It is the people who scream the loudest about America and Freedom who
seem to be the most intolerant for a differing point of view. -Rosanne
Cash, singer-songwriter and author (b. 24 May 1955)
indeed. you seem to be enjoying yourself. whats with this wet stuff? anyway arrive on the 26th also late so see you then. looking forward to it. take care.
Patrick James Dunn Thanks for the best wishes. Not really scary but requires constant focus when on uneven surfaces. Group before yesterday's ride! Cheers!
Christina Tassell Patrick James Dunn you didn’t mention you were riding with Father Christmas
❤️❤️
Patrick James Dunn Not Father Christmas, Teens, Methuselah! Methuselah, Darling!!! Alan Waldron HI Patrice, Just wanted you to know that I have been meaning to read the lengthy descriptives of your travel adventures but unfortunately realize when I start that it will be a matter of hours to be able to take it all in! Unfortunately with my volunteer / work / personal life schedule I have found it hard to fit in. I assume you are having an amazing time and very much look forward to catching up and hearing all about your adventures upon your return. Safe travels my friend!
Patrick James Dunn Eveline Waugh's speed Reading for you, Dear Boy! No excuses, Stanchion Man! Hi Busy, Busy Boy and Gorgeous Marilyn! You
obviously need to be on tour with me, Stanchion Man! Stay well. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Patrick, great to hear you are doing well and having a good time. We're doing a lot here, especially me out all the time. I've found 2 new climbing buddies so go once a week with them and usually another day with Phil. I can go 5-6 hours climbing no pain and then start to hike out and it's not good!! Doing biking as well on the other days of the week and not painful like impact from hiking but can't do the long rides I used to do over 2 hours. I'm limping all the time now in my daily routine. Not complaining though and just keep going.
Kelsey has just left. She drove 9 hours here to have an in person interview with Okanagen college for a Biology Instructor. She said it went well so I'm hoping. She won't hear for at least 2-3 weeks so have to be patient. However she's not sure if she does want to work in academia as she says very stressful and huge time commitment for her. I know she would spend so much time preparing classes - a bit of a perfectionist there! Their wedding plans are still going!! They said they don't want much help from us so they are busy. She's making her wedding dress ad probably finish it the night before like I did!!
Of course the celebrations are pretty low key so it's not a huge workload for preparations. We'll be at Mt Robson group campsite for the celebrations June 8-11. I'm looking forward to getting away and that should be gone for about 4 weeks. Have to be back for my CT scan July 9. I see my specialist re hip replacement July 16th after the CT scan so should know better as to my future surgery after that. Do hope I won't have to cancel the kayak October trip but think that unlikely.
Phil leading a hike today but too long for me so went single track mountain biking with Kelsey this am. It was very challenging and great feeling to be able to do it!! Not much bridge as people coming and going and sorry Corinne had to leave again. anyway must go now to see the neighbor. Take care, keep having fun and see you in late July is it when you are back. Phil says hi and bye for now Gill Hi Rock Climber Woman and Hardy Hike Leader! Thanks for newsy message. Glad to learn that you are well stuck into climbing with new friends. We are back in Penticton on July 16th so I hope we can have a few rides before my right shoulder replacement on July 26th! Interesting news about Kelsey. I'm off to Kraków, by train, on Saturday, along with The Sunshine Girls and leader, Katarina. Best wishes to you, Jack Rabbit, and Filipo. Cheers, Patrizzio!
indeed. you seem to be enjoying yourself. whats with this wet stuff? anyway arrive on the 26th also late so see you then. looking forward to it. take care.
Hi Glasgow! Only
"wet stuff" was on the day I described! Unfortunately, for me, I
couldn't obtain a reservation in hotel Katarina booked us into for
beginning of tour so I'm planning to stay in the Pink Panther's Hostel,
with Inspector Clouseau! If you are staying in
the hotel I'll be in touch as soon as I'm settled. Our train doesn't
arrive until after 5:00 pm on Saturday, so not sure when I'll be at
hostel, about 20 minutes, walking, from station. However, if you have a
double room perhaps I we can begin our co-habitation early! Anyway, let
me know and I'll plan accordingly. Must away as I need to pack away my computer and ready the panniers to load on bike. Chat soon. Cheers, Patrizzio!
same here. arrive at 8:30 in evening so it may delay co-habitation. Hi again, Glasgow! Thanks for quick reply. I'll simply stay at hostel but I might like to bring a couple of my small bags over on Sunday, to leave in your room, once settled, as it will make it a bit easier for me, with my bike and fully loaded panniers, when I move from hostel to Ibis. Will depend on timing of course. I'd like to arrange a day trip to Auschwitz, at some point, but whether that might be possible on Sunday, I have no idea, as of this writing. Anyway, I'll be in touch, one way or another.
