed help to reduce pannier load. Katarina very kindly offered to go to Lidl for two more bottles of red. I gave her money for the hootch as I had to tidy my room before guests arrived. In the end, The Summerlanders and The Bright Young Things didn't join us, but with the help of The Sunshine Goils and Trini Lopez we managed to polish off all four bottles: two white, both Jaroslav's Sauvignon Blanc, and two red, 2015 Vinohrad Zweigeltrebe, 12.5% and a 2015 Sovin, Cabbage, 13%. Each red cost Kč145/$8.52, almost unbelievable given the striking quality. Anyway, it was loads of fun and a chance to visit while we toasted and toasted and toasted. Cheers! Map and Stats for ride:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2713421980#.WwGMls4EDNE.email

Come down to hotel restaurant for coffee! Daniella!!! Hello Cyclistii! Trust this evening's bash won't hamper tomorrow's ride! Cheers, Patrizzio! Judy B Pratt Thanks for the update. The trip so far sounds Amazing and I am happy you are having fun 😊

Patrick James Dunn Great cycling companions! Great weather! Great food and drink! Great scenery! A great good time, indeed! How goes your summer? Party, in my room, after ride on Sunday: From back to front, Katarina, group leader; Patricia and Lorraine. 

[Thomas Hobbes Artist unknown Image: Wikimedia Common]

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Messed up the send list so I've resent the email. Apologies if you get this twice! Hi all, Jim sent me his list for the May 24th hike... I hope I've got the right version and this notice gets to all OF hikers! This Thursday's trip will take in the dizzying heights of Mt Hawthorne. I've talked to the weather maker and a warm day has been arranged for your enjoyment. To participate, you are invited to meet up at Home Hardware at 8am, (Summerlanders, the usual 7:40 IGA meet & car pool to Penticton) or Southerners can drive to the start point, yellow gates at Mahoney Lake; we should arrive by about 8:20. Note: not much parking available! The hike should be about 4 hrs give or take and to follow perhaps a visit to the KJ coffee bar in OK Falls (opposite the IGA) to reflect on the days events. Hope to see you on the day. Need more info... drop me a line? Cheers. Phil 

Hello Patricio! I enjoyed all your correspondence and apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I’m sure you’re enjoying your rides to the upmost not to mention the great food and wonderful drinks at the end of the day. Your stay in France sounded idealic, and what I imagine to be so French. Needless to say I envy you! All things well here. Bruno and I are enjoying many beautiful days in the hills. The flowers are outrageous in quantity and quality. Bruno is having great fun staring down wild stallions and moose. In both instances he came out unscathed! My friend’s dog not so lucky. He stepped on a rattler up Skaha Bluffs on the sauerkraut trail. We of course panicked but managed to get hold of her son who brought up a crew of his co-workers to run Wilson down the hill. I am so impressed with their stamina but they are well trained as they fight forest fires all summer. Wilson was administered antivenom and observed for 48hrs. Home now and doing well. I admit I left Bruno home the next hike up to eagle bluff- not ready to deal with any “events”! 

I’m working very hard on my yard and feel it is paying off. Been watering way too much but I’ll taper off as time goes by. Nice to give them a good spring growth though. Going to miss you at another book club discussion, they are better with greater number of participants. I’m enjoying the book. Can’t believe the courage and endurance some of these young women have. I took such a different path in my early life; had none of the confidence displayed by these people (nor their drive). I’ve started the Boat People and Nine Folds Make a Swan. Not enough time!! Well have a great time and stay safe🙂 All the best Luigi Hi Luigi! How lovely to hear from you and know all goes so well with you and Bruno! Wow, wild horses, moose and rattlesnakes! My life seems tame by comparison. Thank you for the marvellous pics of both your garden, (Bravo, indeed!), and of the glorious profusion of yellow on one of the hikes. [Please say hello to one and all.] For my part, the wild poppies here are simply incredible, growing everywhere, but particularly stunning when mixed into the vineyards we pass on many of the bike paths. Quite a sight indeed! Couldn't agree with you more about not enough time for reading, or anything else for that matter.

Again, with respect to time, I'm struggling to keep abreast of recording all our rides and am now only three days behind! Stay well. Fondestos to you, Luigi. Cheers, Patrizzio! Pic: poppies and vines.