We're off to Kraków at 11:00 am and although hotel is fairly close to station, I want to be there in plenty of time, given that I have to load my bike, etc. First order of business is to find out which platform train will be on and then which carriage will take bikes. Usually have to take my panniers off as platforms are quite a bit lower than rail cars, so this adds to loading/disembarking process, especially when changing trains with but a few minutes grace, and there are no lifts! Travel safely. See you this coming Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Cheers, Patrizzio! See you then. Fine with the bags. Enjoy the train trip. Take care. Probably Sunday morning.
Hello Motley Crew! Trust everyone is well. Last installment, (more if time permits), for wonderful, wonderful outing today. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Account of ride and accompanying album for May 24th:
Up at 6:15 am as I went to bed just after 11:00 pm, tired from ride in temperatures from 25º C - 35º C! Spent about half an hour packing one of my panniers. Won't do the other one until after breakfast as I put my computer in it and want to send a few messages before we leave. Once again, a most filling and enjoyable breakfast, [Even had a delicious pudding with my second cup of strong, black java!], and had another pleasant chat with Tomáš Mačas, young man we talked with at breakfast yesterday. He works for a German company, Sicherheitsanlagen, which installs fire protection equipment in factories, businesses, and such. He and his work mate, Peter, are actually Slovakian, but prefer to stay in the Czech Republic when working on the road, near the border, as hotels are better here. His English is very good and we had fun talking about all sorts of things. I gave him my card as he is keen to visit Canada. Must away as time to finish packing and put on sun screen before heading downstairs to ready bike for day's ride. Had thought, at one time, that I might ride from town where cars from bike rental company will collect us, to take us and them back to hotel in Brno, but remaining distance is over 100 km and there aren't any reasonably direct roads that one can ride on.
By the time we were back at the hotel it was close to 6:00 pm. First thing I did was pour myself a cup of java and drank a cool glass of water while the coffee cooled off a tad. Took my panniers up to my room, #4, on the 3rd floor, and then returned to pour myself another cup of strong black. Visited with Pat and Sweet Lorraine who were having coffee/tea as well. Chatted for a few minutes then I bade them goodnight as I wanted to have a shower and go to the store for a few things afterwards. Did my laundry in the shower and hung it to dry on the small balcony. Wanted to give this one set of riding gear time to dry before Saturday as I won't be on the bike again until the tour begins in Kraków, three days hence.
Strolled up to the Albert, across from the train station, just after 8:00 pm and picked up some tasty Klobasa Cesnekova and some Dunajska Klobasa, Czech variations on Kiełbasa/Kolbasa, a type of sausage originating in Poland. As a child I was introduced to the latter by my Ukrainian grandparents. Back in my room I had a picnic lunch and the Cesnekova tasted just like the Kolbasa I'm used to eating so I was quite happy, especially as I washed it down with Dragoner Kirsch, 37.5%, a bottle Nadienka had given to me when Rudi and I visited her in Zurich! [Only reason I'm planning to finish off the bottle, Dear Reader, is that I don't want to mule it to Kraków. Drinking to lighten my load, not for pleasure!]
Gang is planning to have a farewell dinner tomorrow evening as we will be saying goodbye to Judith, Jimbo, Daniella and Donaldo the next day. They drive to Prague on Saturday, flying from there back to Vancouver, while The Sunshine Goils and I, together with Trina Lopez, will train to Kraków. Hard to believe that we've been on the road since May 14th. Won't mind not riding tomorrow as Katarina has arranged a visit to the Punkva Caves, about 30 minutes, by train/bus, north of Brno, in the town of Blansko. From cyclistii to spelunkers in one fell swoop! What a crew! Hip Hip Hooray! Cheers!What an experience you are having! Brenda Louise!
Hi Randy! Have been on a guided bike tour in the Czech Republic since May 13th. How goes your life? Cheers, Patrizzio!
What a life! Ruth and I split. Sad Hi again, Gander! I knew about you and Ruth. we missed her in LA over Christmas/New Year's as we arrived day after she returned to San Antonio. Brought a copy of René Goldman's memoir, A Childhood Adrift, autographed for you, by him, but never managed to connect with Adrian. When are you visiting us in Penticton? Cheers, Patrizzio!same here. arrive at 8:30 in evening so it may delay co-habitation. Hi again, Glasgow! Thanks for quick reply. I'll simply stay at hostel but I might like to bring a couple of my small bags over on Sunday, to leave in your room, once settled, as it will make it a bit easier for me, with my bike and fully loaded panniers, when I move from hostel to Ibis. Will depend on timing of course. I'd like to arrange a day trip to Auschwitz, at some point, but whether that might be possible on Sunday, I have no idea, as of this writing. Anyway, I'll be in touch, one way or another.
We're off to Kraków at 11:00 am and although hotel is fairly close to station, I want to be there in plenty of time, given that I have to load my bike, etc. First order of business is to find out which platform train will be on and then which carriage will take bikes. Usually have to take my panniers off as platforms are quite a bit lower than rail cars, so this adds to loading/disembarking process, especially when changing trains with but a few minutes grace, and there are no lifts! Travel safely. See you this coming Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Cheers, Patrizzio! See you then. Fine with the bags. Enjoy the train trip. Take care. Probably Sunday morning.
Hello Motley Crew! Trust everyone is well. Last installment, (more if time permits), for wonderful, wonderful outing today. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Account of ride and accompanying album for May 24th:
Up at 6:15 am as I went to bed just after 11:00 pm, tired from ride in temperatures from 25º C - 35º C! Spent about half an hour packing one of my panniers. Won't do the other one until after breakfast as I put my computer in it and want to send a few messages before we leave. Once again, a most filling and enjoyable breakfast, [Even had a delicious pudding with my second cup of strong, black java!], and had another pleasant chat with Tomáš Mačas, young man we talked with at breakfast yesterday. He works for a German company, Sicherheitsanlagen, which installs fire protection equipment in factories, businesses, and such. He and his work mate, Peter, are actually Slovakian, but prefer to stay in the Czech Republic when working on the road, near the border, as hotels are better here. His English is very good and we had fun talking about all sorts of things. I gave him my card as he is keen to visit Canada. Must away as time to finish packing and put on sun screen before heading downstairs to ready bike for day's ride. Had thought, at one time, that I might ride from town where cars from bike rental company will collect us, to take us and them back to hotel in Brno, but remaining distance is over 100 km and there aren't any reasonably direct roads that one can ride on.
Just before 8:45 am I packed my
computer and all the peripherals in my pannier and was ready to head
downstairs, shortly thereafter. Most of the gang were already there and
after we lined up behind our bikes for a couple
of group shots we set off, around 9:15 am, making for Rohatec, a
village we'd ridden through yesterday, although once there we turned
east towards Strážnice. All went well until after we passed through the
village of Petrov when we left a decent sandy track,
along a series of wheat fields, to ride a short stretch on 55. At this
intersection Katarina told us to turn right so Patrizzia and I did just
this and sailed away, enjoying being back on smooth tarmac.
We both assumed everyone was following but when we reached an intersection, the left turn leading to Strážnice, according to the highway sign. having learned form past experience not to go too, too far ahead, we waited here for the group to catch up. After about five minutes we realized that nobody was following and we were on our own. Decided it would be best to go back to see if we had missed a turn-off and a few minutes later, Eagle-Eyed Patrizzia spotted the group, far off to our right, riding along the top of a dyke. ALthough she waved at them we were not sure anyone saw us so we hurried along looking for a bike trial sign to let us know which turn-off to take.
More luck than good management allowed us to find the right trail and after we crossed a railroad track, with much difficulty as the path up to the tracks, and immediately beyond, was composed of fist-sized pieces of rock, very difficult if not impossible for me to cross with my narrow road bike tires. Anyway, safely over, we proceeded to ride up onto the top of the dyke where a narrow track, with two small strips and a grass middle, presented itself. Bit unnerving to ride on this surface as one is never sure what awaits, either in the middle or on either side, so overgrown was the path. Still we soldiered on and after sometime I suggested that if we did not come upon our companions and happened upon another fork in the road we should probably turn around and head to Strážnice on the highway. I was afraid that if we took a wrong turn on one of the many small trails that lace the countryside we might end up farther and farther away from our destination. At least road signs would direct us to the town we wanted even if it was a busy, busy highway with huge trucks hurtling by, much of the time.
However, we were spared having to do this as a few minutes later we spied the group up ahead. At this point we had to leave the dyke and before we could gain access to the track ahead, we had to negotiate a huge puddle almost completely across the track and very, very muddy patches on either side. I managed to cross this treacherous obstacle by going as far left, up the slightly inclined ridge, but Patrizzia opted for the direct approach. As luck would have it her right shoelace had come undone, unbeknownst to her, and became entangled in her chain. Lucky it wasn't quicksand or it might have been the last we would have seen of her! However, Sweet Lorraine, (I believe t'was her.), came to her aid and unwound the errant lace. Fortunately, nothing really serious ranspired as had the lace wrapped itself more tightly who knows what might have happened. Poor Patrizzia may not have been able to release her foot quickly enough and a fall would probably have ensued. Bad enough but a broken ankle was also a possibility.
Still, happy to be back together we proceeded into Strážniceand made our way through the village to stop at Skanzen Strážnice, an open-air museum where original farm buildings, (homes, work sites, animal stables/pens, etc.), have been transported, (or reproduced), from various regions in Moravia, illustrating historical living conditions, farming techniques and changing technologies. We arrived at close to 11:15 am and decided we'd tour the facility and then have lunch afterwards. However, we soon discovered that the museum didn't actually open until noon so most people opted to eat first. I wasn't hungry so after I stored my panniers in one of the lockers there I headed out to explore for half an hour or so.
Made my way back into Strážnice and took a number of quiet side streets to the end of town, stopping to take a few snaps of the local church. When on the outskirts, I crossed the highway and headed along a road that lead me out into the country. It was extremely well-surfaced so I sped along, the wind at my back, enjoying the lovely, emerald green hillsides, the valleys a darker shade, until I'd fifteen or so minutes left so needed to return to the museum. Rolled up at the entrance with a few minutes to spare to find Daniella stretched out on a bench, sunning, or sunburning herself, while Jimbo and Donaldo were on their backs on the grass, in the shade, snoring so loudly that the pigeons kept flying of their chimney roosts with each stentorian exhalation!
Tour was lead by Jacob, a first year university student, studying Psychology in Brno. Hie English was extremely good, even if he didn't think so, and it was his first tour in the language. [He was, in fact, still learning the text, as he called it, for his first "official" in September. Katarina had asked, beforehand, if the tour could be shortened to about 45 minutes, (normally twice as long), as we still had a fair way to cycle, afterwards, and needed to be at the rendezvous point by 4:00 pm, in Uherske Hradiste. Jacob did a simply marvellous job of explaining the history of the dwellings we proceeded to visit, (basically three different homes, each from different regions of Moravia), and the life that was lived therein. He pointed out where people performed various activities, [For example, the hand-washing off garments to the first electric washing machine called "The Whirlpool"], slept, the orientation of the various living spaces and the arrangements of holy pictures and statuary.
Last three buildings included a water-driven sawmill, a blacksmith's shop and a large, covered display illustrating various methods of constructing walls from different types of material, (wattle to un-fired bricks, etc.). All were fascinating and extremely illustrative of the life and times of Czech farm families, from approximately 1840 to 1940. we probably only saw half of the site, if that, but enough to give us a taste of what life BCP, [Before Cell Phones], was like! Thanking Jacob for the wonderful tour we collected our panniers, saddled up and were off, heading back into Strážnice before following bike trail 47 towards Uherske Hradiste.
Ride from here on was pretty easy, in terms of both various surfaces, (smooth tarmac and/or relatively compact sand/earth, but it was pretty warm. Garmin suggested it was only 14º C but I believe this is an average temperature for entire ride. CzechAccu suggested somewhere around 22º C with relative humidity at 70% so it was reasonably muggy. What really impressed me was the quality of the bike trails, particularly between the villages of Uherský Ostroh, Ostrožská Nová Ves and right into Uherske Hradiste itself. Very
interesting sights along the way, the Baťa Canal, a navigable canal on the Morava river mainly for recreational cruises today, near Strážnice, and an aviation museum, near Kunovice. We cycled past its large field filled with planes and helicopters, of one sort or another, both civilian and and military craft.
It was close to 3:30 pm when we finally reached Centrum, in Uherske Hradiste, and the square there is one of the loveliest, in my opinion, we'd come across. There happened to be a group of young musicians playing and singing when we rode into square so their lovely voices and deft musicianship added to the charm of the already magical afternoon. After we'd parked our bikes the Ice-cream Junkies went for cones but I was happy to wander the square, snapping pictures of the buildings which form its periphery. A few minutes after 4:00 pm our rides arrived and we followed Peer, the bike store owner, back to where the vehicles were parked.
Didn't take too, too long to load the bikes on racks and store our panniers in the trunks or elsewhere and we were off. I rode shotgun with The Sunshine Goils sardined in the back while the others rode in Luxury, Sheer Luxury in the mini-van. Our driver had a bit of trouble with his NavApp so after a few wrong turns we were finally on the road home. A quick stop to drop off some contract papers near the outskirts to Brno, Brno-Slatina, I believe, and we were soon pulling up in front of our hotel.
Map and Stats for ride, Hodonín to Rohatec:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2723871838#.WwbwuA_y2u0.email
Map and Stats for ride, Rohatec to Uherske Hradiste:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2723872077#.Wwbw8OhngPI.email
We both assumed everyone was following but when we reached an intersection, the left turn leading to Strážnice, according to the highway sign. having learned form past experience not to go too, too far ahead, we waited here for the group to catch up. After about five minutes we realized that nobody was following and we were on our own. Decided it would be best to go back to see if we had missed a turn-off and a few minutes later, Eagle-Eyed Patrizzia spotted the group, far off to our right, riding along the top of a dyke. ALthough she waved at them we were not sure anyone saw us so we hurried along looking for a bike trial sign to let us know which turn-off to take.
More luck than good management allowed us to find the right trail and after we crossed a railroad track, with much difficulty as the path up to the tracks, and immediately beyond, was composed of fist-sized pieces of rock, very difficult if not impossible for me to cross with my narrow road bike tires. Anyway, safely over, we proceeded to ride up onto the top of the dyke where a narrow track, with two small strips and a grass middle, presented itself. Bit unnerving to ride on this surface as one is never sure what awaits, either in the middle or on either side, so overgrown was the path. Still we soldiered on and after sometime I suggested that if we did not come upon our companions and happened upon another fork in the road we should probably turn around and head to Strážnice on the highway. I was afraid that if we took a wrong turn on one of the many small trails that lace the countryside we might end up farther and farther away from our destination. At least road signs would direct us to the town we wanted even if it was a busy, busy highway with huge trucks hurtling by, much of the time.
However, we were spared having to do this as a few minutes later we spied the group up ahead. At this point we had to leave the dyke and before we could gain access to the track ahead, we had to negotiate a huge puddle almost completely across the track and very, very muddy patches on either side. I managed to cross this treacherous obstacle by going as far left, up the slightly inclined ridge, but Patrizzia opted for the direct approach. As luck would have it her right shoelace had come undone, unbeknownst to her, and became entangled in her chain. Lucky it wasn't quicksand or it might have been the last we would have seen of her! However, Sweet Lorraine, (I believe t'was her.), came to her aid and unwound the errant lace. Fortunately, nothing really serious ranspired as had the lace wrapped itself more tightly who knows what might have happened. Poor Patrizzia may not have been able to release her foot quickly enough and a fall would probably have ensued. Bad enough but a broken ankle was also a possibility.
Still, happy to be back together we proceeded into Strážniceand made our way through the village to stop at Skanzen Strážnice, an open-air museum where original farm buildings, (homes, work sites, animal stables/pens, etc.), have been transported, (or reproduced), from various regions in Moravia, illustrating historical living conditions, farming techniques and changing technologies. We arrived at close to 11:15 am and decided we'd tour the facility and then have lunch afterwards. However, we soon discovered that the museum didn't actually open until noon so most people opted to eat first. I wasn't hungry so after I stored my panniers in one of the lockers there I headed out to explore for half an hour or so.
Made my way back into Strážnice and took a number of quiet side streets to the end of town, stopping to take a few snaps of the local church. When on the outskirts, I crossed the highway and headed along a road that lead me out into the country. It was extremely well-surfaced so I sped along, the wind at my back, enjoying the lovely, emerald green hillsides, the valleys a darker shade, until I'd fifteen or so minutes left so needed to return to the museum. Rolled up at the entrance with a few minutes to spare to find Daniella stretched out on a bench, sunning, or sunburning herself, while Jimbo and Donaldo were on their backs on the grass, in the shade, snoring so loudly that the pigeons kept flying of their chimney roosts with each stentorian exhalation!
Tour was lead by Jacob, a first year university student, studying Psychology in Brno. Hie English was extremely good, even if he didn't think so, and it was his first tour in the language. [He was, in fact, still learning the text, as he called it, for his first "official" in September. Katarina had asked, beforehand, if the tour could be shortened to about 45 minutes, (normally twice as long), as we still had a fair way to cycle, afterwards, and needed to be at the rendezvous point by 4:00 pm, in Uherske Hradiste. Jacob did a simply marvellous job of explaining the history of the dwellings we proceeded to visit, (basically three different homes, each from different regions of Moravia), and the life that was lived therein. He pointed out where people performed various activities, [For example, the hand-washing off garments to the first electric washing machine called "The Whirlpool"], slept, the orientation of the various living spaces and the arrangements of holy pictures and statuary.
Last three buildings included a water-driven sawmill, a blacksmith's shop and a large, covered display illustrating various methods of constructing walls from different types of material, (wattle to un-fired bricks, etc.). All were fascinating and extremely illustrative of the life and times of Czech farm families, from approximately 1840 to 1940. we probably only saw half of the site, if that, but enough to give us a taste of what life BCP, [Before Cell Phones], was like! Thanking Jacob for the wonderful tour we collected our panniers, saddled up and were off, heading back into Strážnice before following bike trail 47 towards Uherske Hradiste.
Ride from here on was pretty easy, in terms of both various surfaces, (smooth tarmac and/or relatively compact sand/earth, but it was pretty warm. Garmin suggested it was only 14º C but I believe this is an average temperature for entire ride. CzechAccu suggested somewhere around 22º C with relative humidity at 70% so it was reasonably muggy. What really impressed me was the quality of the bike trails, particularly between the villages of Uherský Ostroh, Ostrožská Nová Ves and right into Uherske Hradiste itself. Very
interesting sights along the way, the Baťa Canal, a navigable canal on the Morava river mainly for recreational cruises today, near Strážnice, and an aviation museum, near Kunovice. We cycled past its large field filled with planes and helicopters, of one sort or another, both civilian and and military craft.
It was close to 3:30 pm when we finally reached Centrum, in Uherske Hradiste, and the square there is one of the loveliest, in my opinion, we'd come across. There happened to be a group of young musicians playing and singing when we rode into square so their lovely voices and deft musicianship added to the charm of the already magical afternoon. After we'd parked our bikes the Ice-cream Junkies went for cones but I was happy to wander the square, snapping pictures of the buildings which form its periphery. A few minutes after 4:00 pm our rides arrived and we followed Peer, the bike store owner, back to where the vehicles were parked.
Didn't take too, too long to load the bikes on racks and store our panniers in the trunks or elsewhere and we were off. I rode shotgun with The Sunshine Goils sardined in the back while the others rode in Luxury, Sheer Luxury in the mini-van. Our driver had a bit of trouble with his NavApp so after a few wrong turns we were finally on the road home. A quick stop to drop off some contract papers near the outskirts to Brno, Brno-Slatina, I believe, and we were soon pulling up in front of our hotel.
Map and Stats for ride, Hodonín to Rohatec:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2723871838#.WwbwuA_y2u0.email
Map and Stats for ride, Rohatec to Uherske Hradiste:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2723872077#.Wwbw8OhngPI.email
By the time we were back at the hotel it was close to 6:00 pm. First thing I did was pour myself a cup of java and drank a cool glass of water while the coffee cooled off a tad. Took my panniers up to my room, #4, on the 3rd floor, and then returned to pour myself another cup of strong black. Visited with Pat and Sweet Lorraine who were having coffee/tea as well. Chatted for a few minutes then I bade them goodnight as I wanted to have a shower and go to the store for a few things afterwards. Did my laundry in the shower and hung it to dry on the small balcony. Wanted to give this one set of riding gear time to dry before Saturday as I won't be on the bike again until the tour begins in Kraków, three days hence.
Strolled up to the Albert, across from the train station, just after 8:00 pm and picked up some tasty Klobasa Cesnekova and some Dunajska Klobasa, Czech variations on Kiełbasa/Kolbasa, a type of sausage originating in Poland. As a child I was introduced to the latter by my Ukrainian grandparents. Back in my room I had a picnic lunch and the Cesnekova tasted just like the Kolbasa I'm used to eating so I was quite happy, especially as I washed it down with Dragoner Kirsch, 37.5%, a bottle Nadienka had given to me when Rudi and I visited her in Zurich! [Only reason I'm planning to finish off the bottle, Dear Reader, is that I don't want to mule it to Kraków. Drinking to lighten my load, not for pleasure!]
Gang is planning to have a farewell dinner tomorrow evening as we will be saying goodbye to Judith, Jimbo, Daniella and Donaldo the next day. They drive to Prague on Saturday, flying from there back to Vancouver, while The Sunshine Goils and I, together with Trina Lopez, will train to Kraków. Hard to believe that we've been on the road since May 14th. Won't mind not riding tomorrow as Katarina has arranged a visit to the Punkva Caves, about 30 minutes, by train/bus, north of Brno, in the town of Blansko. From cyclistii to spelunkers in one fell swoop! What a crew! Hip Hip Hooray! Cheers!What an experience you are having! Brenda Louise!
Eyob G. Naizghi Stay safe, man, it sounds very scary riding with young people! Amazing person.
Christina Tassell Patrick James Dunn you didn’t mention you were riding with Father Christmas
❤️❤️Patrick James Dunn Not Father Christmas, Teens, Methuselah! Methuselah, Darling!!! Alan Waldron HI Patrice, Just wanted you to know that I have been meaning to read the lengthy descriptives of your travel adventures but unfortunately realize when I start that it will be a matter of hours to be able to take it all in! Unfortunately with my volunteer / work / personal life schedule I have found it hard to fit in. I assume you are having an amazing time and very much look forward to catching up and hearing all about your adventures upon your return. Safe travels my friend!
Patrick James Dunn Eveline Waugh's speed Reading for you, Dear Boy! No excuses, Stanchion Man! Hi Busy, Busy Boy and Gorgeous Marilyn! You
obviously need to be on tour with me, Stanchion Man! Stay well. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!Hi Patrick, great to hear you are doing well and having a good time. We're doing a lot here, especially me out all the time. I've found 2 new climbing buddies so go once a week with them and usually another day with Phil. I can go 5-6 hours climbing no pain and then start to hike out and it's not good!! Doing biking as well on the other days of the week and not painful like impact from hiking but can't do the long rides I used to do over 2 hours. I'm limping all the time now in my daily routine. Not complaining though and just keep going.
Kelsey has just left. She drove 9 hours here to have an in person interview with Okanagen college for a Biology Instructor. She said it went well so I'm hoping. She won't hear for at least 2-3 weeks so have to be patient. However she's not sure if she does want to work in academia as she says very stressful and huge time commitment for her. I know she would spend so much time preparing classes - a bit of a perfectionist there! Their wedding plans are still going!! They said they don't want much help from us so they are busy. She's making her wedding dress ad probably finish it the night before like I did!!
Of course the celebrations are pretty low key so it's not a huge workload for preparations. We'll be at Mt Robson group campsite for the celebrations June 8-11. I'm looking forward to getting away and that should be gone for about 4 weeks. Have to be back for my CT scan July 9. I see my specialist re hip replacement July 16th after the CT scan so should know better as to my future surgery after that. Do hope I won't have to cancel the kayak October trip but think that unlikely.
Phil leading a hike today but too long for me so went single track mountain biking with Kelsey this am. It was very challenging and great feeling to be able to do it!! Not much bridge as people coming and going and sorry Corinne had to leave again. anyway must go now to see the neighbor. Take care, keep having fun and see you in late July is it when you are back. Phil says hi and bye for now Gill Hi Rock Climber Woman and Hardy Hike Leader! Thanks for newsy message. Glad to learn that you are well stuck into climbing with new friends. We are back in Penticton on July 16th so I hope we can have a few rides before my right shoulder replacement on July 26th! Interesting news about Kelsey. I'm off to Kraków, by train, on Saturday, along with The Sunshine Girls and leader, Katarina. Best wishes to you, Jack Rabbit, and Filipo. Cheers, Patrizzio!
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